December 1924, Avebury Manor
Marguerite was holding a copy of Gladys's papers, its pages crisp and the ink still smelling of the press.
Her eyes scanned the headlines until they landed on the article she had been eagerly anticipating.
Gems of the Season: The Unicorn's Next Target?
A satisfied smile played on her lips as she began to read.
The article was everything Marguerite had hoped for. Gladys had skillfully woven intrigue and allure into the piece. She highlighted the most coveted jewels in England, including Marguerite's own green diamond.
The trap was set.
Also Marguerite very easily convinced Gladys to hand over the letter and photographs, assuring her that solving the Unicorn mystery was far more valuable than a political scandal. Moreover, since Gladys had already published the article, the possibility of retracting it was off the table, leaving her with no leverage for bargaining. She found herself with no choice but to agree, handing over the evidence, consoled with the promise of a more valuable price.
That evening, for the first time in many years, Marguerite took the green diamond out of her jewelry box. She had never worn it before. She was keeping it for its sentimental value. She decided tonight is the perfect time to put it on and she placed it around her neck. Feeling in the mood for a bit of seduction, Marguerite undressed completely, wearing only this diamond, and entered the bedroom where her husband, John, awaited.
Upon seeing her, John momentarily forgot to breathe.
He was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching her with adoration as she approached him with the graceful steps of a panther.
"How do you like it?" She asked, her fingers caressing the diamond.
"It's beautiful. I've never seen it before."
"I've never worn it before. Tonight, it just felt right."
His hands found her hips and without a word, he began to kiss every inch of her exposed skin, with a hunger that ignited a fire within them both. As his face nestled between her breasts, her hands drifted through his hair and he said, "You've been quite in the mood these days. I don't know what it is, but I'm not missing the chance."
Marguerite laughed lightly. "It seems all this drama is boiling my blood, bringing out the worst in me."
"Or the best," John countered.
With a determined look in her eyes, she motioned with her finger for him to lie back on the bed so she could position herself atop him, continuing their intimate and playful evening.
The green diamond at her neck sparkled with each shift of light, drawing John's gaze and adding a mesmerizing, almost painting-like quality to the moment.
As Marguerite positioned herself above John, he couldn't help but admire the view from below. Her breasts were perfectly framed in the soft light of the room, and nestled enchantingly between them was the green diamond.
The moment was not just intimate, but beautifully erotic.
Marguerite leaned forward, her lips barely brushing against his, teasing him with the promise of a kiss. He traced the curve of her shoulder, the line of her spine, and the beguiling contours of her hips. Marguerite's eyes held the same intensity, her gaze searching for something deep within him. Their breath mingled, creating a hazy fog of desire as Marguerite finally pressed her lips to John's, sending jolts of electricity through his body. As they moved together in perfect harmony, the room filled with the sweet symphony of their love, each note building upon the last. First, she arched backwards, his hands finding her breasts, his touch firm and gentle. As their movements grew more urgent, she found herself unable to resist the overwhelming pull towards him. With a soft moan escaping her lips, Marguerite leaned down to rest her head on John's shoulder. John tightened his embrace, his arms wrapping around her more securely. In that moment of sweet surrender, she felt him take control, guiding them with confident, measured movements. Marguerite's breath came in quick whispers against John's neck as she clung to him even tighter. Finally, with a shared gasp, they reached the peak of their passion, leaving them both anchored in the raw reality that was their connection.
In the aftermath, Marguerite stayed atop John for a few moments longer, relishing the closeness as his arms caressed her back. "That was glorious," she whispered. John responded with a contented and deep "Mhmm" holding her close. Slowly, she shifted, extending one leg while keeping the other wrapped around him, maintaining their intimate embrace. She laid her head on his shoulder, planting soft kisses on his cheek and neck, before finding a comfortable position.
John's fingers traced the thin chain around Marguerite's neck, coming to rest on the diamond pendant. He lifted it slightly, admiring its sparkle.
"Beautiful diamond. You should definitely wear it more often."
"You know what, I think I will."
"Is there a story behind it, too?"
Marguerite nodded, her smile deepening. "Yes, and I'll tell you all about it, but first... let's just cuddle a little." She reached for the quilt at the foot of the bed and pulled it over them. The cool air had begun to set in, chilling their still-damp skin. Snuggled under the quilt, they curled closer together, content to simply be in each other's embrace a little longer.
Usually, John was the first to wake up. He would quietly sneak out of bed, careful not to disturb his sleeping wife, who enjoyed sleeping in. He would dress quietly, taking care not to make any noise, then go downstairs to enjoy a peaceful moment of contemplation with a cup of coffee and the morning newspaper before breakfast.
This morning, Marguerite woke up first. She got up to open the curtains and saw the entire estate covered in white.
Although she could hardly wait to stroll through the fresh snow, for now, she was content to savor the warmth and comfort of the bed a little longer. She nestled back under the covers, which stirred John from his sleep. He wrapped his arms around her, and she whispered, "It's snowing."
"Sounds like a perfect day for a horse ride." John smiled, pulling her closer.
Their peace was soon interrupted by the gentle creak of the door as the housemaid entered. She carried a basket of logs and kindling for the fireplace.
Once the fire was roaring and the maid had left, Marguerite asked, "What do you say we stay here until the room completely warms up?"
"I can't think of a better plan."
John lay comfortably on Marguerite's chest, enjoying the comfort of her breasts under her soft pajamas. Her fingers combed through his hair, soothing him with each tender stroke.
She hummed a popular tune, "How come you do me like you do? How come you do me like you do do do?"
John raised his head slightly, amused by the suggestive lyrics. "Is that a real song?"
"Yes, it's by Marion Harris. It's not quite about what it sounds like—I have taken it a bit out of context."
"Well, that explains the mischievous tone," he remarked, settling back down with a contented sigh. "Keep singing, though. It's quite the morning serenade."
In the days that followed they would go horseback riding, each morning after breakfast. John rode his trusty brown stallion — Thunder. Marguerite mounted her magnificent black steed, Dante. She adored the contrast of white snowflakes against his glossy black coat. Sometimes Ned and Veronica would join them, but often they enjoyed the crisp winter mornings alone.
After one of such morning rides, they both went to change into they adjoining bedrooms. To Marguerite's surprise, sitting casually in a chair in the middle of the room was a young woman with brown bobbed hair and a mischievous smile. Around her neck, hanging from a chain, was the green diamond.
