Page 46 of Chivalry in the Meadow
“I wish to browse through the crystals,” she said. “So, I’m headed to the crystal shop.”
He took a step back as if he’d been struck.
“You collect stones?” he said, shock in his voice.
Then he gave her a dazzling smile as if to make up for his initial reaction. “Or jewelry perhaps. Many ladies buy what they see as pretty rocks set in necklaces and earrings.” He shook his head. “But this is not quality jewelry. I will take you to a store which has much higher quality jewelry. Real gemstones, such as emeralds, not cheap rocks such as the crystal sellers have.”
Does he not realize that the prize and value of a rock of any kind comes from the price and value that men have placed on it?
Even some crystals were prized and prices higher than others. Mia prized her crystals for how they made her feel. But she wasn’t about to explain any of that to him. Clearly, he saw no value in crystals.
“I do collect stones,” she said. “At home I have a whole shelf of them.”
What would he make of that?
“Really?” his eyes widened. “I would not have guessed. Do you wear them on your person?” His eyes looked her over as if searching for some and gleaned with intensity. “Perhaps in a pocket?”
“I have not worn them, but that is a lovely idea,” she said. “I believe I should. Stones make me happy.”
“Really?” His tone indicated he found that strange.
She found his intensity and reactions to crystals strange.
“No need to escort me,” she said. “I expect I’ll be browsing through the crystals for quite some time.” She gave him a smile, wanting nothing more than to be away from this awkward conversation.
Clearly, we are not compatible when it comes to crystals. He would discourage me from collecting them, like Jerry did.
Likely he thought them woo-woo as well. Jerry’s favorite description of the things she was drawn to. It had been a constant criticism from her former boyfriend, who’d wanted her to ‘stop wasting money on that stuff.’
Funny how some men viewed buying crystals as a waste but spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars on fine jewelry gemstones was considered an investment.
Was Sir Cedric like Jerry? I hope this is the only way there alike.
She felt a headache coming on.
Right now, she really felt the need to be in a quiet and calming environment.
Being near the knights had her in a fuzzle, as if she’d drunk too much and couldn’t get her head on straight, and her feels were all over the place right now.
The crystal shop would provide a place where she could clear her head, her body and her emotions from being around both handsome knights. There was just something comforting about certain kinds of stones. Perhaps she would purchase one, since she hadn’t packed any to bring with her.
“Well, then, enjoy the rest of your day, mistress,” he said with a bow. “I must attend my horse,” he turned away then, as if dismissing her.
Well. So, he’s finally interested in attending to his horse. I wonder if the real Sir Cedric is different than the white knight for the show Sir Cedric, or if they are one and the same. I suspect they might be. But it’s too early to know. I barely know him.
She left the field headed for the crystal shop.
The fairgrounds had quieted until they were silent now that the jousts were over. Musicians had set up at the tavern and on stages to perform again. The bustle of the tiltyard had given way to the hum of distant voices, instruments being tuned, and the creak of wagons full of armor being hauled back to the knight’s campsite.
Mia entered the crystal shop and immediately her tension began to ease. She ran her hand through a box of mixed stones, but there were too many types and colors, which would just jumble her energy more, so she refrained from that habit and removed her hand.
Calming stones, that’s what she needed.
She moved over to the basket of rose quartz and picked up a polished pale pink stone which fit perfectly in her palm. She liked the feel of it and closed her eyes, listening to her body, and liking the stone even more, as she slowly began to calm.
The noise and scents of the fair seemed distant, here in the tent. She was glad for this small oasis amongst the visual, auditory, and scent stimulation. She closed her eyes and focused on the stone and on her breathing.
Yes, this one. And perhaps one to wear?
