Signora Leighton, a customer for you. ” He passed her a card. Julia assumed it'd be Nick, so she was once stunned upon studying the identify. “Show him up, Sergio, according to favore. ” while the footman left, Julia grew to become to Theo. “Signore Marcellino, of Marcellino and Sons jewellery. ” Theo’s eyes widened. “I knew it'd be jewellery. And Marcellino’s! Why, you’ll be the envy of each girl in London. ” “Shhh,” Julia hissed. “He shall arrive at any second. ” a brief, older guy with grey hair was once proven in. Impeccably dressed, he carried a black case, which he set at the flooring to bow over Julia’s hand. “Signora Leighton. A excitement to satisfy you. I belief it's not that i am interrupting, no? ” “No, signore. My aunt and that i are basically spending a quiet afternoon with our books. Shall I ring for tea? ” Julia grew to become to name for Sergio, yet Marcellino stopped her. “If you please, signora, i need to get on to the enterprise handy. ” He picked up his case and set it at the desk, then gestured for her to sit at the couch. Marcellino opened the case to bare such a lot of glittering stones, it virtually damage her eyes to take all of them in. Julia might scarcely breathe. there have been diamonds, rubies, and finely carved cameos set in gold, all formed into blinding necklaces, bracelets, and ear bobs. “Signore! ” she exclaimed, a hand on her center. “What beauty you carry. ” Marcellino overrated with satisfaction. “I am the following on behalf of His Grace, the Duke of Colton. His Grace has picked out 3 units of beautiful jewellery and requested me to deliver them to you so you can have your selection. i feel he feared creating a . . . misstep, as you English say. ” Her aunt dropped onto the couch and elbowed Julia to maneuver over. “My heavens,” she exclaimed, and gripped Julia’s hand. “How will you ever select? They’re all just right. ” “If I may,” Marcellino all started. He pulled a small taking a look glass out of the again of his case. “Signora may perhaps attempt all of them on and judge which she favors. ” “Oh, no. ” Theo shook her head. “You’ll desire a a lot greater taking a look glass. I’ll have Sergio fetch one. ” Getting up, she moved quickly over to the bell pull. Dazzled by means of the jewellery displayed in entrance of her, Julia might basically stare. Nick used to be no idiot to supply her offerings. It was once a flattering and indulgent gesture. definite, a gesture to a courtesan, the spouse in her reminded. however the girl in her used to be awed all of the related. “The diamonds first, I think,” Theo installed, now again at the sofa. Julia nodded at Signore Marcellino. “Yes, let’s begin with the diamonds. ” The jeweler smiled. He picked up a necklace dripping with diamonds. there has been one huge yellow teardrop stone within the heart, with smaller white stones flanking it on either side. “This necklace includes over thirty diamonds,” he stated as he mounted it in the back of her neck. “The center stone is a yellow diamond, that's rather infrequent. ” the burden of the piece felt sinfully outrageous, with the most important diamond settling simply above her décolletage. Julia speedy slipped at the bracelet and matching ear bobs so one can see the implications.