Page 93 of A Temporary Bride for the Duke

She continued to gawk at him even as Mr. Bauer began to arrange trays of jewels on the table.

“Let us begin with the ring itself,” he said. “Which do you prefer, gold or silver?”

“Oh, erm… I do prefer gold,” Daisy said nervously.

Edmund covered her hand with his. “Take your time. Choose the one you’ll want to wear for the rest of your life.”

She met his gaze and gave him a smile, one that said she understood exactly what he meant. She gave him a nod. “A gold ring, please,” she said more assuredly, not looking away from him.

The jeweler put a few trays away. “Good. Now what of the bauble? We have rubies, emeralds, all kinds of diamonds from black to white through blue, sapphires, and of course there are rarer stones like onyx, obsidian, amethyst, and jade.”

“Oh…well I think…an emerald or jade stone would suit me best.” Daisy’s eyes boggled as she surveyed the display of precious gems.

“Is that what you want or what you think you should take?” Edmund asked immediately, looking intently into her eyes.

She pursed her lips, deep in thought. “I think I want an emerald stone.”

The jeweler immediately removed a few more trays. He gestured for Daisy to choose. She leaned over the tray, keeping her hand in Edmund’s.

“There are so many options,” she whispered in awe.

“Yes, but only one is meant for you. The question is, will you find it here?” Monsieur Bauer said.

Daisy hummed in agreement, still studying the jewels intently. She pointed at a ring with an emerald center stone, haloed by two tiny citrine stones embedded in the gold band.

“This one,” she said with certainty.

“That one? You’re sure?” Edmund asked.

She nodded.

“In that case, we’ll take it.”

Daisy wanted to see Lydia immediately. When she awakened the next morning, she dressed quickly and hurried from the house, hoping to catch her friend before suitors arrived for their daily visitations.

Upon entering Kerwood House, Daisy was directed to the breakfast room where she found Lydia sipping a cup of tea.

“It’s good I found you still breaking your fast, as I have not eaten today and we have much to discuss.”

Lydia leaned forward, putting a piece of toast on Daisy’s plate. “Indeed, we do. Starting with why Monsieur Bauer was summoned to the Duke’s home last evening.”

Daisy raised her eyebrows. “You already heard about that?”

“Oh yes, all the maids were atwitter about it this morning. So? Tell me.”

“He wanted me to choose a ring with which we can start our marriage. A new beginning, so to say.”

“Oh.” Lydia put a hand to her bosom. “Thatisa precious, beautiful sentiment. Which ring did you choose? Show me?”

Daisy waved her fingers in Lydia’s face. “Look!” She squealed.

“Ooh, that is pretty!”

“I know!” They grinned at each other happily before Lydia rubbed her hands together.

“All right, tell me everything.”

“You first. What were you thinking going to the Duke about me like that?”