‘I like your friend. She shares the same kind of spirited, yet down-to-earth, approach to life that Lucy has…’ His face clouding, he added, ‘Or had before the accident.’
Then, perking up, ‘But the latest news is good. The doctors believe there’s a fair chance she’ll be out of bed and starting to walk again by the new year, so we have a lot to be thankful for. Now, my dear, time’s getting short, and, as it’s supposed to be unlucky for the groom to see the bride before they get to church, I thought you might allow me to put this on.’
He held up the Carlotta Stone.
She went down on her knees by his chair and, after a brief struggle, he fastened the chain around her neck and slipped home the safety catch.
‘There!’ he said with satisfaction. ‘It looks well on you.’
Touching it, she began, ‘I’ll take great care of it and return it as soon as—’
‘I don’t want it back,’ he said firmly. ‘I want you to keep it.’
‘Oh, b-but I couldn’t possibly,’ she stammered. ‘I insist.’
‘Shouldn’t Lucy—?’
‘Apart from the fact that Lucy is a rich woman in her own right, she has her mother’s jewels,’ Sir Nigel said.
‘But what will Simon say?’
‘I’ve already discussed it with him and he agrees that you should have it.’
She made another attempt. ‘But apart from the fact that it must be priceless, it’s a family heirloom. Suppose something happened—?’
Shaking his head, he broke in decidedly, ‘Whatever happens, my dear, the Carlotta Stone is yours to keep, and Simon fully approves. Now, off you go, and I’ll see you downstairs as soon as they’ve finished putting the chairlift in place.’
CHAPTER EIGHT
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