Page 66 of The Moonstone Hero
Elmer was excited to make his first purchase. “You must come in with me once the shop opens, Lady Ella. I’ve ruined the surprise, but it all works out, since you can now choose exactly what you want.”
“Yes,” Imogen said, lightly clapping in approval.
“But please take the money,” Elmer said quietly. “I dare not be responsible for it.”
Imogen took the bank notes and the letter, tucking both in her reticule. “I will keep them, not Ella. Lord Mersey will be disappointed if he learns she had control. She would not buy things for herself, as is his wish.”
“And what is wrong with spending it on others?” Ella remarked. “Is it not better to apply these funds on a greater need?”
“No, and stop being practical.” Imogen frowned at her. “This is why Caden did not assign the task to you. He knows you are too logical and frugal. And do not think to return any of it to him unused. That is completely out of the question.”
Ella rolled her eyes. “You are being ridiculous.”
“No, you are the ridiculous one,” her sister retorted. “I will not allow you to skimp. Caden will be disappointed and feel you did not appreciate his gallant gesture.”
“I have every intention of using up his money,” Ella insisted.
Imogen eyed her warily. “On yourself? That is entirely the point of his gesture. You cannot spend it on the soldiers or the villagers. It must be spent on yourself.”
“But Imogen, they—”
“Need it more than you? I know that, but use your own funds for those concerns. This tidy sum is a gift fund for you. Stop fretting about it. You always think too hard.”
After finishing their tea, they walked down to the jeweler’s, Harrow & Sons. Ella thought the name misleading, since the owner was a young lady recently arrived in Moonstone Landing from York, or perhaps Edinburgh, and there were no sons, brothers, or any other males working in the business other than a giant of a man by the name of Amos Angel—yet another cousin of Elmer’s—who guarded the merchandise.
“What do you know of her?” Ella asked Elmer as they were about to enter.
“Nothing other than Amos says she is a nice lady. But he’s not sure if her real name is Miss Harrow. She comes from someplace far to the north, and Amos says she speaks with a refined English accent that sometime mingles with a light Scottish brogue.”
“Yes, I’ve heard the gossip that she could be from Scotland. Now I’m curious to meet her.”
“I’ve never been inside a jeweler’s shop before,” Elmer admitted.
That much was obvious to Ella the moment they walked in. The boy’s eyes grew wide and his mouth gaped open as his gaze fell on the necklaces, rings, bracelets, and other sparkling pieces set out in the display cases.
Even Ella was awed by the quality of the merchandise. There were diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies twinkling through the glass.
“Good morning, Amos,” Elmer said, tearing his gaze from the display cases long enough to toss his cousin a smile.
“Morning, Elmer,” Amos replied. “What are you doing here?”
Elmer tipped his chin into the air, obviously proud of the task Caden had assigned him. “Escorting Lady Ella and Lady Imogen. They are here to buy something beautiful for Lady Ella.”
Miss Harrow’s ears perked. “I will gladly assist you with your selection,” she said, revealing that light Scottish brogue everyone in town had been commenting upon. Her voicewas pleasant and her accent refined. “Were you looking for something in particular? Or purchasing for a special occasion?”
“No special occasion,” Ella said. “And nothing very sparkly.”
“Ah, then you are not interested in diamonds?” The young woman appeared disappointed but recovered quickly and cast her a warm smile. “We have gold lockets. Or perhaps you might like this necklace with a lone pearl. It is beautiful and delicate, and will not overwhelm your slender neck.”
Ella tried it on. It was beautiful, but she already had pearls that her father had given her for her debut Season.
Miss Harrow brought out another necklace, similar in design but having an opal at its center. Since the opal reminded her of moonstones, Ella chose it for her first gift. She would wear it tonight. Cormac and Phoebe were hosting a dinner party, and this necklace would go perfectly with the gown she intended to wear.
Miss Harrow mentioned she would wrap it up in a pretty box for her.
“No, wait,” Elmer blurted.
Amos, who was easily the size of an ox, arched an eyebrow. “Elmer, what is the matter with you?”
