Chapter 25 – Diamond
He watched all of the guests in the ballroom. They were enjoying themselves, the event was a rousing success. He was happy it was so successful. He'd made a decision, at least for himself. There was only one regret he had.
Making his rounds, he watched Thomas and Andy helping the ladies on with their coats. Thomas had come quite a long way in the last few months. He'd taken on a leadership role, mentoring Andy. Nodding to himself, he made a mental note to thank Elsie. She'd shown him the way, led him down a path he wouldn't have otherwise traveled.
The last of the guests gone he oversaw the straightening of the upstairs. Fatigue swept over him. Even the satisfaction of a successful event didn't sweep it away. Comfortable with the progress, he made his way below stairs, cutting a path to her.
He found her in the kitchen, overseeing the last of the cleaning. Lightly touching the small of her back he was comforted when she smiled up at him.
"How are things upstairs?"
"Almost finished, and down here?"
"The same. Do you want to go to the cottage or stay here tonight?"
He smiled, "If you don't mind, I would prefer the cottage."
A simple nod, she placed her hand on his chest briefly, "Make your last rounds, I'll be ready in twenty minutes."
He nodded, tightening his hand on her waist for just a second before turning to leave, "I'll find you."
Twenty minutes later they were on the path to their cottage. His quietness worried her, "Charles, what's the matter?"
He squeezed her hand on his arm, "What makes you think something is wrong?"
"I know you Charles. That's how I know something is wrong. If you don't want to share with me now, I understand."
Tears welled in his eyes, "I thought I had made a decision earlier but it turns out I was wrong."
"Might I know the nature of this decision?"
"It was nothing, really."
"If it's worrying you this much, I'd say it's not nothing. But if you're not ready to share, I will understand."
They walked in silence. When the cottage came into view he turned to her, "I decided earlier this evening that I'm ready to retire."
Her heart leapt until she saw the look on his face, "Tell me Charles."
"It doesn't matter. I changed my mind, I'm not quite ready."
She nodded, disappointed, "I understand." Turning toward the cottage, she pulled away from him, "Shall we go inside."
He pulled her back to him, "Don't you want to know why?"
She shook her head, "No, I'm certain you have a good reason and I trust you. When you are ready, you will know."
He followed her into the house, helping her with her coat, his eyes drawn to the ring on her hand. He caught her hand kissing the finger, "I want to give you more."
"More than what Charles?"
"I watched all of the women at the party tonight. They were all dressed in their best jewels."
She smiled at him, "They always are Charles."
His thumb stroked over her ring, "You deserve diamonds of your own."
Reaching up she stroked his cheek, "I have the only diamond I need in you Charles."