December 24, 1889
Christmas was upon them. The holy holliday.
Town was bustling with late Christmas shoppers. Alois happened to be one of them.
Of course didn't have anyone to shop for but himself. It was a yearly thing; he'd go out and haul a bunch of things to wrap and open them on Christmas morning.
Claude walked a few strides behind him, careful to keep a resepctful distance.
Alois glanced around the market and saw women shopping, men smoking cigars and exchanging words, he saw children begging their mothers for funtom toys.
He also saw a tall gentleman present a beautiful lady with a diamond necklace. She smiled and shyed away and he insisted.
Alois came to a stop, watching it play out.
Were they lovers? Or just friends?
Finally she gave in and allowed him to place it on her neck, a bright blush on her pale skin.
Alois didn't know why but that maid, Hannah. She suddenly took over his thoughts.
Maybe he should get her something. Not out of kindness, but for thanks. After all she'd healed the bruises on his back and he owed her atleast that much.
Of course he didn't actually care about her, no he didn't. Atleast he thought he didn't.
He felt this small feeling towards her, maybe greatfulnsss?
"Your highness?" Claude inquired in a questioning tone.
Alois snapped out of it and looked up. "Yes what is it?" He answered quickly as he pulled his coat tighter around him.
His back tickled a bit, but that was it.
"Have you had your fill of shopping for today? Shall we go back to the manor?" Claude questioned in monotone.
"No. Stop pestering me Claude." Alois exhaled uneasily. "Let's go." Alois broke into a steady stride.
His mind was far away.
Even if he were to get her a gift, he didn't know the first thing about her. She was a mystery. She did her job willingly, working her fingers to the bone.
Maybe a embroidered handkerchief?
Well- Hannah did seem to like lace. When she undressed for him, she had lace undergarments or lingerie under.
'No no, it would give her the wrong idea, stop being so stupid Alois.' Alois thought angrily to himself.
Or maybe a ring. The ring would give her the wrong idea and she would quickly lose it. Maybe a necklace could do.
Alois found himself walking in the direction of the jewelry shop. But what would he get? He didn't even know her taste.
He could get her something purple. She like wearing purple lipstick, so maybe she liked purple.
"Can i see your cheapest-" Alois paused. "I mean best collection of necklaces." He quickly corrected himself. It's not anything personal, but he didnt like giving cheap gifts.
Alois couldn't really believe how the word 'Cheapest' slipped off his tongue so quickly for Hannah.
That went to show how much he actually valued the woman. The woman, Hannah.
Alois was presented with a case of the best necklaces they had. They were pearl, diamond, peridot. So much to choose from! Alois nearly felt overwhelmed.
He saw a small thin pearl necklace, so delicate and fragile. He could almost picture it around Hannah's long neck, sitting so pretty and patient.
He saw a beautiful silver chain with a diamond pendant shaped like heart. It was beautiful, yes, but Hannah might get the wrong idea.
Alois was nearly about to say 'Screw it' and just get her a silver chain, when it caught his eye.
An amethyst necklace. It had a silver chain with small delicate links that lead down to the amethyst opal that was held in place by a diamond littered swirl of silver.
"That." Alois declared. "I want that." He said once more.
"For your lady eh?" The merchant teased.
Alois cleared his throat. "No. A friend if you must know." Alois said quickly, not wanting to linger on the topic.
"Friend?" The merchant chuckled. "Only time I seen a man buy a woman something this expensive was when he was looking for a little something extra." He chuckled and placed the necklace along with a matching ring and earrings into the box and handed it over.
"I only wanted the necklace." Alois wrote a bank statement and handed it to the man.
The merchant winked. "This is on the house, I can tell she's the one. It's in your eyes lad." He took the bank mate and turned away.
Alois stood there in a dumbstruck awe. That merchant had no idea what he was talking about.
Rolling his eyes, Alois left the shop. Claude was outside, patiently waiting.
"Pull the carriage round; I don't feel well. I want to go home." Alois said flatly as he opened the box and looked the set over.
Alois suddenly felt a bit scared to give her the necklace. Maybe he should have someone deliver it under anonymous.
Maybe Hannah wouldn't even accept it.
