“That was a happy man who just departed,” Gerard noted.

“Ah yes,” the clerk agreed. “A bachelor embarking on an offer of marriage, which is strengthened by the lovely ring he purchased today.”

In search of equal pleasure, Gerard perused the offerings in the glass cases.

“What are you looking for?” Pel asked, bending over beside him. Her scent appealed to him so deeply, he wished he could lay amongst satin sheets infused with it. With her graceful limbs entwined with his, it would be heaven.

“Have you always smelled so wonderful, Pel?” He turned his head to look at her, and found her almost nose to nose.

She pulled back with a blink. “Gray, really. Can we put off a discussion on perfumery, and find what you want?”

Smiling, he caught her hand, and glanced up at the hovering clerk. “That one.” He pointed to the largest ring in the case-a massive ruby surrounded by diamonds, and supported by a filigreed band of gold.

“Heavens,” Pel breathed, as it came out from behind its glass shield and sparkled in the light.

Gerard lifted her hand, and sized the ring on her finger, pleased to see it fit snugly, but not too tightly, over her glove. Now, she looked like a married woman. “Perfect.”

“No.”

He arched a brow, and discerned his wife’s distress. “Why not?”

“It…it’s too large,” she protested.

“It suits you.” He lounged against the case, and smiled, keeping her hand trapped firmly within his own. “While I was in Lincolnshire-”

“You were?” she asked quickly.

“Amongst other places,” he said, stroking her palm. “I would watch the sunset, and think of you. There were times when a ribbon of red clouds in the sky would exactly match the highlights in your hair. When the light catches that ruby, it reflects almost the same color.”

She stared at him as he lifted her hand to his mouth. He kissed first the stone, and then the middle of her gloved palm, relishing the opportunity to be close to someone again.