The Determined Husband

Not on your life, she thought. Buying undies had an implication that was unacceptable. The only clothes and accessories she was prepared to buy were the ones that would be visible and were strictly necessary.

‘Now I’ve some business to see to. I’ll pick you up in about an hour,’ Martin added.

Some fifty minutes later, her own clothes packed in a black and gold striped box, Sera emerged from the famous Fifth Avenue store and climbed into the waiting limousine.

She was still dressed in a suit, but the cut, the design, and the raw silk made it a far cry from the one that she had been wearing.

His glance running over her, Martin said with undisguised admiration, ‘You look a million dollars…’

With the sheerest of stockings and a pair of handmade shoes, she felt a million dollars.

‘Though I’d prefer it if you didn’t wear this. It doesn’t go with the outfit.’ Before she could guess his intention, he picked up her left hand and, slipping off her ring, dropped it into his pocket.

Sera held out her hand, saying as levelly as possible, ‘I’d like my ring back, please.’

Seeing the angry sparkle in her green eyes, he retrieved the ring and dropped it into her waiting palm.

‘Thank you.’ She put it carefully into her purse.

‘Not an engagement ring, surely?’ he enquired.

‘A memento…’ Wasn’t that what Keir had called it? She had thought of it as an engagement ring but, looking back, she knew Keir hadn’t. All he’d said was, ‘It might be as well not to keep it on too long. It will probably turn your finger green.’