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When she awoke in the morning, she was alone in the Master’s great bed. She drowsed a few minutes until there was a soft knock at the door.

It opened to reveal Penelope, who carried a washbasin, and one of Julia’s dresses over her arm. “Our master bids you wash and dress, and come take breakfast with him,” said the older woman, her eyes twinkling.

Julia sat up. “Thank you, Penelope.”

“I trust all’s well.”

“All is very well.”

Penelope took a step closer to Julia and leaned over conspiratorially. “That would seem to be the Master’s opinion as well.” The two exchanged smiles.

When Julia entered the dining room, Marcus once again rose to his feet. On a sudden whim, Julia rounded the table and dropped to one knee at his side. She took his hand in hers and kissed it. There she remained, her head bowed.

“Rise, my Julia,” said her master.

She did, and gave him a smile.

When both were seated and had filled their plates, Marcus spoke. “I wish you to speak freely over your meal, Julia. I would like to pick your brain on the matter of Lord Flavius. I am considering the prudence of speaking to the Weavers Guild...”

And so it was a businesslike meal, which in fact brought Julia much pleasure. When they had finished all but the last of the tea, Marcus put his hand on the object that had held Julia’s attention ever since she took her seat: the small wooden box with the brass hinges, which again stood at the side of his plate. So he meant to return the bracelet; this thought warmed her heart and made the time pass even more sweetly.

Now her master opened the box, reached in, and drew out the contents. “Give me your hand,” he ordered, in that firm voice she loved so well.

Then upon her wrist he fastened a bracelet of shimmering blue opals.

“My Lord—?” said Julia, taken aback.

“It was my wife’s favorite piece,” said Marcus, “I thought it would suit you well.”

Julia stared at the gems, and breathed a quiet “Thank you.”

“Do not think of it as a gift...you must be adorned, that is all.”

She looked up to meet his eyes and he was smiling.

“But a bracelet that has no lock, my Lord?”

Marcus reached inside his shirt and drew out the chain with its key. He looked at it, raising one eyebrow, then lifted a stern gaze to Julia. He tucked the chain back inside his shirt, then leaned back in relaxation into his chair.

“I believe, Julia, the lock is elsewhere. And quite secure.”

She lowered her eyes to her plate, but she was smiling. “Yes, my Lord, quite secure.”

For more romance works by Diana Laurence,

visit www.dianalaurence.com

 

©2008 Romance at Heart Magazine.

Book ©2004 by Diana Laurence.

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