The Courtesan Duchess by Joanna Shupe Read Free Book Online

the footman left, Julia turned to Theo. “Signore Marcellino, of Marcellino and Sons Jewelry.”
    Theo’s eyes widened. “I knew it would be jewelry. And Marcellino’s! Why, you’ll be the envy of every woman in London.”
    “Shhh,” Julia hissed. “He shall arrive at any moment.”
    A short, older man with gray hair was shown in. Impeccably dressed, he carried a black case, which he set on the floor to bow over Julia’s hand. “Signora Leighton. A pleasure to meet you. I trust I am not interrupting, no?”
    “No, signore . My aunt and I are merely spending a quiet afternoon with our books. Shall I ring for tea?”
    Julia turned to call for Sergio, but Marcellino stopped her. “If you please, signora , I would like to get directly to the business at hand.” He picked up his case and set it on the table, then gestured for her to take a seat on the sofa. Marcellino opened the case to reveal so many glittering stones, it almost hurt her eyes to take them all in. Julia could scarcely breathe. There were diamonds, rubies, and finely carved cameos set in gold, all fashioned into blinding necklaces, bracelets, and ear bobs.
    “Signore!” she exclaimed, a hand on her heart. “What magnificence you bring.”
    Marcellino puffed up with pride. “I am here on behalf of His Grace, the Duke of Colton. His Grace has picked out three sets of exquisite jewelry and asked me to bring them to you so that you may have your choice. I believe he feared making a . . . misstep, as you English say.”
    Her aunt dropped onto the sofa and elbowed Julia to move over. “My heavens,” she exclaimed, and gripped Julia’s hand. “How will you ever choose? They’re all splendid.”
    “If I may,” Marcellino began. He pulled a small looking glass out of the back of his case. “Signora may try them all on and decide which she favors.”
    “Oh, no.” Theo shook her head. “You’ll need a much bigger looking glass. I’ll have Sergio fetch one.” Getting up, she hurried over to the bell pull.
    Dazzled by the jewelry displayed in front of her, Julia could only stare. Nick was no fool to offer her choices. It was a flattering and extravagant gesture. Yes, a gesture to a courtesan, the wife in her reminded. But the woman in her was awed all the same.
    “The diamonds first, I think,” Theo put in, now back on the couch.
    Julia nodded at Signore Marcellino. “Yes, let’s start with the diamonds.”
    The jeweler smiled. He picked up a necklace dripping with diamonds. There was one large yellow teardrop stone in the middle, with smaller white stones flanking it on each side. “This necklace contains over thirty diamonds,” he said as he fastened it behind her neck. “The middle stone is a yellow diamond, which is quite rare.”
    The weight of the piece felt sinfully outrageous, with the largest diamond settling just above her décolletage. Julia quickly slipped on the bracelet and matching ear bobs in order to see the results. Standing up, she crossed to where Sergio had placed the large looking glass brought down from her chamber.
    Her breath caught at her reflection. She’d never worn something so outrageous. Even the jewelry she’d borrowed from Pearl could not rival this set. She turned slightly and studied the stones. Who was this woman, adorned in such a ridiculously luxuriant fashion? It was too much. She couldn’t possibly accept these. A token of esteem was one thing, but to accept such a lavish gift made her feel tawdry.
    Still, they were beautiful. She touched the stones reverently and sighed because her conscience was so loud today. “No, I am sorry, signore. These are not for me.” She crossed back to the couch, where Theo’s jaw had dropped open.
    “Not for you? My dear, those would be suitable for a dead woman. The only requirement being the possession of a neck and two ears.”
    “No, Aunt Theo. The pieces are more beautiful than words can say, but they’re not for me.” She smiled at Marcellino. “Perhaps