Page 55 of Third Crime's A Charm
For Matteo and Leo, it was as if the world stopped at the terrace’s edge and they were boys again. Of course, Leo was still the serious older brother and Matteo the cheeky rascal, but they were no longer minor royals with the Foundation and thetabloids looking over their shoulders. They laughed and cried and even argued a little, as brothers often do.
When the meal was over and the plates had been cleared, Matteo gave Truman’s hand a firm squeeze and cleared his throat, signaling that it was time.
“If I might have a moment,” Truman began and removed a velvet jewelry box from the pocket inside his coat. “You’ve all been very kind and welcomed me, despite having understandable concerns. As a token of our appreciation and as a symbol of my commitment to Matteo and the entire von Hessen family, we’d like you to have this,” he said and slid the box across the table to Leo.
Leo set his hand on it, raising a curious brow at Truman. “I’m not sure if you’re asking for permission to marry Matteo, but I believe it would be customary to give this to him.”
“Matteo and I would like to marry, in time, and I would like your approval. But this is a gift from us, to thank you for overlooking the rocky first impression we made and your concerns about my suitability,” Truman explained.
“I see…” Leo was still uncertain as he flipped the lid open but his eyes widened and swung to Truman before he picked up the box to get a closer look. “Zum Donnerwetter! Ist das…?” He looked at Truman, then at Matteo in disbelief.
“Na klar!” Matteo answered, beaming at Truman.
Leo closed the box and slid it to Muriel. She opened it and gasped. “It can’t be!” she said as she whipped out her lorgnette and gasped again as she inspected it. “My God, it looks like it might be real.”
“Of course, it’s real,” Matteo said, rolling his eyes. “It would be tacky to give him a fake star as a gift,” he muttered and Leo cleared his throat.
“Howdid you two come by this?” he asked, his gaze pinging between Matteo and Truman.
Matteo shook his head. “Truman had an opportunity to acquire it through one of his clients. That’s as much as he can share with us, I’m afraid.”
“A client?” Muriel asked, her lips pursing suspiciously. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with Martin Lonsdale’s passing, would it? I heard he was about to cut a deal,” she said to Truman but he shook his head.
“I truly couldn’t say.”
“You probably shouldn’t,” Leo said and pushed out a hard breath. “What do you two propose we do with it?” he asked them as Muriel passed the box back to Leo.
Matteo stared at Truman as if he’d hung the moon, making him feel like he had. “We were hoping you could facilitate its return to the people of Austria and donate it to the Sisi Museum in the Hofburg Palace. In honor of our engagement,” Matteo added proudly, earning an incredulous look from Leo as Muriel spluttered.
“In honor of your engagement? We’ll put an announcement in the paper, child. This will be all over the news! Everywhere!” she exclaimed and Matteo’s smile widened.
“Exactly.”
Donna raised a hand. “It’s a gorgeous piece but what’s the big deal?” she asked as Neville silently chuckled. He had figured it out but Muriel gave Donna a quick history lesson and described the star’s famous theft. Donna looked dizzy as she blinked at Truman. “How the hell did you get it?”
“I really can’t say,” he replied, holding up his hands. “But I knew that Matteo had to be the one to rescue it and return it to Austria,” he said and there were more gasps and sentimental groans.
“Then, it shall be done,” Leo said as he shook his head. “If you’re both sure it’s what you want. This star is priceless beyondthe value of the gems. You could do a lot with this,” he said to Truman with a pointed look but he waved it off.
“It’s just a piece of jewelry to me. Matteo is priceless.”
“I think it’s incredibly romantic,” Jonathon declared, smiling warmly at Matteo. “I’m very happy for both of you and I’m so glad you’re all here,” he said as he looked around the table, then stated that it was time for him to get back to work.
Matteo, still restless from spending the morning in the car, suggested a trip into town. “How about it?” he asked Donna. “There are some gorgeous shops where we’ll find lots of goodies for Marie.”
“I’m in,” she said and Neville and Muriel agreed to join them.
“How about a walk around the garden?” Leo suggested to Truman as the others headed off.
“I’d like that.” Truman was hoping to have a one-on-one conversation with Leo as soon as possible and suspected the Margrave was anxious to talk as well.
“That was a hell of a gesture, Truman. I’m incredibly grateful, but it wasn’t necessary.” Leo said as he led the way down the terrace steps and set off, taking the path to the right.
“I know,” Truman replied, laughing softly. “I wasn’t exaggerating when I said that Matteo was priceless. It was important to him that the star was returned and I saw an opportunity to show your familyand the Foundationthat my intentions are honorable and to prove my loyalty to the von Hessens.”
Leo clapped Truman on the back and gave his shoulder a firm squeeze. “As I said, it’s a hell of a gesture and I’m glad you see what Matteo is worth. I’m also glad you came. I did have my reservations and wanted to see you for myself, but I feel better now.”
“I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear that,” Truman said sincerely. “This is the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited. I understand why Matteo is always so homesick.”
