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Annabelle was unaccountably quiet for a long time after that, leading Simon to conclude that she was
tired. But when they returned to their room at theCoeur de Paris that evening, she gave herself to him
with a new fervor, trying to express with her body what she could not say in words.
Chapter 22
As he had promised, Simon was a generous husband, paying for a lavish quantity of French-made
gowns and accessories that would be sent to London when they were finished. When he took Annabelle
to a jeweler s shop one afternoon and told her to pick out anything she liked, she could only shake her
head helplessly at the array of diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds spread on black velvet. After years of
wearing paste stones and thrice-turned gowns, the habits of economy were slow to die.
 Is there nothing you like? Simon prodded, lifting a necklace made of white and yellow diamonds strung
together like strands of little flowers. He held it against her bare throat, admiring the glitter of diamonds
against her fine skin.  What about this?
 There are earrings to match, madame, the jeweler said eagerly,  et aussia bracelet that would
accompany the piece quite well.
 It s beautiful, Annabelle replied.  It s just that& well, it seems so odd to walk into a shop and buy a
necklace as casually as if it were a tin of sweets.
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Slightly perplexed by her diffidence, Simon regarded her intently, while the jeweler tactfully retreated to
the back of the shop. Gently Simon laid the necklace back in its bed of velvet and took Annabelle s hand
in his. His thumb caressed the backs of her fingers.  What is it, sweet? There are other jewelers if this
one s wares are not to your taste 
 Oh, it s not that! I suppose I m so accustomed tonot buying things, that it s rather difficult to adjust to
the fact that I can now.
 I have every expectation that you ll be able to overcome that problem, Simon replied dryly.  In the
meanwhile, I m tired of seeing you in paste jewels. If you can t bring yourself to choose something, then
allow me. He proceeded to select two pairs of diamond earrings, the flowered necklace, a bracelet, two
long ropes of pearls, and a ring with a five-carat pearshaped diamond. Unnerved by such extravagance,
Annabelle had offered a few halfhearted protests, until Simon laughed and told her that the more she
objected, the more he was going to buy. She promptly closed her mouth and watched with wide eyes as
the jewelry was purchased and placed in a velvet-lined mahogany trunk with a little handle on top.
Everything except the ring, which Simon slid onto her finger, ascertained that it was too loose, and gave it
back to the jeweler.
 What about my ring? Annabelle asked, holding the mahogany box with both hands as they left the
shop.  Are we just going to leave it there?
Amused, Simon arched his brow as he glanced down at her.  He s going to resize the band and send it
to the hotel later.
 But what if it gets lost?
 What happened to your objections? In the shop, you behaved as if you didn t even want it.
 Yes, but now it smine,  she said worriedly, causing him to roar with laughter.
To her relief, the ring was safely delivered to the hotel that evening, in a little velvet-lined box. While
Simon gave a coin to the man who had brought it, Annabelle hurriedly emerged from her bath, dried
herself, and donned a fresh white nightgown. Closing the door, Simon turned to discover that his wife
was standing right behind him, her face lit with the anticipation of a child on Christmas morning. He
couldn t help smiling at her expression, seeing that her efforts to be ladylike were fast being demolished in
a rush of excitement. The ring glittered and flashed as he took it from the box and reached for
Annabelle s hand. He slid the ring onto her fourth finger, fitting it snugly against the simple gold band he
had given her on their wedding day.
Together they admired the sight of the diamond on her hand, until Annabelle threw her arms around him
with an exclamation of delight. Before he could respond, she broke away and did a little dance of glee in
her bare feet.  It s so lovely look how it sparkles! Simon, do go away I m well aware of how
horridly mercenary I must appear. Never mind, Iam mercenary, and you may as well know it. Oh, I do
love this ring!
Enjoying her excitement, Simon caught her slender body against his.  I m not about to go away, he
informed her.  This is my opportunity to reap the benefits of your gratitude.
Enthusiastically, Annabelle tugged his head down and crushed her mouth against his.  And so you shall.
She pressed another ardent kiss to his lips.  Now.
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He chuckled at her full-bodied assault.  No doubt I should say that seeing your enjoyment is repayment
enough. On the other hand, if you insist 
 I do! I do insist. Striding away from him, Annabelle went to the bed, clambered onto the mattress, and
dramatically flung herself backward until she landed spread-eagle on the counterpane. Simon followed
her into the room, fascinated by her antics. This was an Annabelle he had not seen before, droll and
enchantingly capricious. As he approached the bed, she lifted her head and encouraged,  I m all yours.
Start reaping your rewards.
Deftly he stripped off his jacket and removed his necktie, more than ready to oblige her. Annabelle
hoisted herself to a sitting position to watch him. Her legs remained spread beneath the veil of her
nightgown, her hair falling in a silky tumble over her shoulders.  Simon & you should know that I would
go to bed with you even without this ring.
 You re too kind, he replied dryly, stepping from his trousers.  A husband always likes to hear that he
is valued for more than his financial merit.
Her gaze slid along his lean body.  Of all your merits, Simon, the financial one is probably the least. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]