your time,’ Benedict said. ‘Come back when you’re ready. The shop is doing fine.’
‘It sounds like Gemma might be a good replacement for me…’
‘No one could replace you, Cecil. And I’m not looking to.’
Cecil nodded with relief.
With visiting time coming to a close, Benedict was about to leave when he remembered something. He delved into his pocket then took out and placed a small mottled blue-green stone in Cecil’s palm. ‘Gemma asked me to give this to you.’
Cecil leaned in closer to examine it. ‘Is it Turquoise?’
‘Yes, it’s one of the gems Gemma brought with her. She’s copied some notes down, from my father’s journal.’ He gave an embarrassed cough as he handed the piece of paper to Cecil.
TURQUOISE
Early Europeans believed that this stone came from Asia Minor so gave it the name ‘Pierre Turquoise’ which means ‘Turkish Stone’. Turquoise is formed by water acting upon copper and aluminium within rocks which causes the gem to develop and gives it its blue colour. The stone was used in protective amulets or rings to ward off accidents. It is said to speed up your recovery after illness and helps to alleviate pain and reduce infection. It should be given as a gift to bring good fortune and peace.
‘Coolio. A miracle worker then?’ Cecil said. He slipped the gem and note into his pyjama top pocket. ‘Tell her, cheersy. And what gemstone has she given to you?’
‘Me?’ Benedict frowned. ‘Nothing.’
‘Perhaps you should ask her for one. If it will help you to get what you want.’
Benedict thought of the meaning for Peridot and how it sounded ideal for what he was going through. He recalled again Gemma’s explanation for Moonstone.
He didn’t believe for one minute that a small stone could make Cecil feel better, or help make Estelle fall back in love with him. Surely that would be crazy, wishful thinking.
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