She inhaled. Biting her lips, her lashes lowered.
"And for one as commanding as yourself," he murmured, kissing her softly, "it is only proper that you be suitably adorned."
Atop the table sat a velvet-covered box—beside the note she had left with Gerard, pleading his understanding and permission to accompany the queen.
He had read it.
He had not cared.
Indeed, he was glad she had gone beyond the walls of his estate. For had she remained, he doubted his restraint would have endured the day. And he knew she very much needed the respite.
She did not need his permission to promenade. She was his affianced, not his employee. And he was mostly glad she had gone in the company of the queen.
"What is this?" Her eyes shone.
Brand open the box.
Madelyn gasped at the diamond necklace, her green eyes stolen by the jewel. He had purchased it days ago, compared by Stephen's purchase of a shawl for his wife.
"Oh…, it is grand."
A smile tugged at his lips at her reaction. "For you."
