Chapter Thirteen #3
“Elizabeth….” Again they kissed.
Shortly after breaking the kiss, she said, “Papa and I often read together, nearly every night. And when you return with our sister and all is well, I shall gladly test your metal with my astute opinions and preferences as we read through these lovely books and many, many more.”
He chuckled. “I have no doubt of that.”
She squeezed his hand. “Now, let me show you what I found at one of my favourite shops in Meryton.”
Curiously tipping the box from side to side, the corners of his mouth turned up when he heard the wooden pieces thump together.
“Ah, let me see,” he said, opening the lid.
Taking out one of the chess pieces and examining the craftsmanship of the maple wood carving, he remarked, “The Queen is exquisite, as are the others. The man who crafted this set was very talented, and it is evident he took great pride in his work.”
“Mr. Dobbs is a kindly gentleman, and I hope to introduce the two of you when we return to Meryton.”
“I should be happy to make his acquaintance.”
“I have known Mr. Dobbs and his wife ever since I was a small child and have accumulated many keepsakes from his shop over the years. I also purchased a small wooden cat for Anna and a music box for Georgiana. I have them in a small chest in my bedroom which we can easily take in the carriage. If you like, I could show them to you on our way to Rosings Park.”
“I would like that very much and shall have a footman retrieve it and place it in the carriage before we depart.”
Motioning to the chess set, Elizabeth continued, “I thought this would make a good traveling set for us. We have yet to play, and you may as well know I took note of your strategies when you and Papa went at it.” Her smile was smug.
“I hope you are not offended, husband, for I intend to win our first match without so much as a by your leave.”
He smiled broadly, saying, “A daunting prospect, my love. I, too, enjoy a good match and shall have no trouble doubling my efforts if needs be.” They both chuckled. Leaning in to kiss her sweet lips, he whispered, “I do have one more gift, if I may.”
Elizabeth nodded, and William removed a small box from his pocket.
He had decided to save the more formal necklace he had purchased from his jeweller for later.
At present, the emerald cross fashioned from five small stones and suspended by a gold chain seemed more appropriate.
“I purchased this from the jeweller who sized your rings. I have become very fond of emeralds, since they remind me of your lovely eyes.”
She blushed at his compliment, taking the necklace in hand.
“William, the emeralds are so rich, yet the setting is simple. I shall treasure wearing it. I have a small garnet cross which I wore for many years when I was a child. It was given to me when I was five years of age by my Grandmamma Elizabeth The stones have since become loose and the chain broken. I set it aside in my room and thought to have it repaired for Anna if you do not mind. When I was younger, it gave me great pleasure, and I would dearly like to give our daughter something special from her new mama.”
“Elizabeth, any kindness you might show to Anna pleases me beyond measure. Never doubt my approval of anything you choose to do for her. Since Anne’s death, I have given Anna various items which belonged to her mother, but she has no true recollection of her.
Anna is an affectionate child and very easy to please.
I know she will love all of your gifts, and I look forward to having the two of you meet.
I shall gladly see to your garnet cross and would be happy to have it sent over to the jeweller for repair while we are gone. ”
“Thank you; I would like that.”
“It will only take me a few minutes to make the arrangements.”
Smiling, Elizabeth turned her head to the side and brushed a few curls out of the way. Handing him the pendant, she said, “Please, if you would.”
“With pleasure,” he responded, his voice suddenly dropping with a hint of desire. Taking advantage of the moment, he bestowed many soft kisses on her alabaster flesh before deftly removing his mother’s pearls and placing the emerald cross about her neck. “There now; let me see.”
Turning in his arms, she reverently touched the pendant and gifted him with a brilliant smile. Kissing him, she said, “I shall wear it every day while we are parted and say a prayer for your success each time I feel it about my neck.”
“I would like that, my love.” Again they kissed. “Now, I fear we must not tarry. If you show me where you have the garnet cross, I shall package it and ask a footman to take care of it this afternoon.”
“It is on my dresser,” she said, holding William’s hand and pulling him towards her room. “It is just over here and will be quite lovely once it is repaired.”
“Anna will treasure your gift, Elizabeth,” he said examining what needed to be repaired and placing the necklace in his pocket.
“Come, let us go now. The carriage should be ready, and Mrs. Troutman has arranged a lovely repast for our travels. Since neither of us ate much at the wedding breakfast, you must be hungry.”
“I confess I am and will be sure to thank her on our way out.” With that, William and Elizabeth left Elizabeth’s room and descended the stairs. Once William penned a request for the jeweller, they joined the others and began the next leg of their journey to Rosings Park.