Happy Christmas, Mr. Darcy #3
Charlie scooted over on his knees, caught a glimpse of what had caught William’s undivided attention, and whistled. “You bought a collector of antique watches his Holy Grail. Well done, Elizabeth, but how much did that cost you? I believe its max value is somewhere around ￡1.7 million.”
“You bought him a million-pound watch?” Jane’s voice almost squeaked it was so high.
“In that condition, more like 1.7, dearest,” said Charlie.
“I swear I didn’t pay that. I was at an estate sale in New York before I left.
Most of those have appraisers who come in and price what’s for sale, but I don’t think these people did.
One of my friends came with me. Anthony dresses celebrities and knows his way around men’s fashion.
Anyway, he spotted the Rolex in a glass cabinet with some other pieces.
According to Anthony, all of what was in that cabinet was way under-valued.
He pointed to that watch in particular and said it was a steal and that only a small number were made. ”
William nodded. “Twelve in the 1940’s.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “When Anthony said a small number, I thought a couple hundred, but twelve?”
“Yes, Rolex gave them to race car drivers like Ettore Bugatti. Only 8 have been found that I am aware of.” Darcy still gaped at her. How much of a steal could it have been, and was this one of the 8 known pieces?
“Yes, well, Anthony didn’t explain that much.
He bought a number of watches and other items, like vintage leather coats.
We both walked out of that house with our arms full.
I found a vintage Oscar de la Renta gown as well as a Versace that were in immaculate condition.
They were wrapped in plastic and looked as though they’d never been worn. ”
Jane’s eyebrows were high on her forehead. “You found a veritable treasure trove.”
“Thanks to Anthony. He adores estate sales. He can sometimes find old designers that he can use for a red-carpet event or promotional interview. That day, he invited me along.”
“That still doesn’t say how much you paid for it,” said Charlie.
She glanced between them. “Fine. I paid two thousand dollars.” She pointed a finger in William’s direction.
“And do not dare offer to pay me back. It’s a gift, and I thought of you when I saw it; Charlie mentioned once that you collect old watches.
Anthony said it was worth more than what I would pay, so I bought it.
If I never had a chance to give it to you, my dad would have liked it. ”
“And would have had no idea its significance.” Charlie shook his head with a huge grin. “I can’t believe this. You’ll have to tell us the address where you found it. I’d love to know who had such a treasure all these years.”
William examined the piece as it sat in the original box then lifted it out with shaky fingers. “It’s too much. You have to let me at least give you what you paid. I’d still be getting an enormous gift considering the value.”
As he glanced at her, she shook her head. “I had no idea the true worth, but it doesn’t bother me. I’m only glad you like it.”
“Like it? You did not have to get me a gift at all, yet you did, and you buy this?” His voice was a bit high for him. How could she have picked something so perfect?
He peered around the room. Where had Jane and Charlie gone?
“You forget that I had help. Anthony told me it was the best in the cabinet. Besides, I knew I needed to apologise, and I wanted to make a peace offering. My mother always said the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but other than sweet rolls, I can’t cook so I needed a gift, and an amazing one at that.
I’d judged you so unfairly. You deserve it. ”
After blowing out an exhale, his gaze met hers. “You need to let me do something.”
“Then take me to dinner, but not somewhere posh. You can buy me falafels from that market stand on Portobello Road if you want.”
He scoffed. “I can do better than that.”
She rose and sat next to him, placing a hand on his arm. “But you don’t have to is my point.”
He couldn’t help the huge smile that surely overtook his face. “I believe I could manage dinner.” He removed the watch he had worn that morning and put on Elizabeth’s gift.
“You’re going to wear it?” Her eyes were wide.
“Every day.” He adjusted it on his wrist. “I’ll have it insured when the offices open back up after the holiday.”
“I could never wear something so valuable. I’d be terrified I’d lose it.”
“I’m also going to take it to someone I know who can check the band and the fittings to make sure it won’t break. I won’t take chances with it. I promise.” His gaze lifted to hers. “So, this dinner. Should I assume it’s a date?” Please say yes!
Her tongue peeked out and moistened her lower lip. “If you want it to be.” His entire body trembled as he leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. The current that travelled through him was like nothing he’d ever experienced.
She grinned when he drew back. “I was hoping you would do that.”
His heart leapt in his chest, so he made to lean forward once again.
“Daddy!”
They both startled, and he had to bite his lip to keep from swearing. He loved his children, but at times… Couldn’t they have given him five more seconds?
“Duty calls,” said Elizabeth. Before he could rise, she threaded her fingers through his hair and pulled him forward for a slightly longer kiss than before. He left the room with a grin so wide, he resembled Charlie more than himself.
***