The Unquiet - J. D. Robb [71]
“Alexei told me it would be the family’s most treasured possession.” She examined the coin, confusion replacing triumph. “It doesn’t look very valuable to me. What kind of coin is it?”
“It’s a magic coin, Irina. Listen to me. You are allowed one wish on it. Just one.”
“You are the worst liar in the world. Do you think I am going to make my wish and hand it back to you? It has some value, I’m sure of it.”
Chase came running around the side of the house, his stick in hand, the sword still sheathed, but his hand at the ready.
“Please, Irina,” Lydia begged as Chase joined them on the bridge. “Give it back to me if you don’t believe what I am saying. The coin’s worth is in its magic. Other than that it is only a trading coin. Alexei investigated it completely. You know he would not have left me with anything of such value when he could have used it to build the business.”
Irina’s agitation lessened as she considered what Lydia said. Finally she held up the coin, a sneer twisting her pretty face. “Here is what I wish for, that you and your idiot lover find exactly what you deserve.”
“Now give it back to Mrs. Chernov,” Chase said with that cold edge to his voice that always made Lydia shiver.
“Or what? You will run me through with your sword stick?”
Lydia glanced at Chase, not because she was afraid that he might do just that, but at the admission, however unintentional, that Irina had spoken to Nesbitt—for how else could she know about the sword stick?
Irina shrieked then and threw the glowing coin away from her. “The damn coin burned my fingers!”
The coin flashed in the afternoon sun, and the three of them watched it as it arced into the air, splashed into the water, and was swept away by the current.
Silence, complete silence settled around them. Chase was convinced. He wondered if Irina was.
“A magic coin. You charlatans. What did you treat it with so that it would burn my hand?”
She would never be convinced, Lydia realized and, really, it didn’t matter anymore.
“Leave right now, both of you, or I will send the servants to oust you.” Irina left them and ran toward the house while both Chase and Lydia stared at the stream, the coin nowhere to be seen. Chase offered Lydia his arm.
They walked back around the house to where the carriage waited. They sat very close this time.
“I wonder what will happen to the coin,” Lydia speculated. “Do you think it’s lost forever?”
“I’m not sure it matters. Even if it is found, who will think to wish on it without some guidance?”
“What a waste of good fortune.”
“We have all we need, though.” Chase took her hand and kissed it. “I love you, Lydia.”
“But my past—” she began.
He spoke over her protests. “Has made you the wonderful woman you are. Your family failed you, Alexei failed you, but somehow that has only strengthened your generous heart. Of course I love you. Never, ever doubt that.”
“All right,” she agreed, smiling at him.
“And I will marry you,” he said pointedly, then added, “when you are ready.”
“Oh, Chase,” she whispered, her lips close to his. “It would make the secret wish of my heart come true.” Marriage, children, and a life with someone who loves me.
They kissed and there was silence in the carriage for a very long time.
As the conveyance passed the Bull Ring and made a turn onto the street that housed Chernov Drapers, Lydia and Chase helped each other smooth their clothes and put their hats back on.
“It may be vindictive of me, but I wish Irina truly knew that she gave her wish to us, though I suppose there is no way to convince her.”
“No. I think not. Besides, she is out of your life for good, I hope.”
“I expect so. I cannot imagine Grandmama will still consider a business merger with Mr. Allerton after the way Irina lost the coin. But when Grandmama dies, Irina will inherit the shop and the dye recipe. Until then, I do not need to see her ever again.”
“Good. We have no need of her ill will. Nor does your grandmama