Of Night and Dark Obscurity

She suddenly caught a glimpse of herself smoothing down the bedspread after the maid had changed the sheets and left the room.

“Caroline?” He said her name and she looked up at him startled.

“Yes?”

He smiled. “What were you thinking just now?”

As if she would tell him, she thought. “The blanket. The spread. You should take it.”

He nodded to the clerk. “I’ll take four of them.”

He m

oved away to look at the bath towels and smaller items as the assistant came to Caroline.

“Your husband is very generous. He doesn’t even ask the prices,” she smiled.

“He’s…“ Caroline was about to tell the woman that they were not married when she stopped herself. What did it matter she thought.

“The jewelry selection is at the back of the store. You might tempt him to buy you a new broach or necklace,” she said winking at her.

Val returned to her side. “What was she saying?”

Caroline shook her head. “Nothing. Just the different parts of the store.”

“I was telling Madam we have a fine jewelry selection. You might want to see what is available Sir. I’ll wrap the purchase. Shall they be on account?”

“Yes. And please have them delivered to this address,” he said writing it down for her.

“Very good Sir.”

“Shall we?” Val asked taking Caroline’s arm.

Together they walked through the store making a striking couple. When they came upon the jewelry department Caroline smiled.

“I don’t wear much jewelry. A necklace here, a bracelet there.” She told him.

He admired the many different items and picked out an item from under the glass. “That one I’d like to see.”

“Excellent,” the man behind the counter nodded and took out the ring.

He placed the ring on a piece of black velvet so they could both admire the diamond solitaire set in platinum. It sparkled in the low light and Caroline smiled.

“What a beautiful ring!”

“Try it on,” he urged her.

Caroline felt awkward but the ring was stunning. She had never owned anything quite so fragile and perfect.

“Madam wears it very well,” the man behind the counter said.

Caroline admired the ring on her hand and then removed it. “We should continue shopping for the house.”

She placed the ring back onto the velvet as Val thanked the man.

“Caroline. I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” her father came up to them and the men exchanged a greeting.

“I’m sorry Father. I stumbled into the Inspector.”