He inclined his head graciously in her direction.
“My compliments, ma’am,” he said. “You are a bride of whom any man would be proud.”
“I’m glad you feel that I’m a credit to you sir,” Lavina replied with equal graciousness.
“There is only one thing needed to make your appearance perfect,” he said. “Would you honour me by wearing these?”
Then she saw that he was carrying a large black box, which he opened, revealing the most astounding set of jewellery she had ever seen.
There was a necklace, a diadem, a bracelet, ear-rings, and two brooches, all in the most fabulous emeralds, set in gold.
“These are the Elswick emeralds,” the Marquis explained. “Anyone seeing you wearing these will have to believe in the reality of the engagement.”
He turned slightly to show the jewels to Mrs Banty.
