-10- Sparkles and Dreams

If Sir Harry was plucking up the courage for that walk in the rose garden, it was soon forgotten. Lady Laura returned to the table, her eyes shining, her expression animated, and her breath coming quickly. As she approached her godfather she declared, "Oh, just look what I have discovered." She held out her hand and placed the pouch on the table before him.

Lord Stanton looked inquiringly at his goddaughter, a question in his eyes. "What have we here Laura?" he asked. His long fingers reached to lift the small pouch. It was not heavy.

"Go ahead," urged Laura excitedly. She moved closer saying, "You will never guess what is inside." Lord Stanton complied by pulling the strings to open the vessel, and emptied the contents into the palm of his left hand.

Lady Winter had risen to walk over and stand on the other side of his chair. Her expressive eyes became even wider. An "Ah," escaped her lips. At the same instant, Sir Harry let out a whoop, exclaiming, "Good lord, Stanton, look at those beauties!"

An apt description, as they were indeed sparkling beauties. Sitting in the palm of his hand, Lord Stanton held seven large, perfectly formed pearls. There were also three times as many rubies, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds. He moved his hand slightly, allowing the gems to glitter in the candle light.

An appreciative whistle escaped his lips. "Where, might I ask, did you find these, my dear girl?" he asked pointedly, looking up at her. He lifted his hand, offering them so the others could examine the gems for themselves.

A radiant Laura explained, "The leather pouch was lying on the floor, beneath the tea table. Not far from where we found Uncle Simon today." She continued, "Mayhap they belong to him."

Her aunt said, "Well, it will have to wait until tomorrow." She was not about to have anyone invading his room tonight. There had been way too much excitement for the elderly man today. Her authority was enough for them to agree with her decision.

They handed the gems back to Lord Stanton, and he secured them inside the soft leather pouch. Turning toward the beautiful woman who stood beside him, he handed the precious parcel to Lady Winter. In turn, she slipped it into her pocket, which was cleverly hidden by the side-seam of her gown. "Tomorrow after Doctor has attended him, will be soon enough to find out. I shall discreetly inquire, in a round about way, if he is even aware of the gems' existence," she declared.

Lord Stanton rose from the table and she inquired, "Do you not think it strange for Uncle to travel about with such a valuable possession?" Her gaze spoke volumes and she tensed her shoulders. She felt a flush of warmth on her skin whenever he was near, so she schooled her features and stood taller, raising her head slightly.

Looking down into her upturned face, he replied, "Yes, I do. But tomorrow is soon enough to get your answers." Taking her hand in his, he raised her fingers, brushing them ever so softly with the slightest touch of his lips. "Dearest lady, thank you for the delicious dinner. It is late and time we took our leave," he smiled warmly.

Walking toward the door, he turned back to the young man, raised his eyebrows, and drawled, "Coming Harry?" Harry looked longingly at Laura then stammered his good-byes. They left the house and the ladies decided to adjourn for the night.

A few hours later, the entire household settled down for the night. A warm ocean breeze flowed through the windows, filling the house with the fresh smell of the sea. Besides the ticking of the grandfather clock in the foyer, Alice's soft snores were the only other sounds to be heard.

The main floor was quiet and peaceful, with everyone upstairs, sleeping soundly, all snug in their beds. None of them was any the wiser, as the shadowy figure felt along the glossy floor boards and carpeting, searching for what had been dropped earlier that afternoon. Furtively two hands scanned the area, feeling around the furniture, anxious fingers touching smooth floors and soft carpet, nothing more.

"Damn and blast," was the softly-uttered expletive. Not finding the leather pouch, eyes were turned toward the stairs leading up to where the old man slept. Deciding it was too risky, that it would never do, the intruder left the room by way of the side window - a silent retreat.

Normally, little Alice would have been awake, enjoying her nightly romps through the seaside home. She might even have seen the intruder and alerted Alfred. She was quite fond of the tall footman, but not tonight. Alice stretched and then repositioned herself on the soft sofa cushion. She continued her drunken dream of nocturnal delights, her slight body twitching, while she chased her imaginary quarry.