“No… that’s not necessary. I’m sure there is something here… in town.”
“Alright… I know just the place. Very reputable,” he paused for a second and then continued. “Well it happens to be the only one,” he joked with a wink. “I will take you now if you like,” he said as he stood up and put his hand out.
“Oh, OK, thank you…” I got up without his help, which I could see took him by surprise.
As we made our way to the jeweller, Richard gave me a guided tour, enlightening me on the history of the village and the people of the town. It was all very interesting and I was grateful, but inside, my stomach was turning over and over. I felt uneasy that I was walking around here with him and not James. Luckily for me, we didn’t have to walk far. The jeweller, a tall, bald man in a crimson velvet jacket, seemed very happy to see us, and welcomed Richard as we walked in.
I wondered why someone like Richard be spending his Sunday in such a quiet village.
“Nicolas, I would like you to meet Catherine, who is looking for a gift for a friend,” he explained as he turned to me and smiled.
“Hello,” I replied, still amazed by the colour of Nicolas’s jacket, which was quite audacious for an Englishman.
“Good day. Do you have something in mind?” Nicolas enquiry as he motioned to the glass cabinet in front of him.
“Um… kind of. May I?” I said, requesting permission to browse.
“Of course, please do. Take all the time you need,” he said.
Nicolas then came out from behind the glass counter towards Richard and shook his hand as they started talking. I scanned through the items he had on display. He had unusual rings, bangles, necklaces, almost everything. But I couldn’t seem to find what I was looking for. Both Richard and Nicolas must have noticed my disappointed moan as they both turned to look at me.
“No luck?” Richard yelled out from across the shop.
“No. I mean you have many beautiful items. But not what I am looking for,” I replied.
“What is it that you are looking for?” Nicolas asked, now more than curious to help me. “I do have other stock packed away, as I can’t have everything out at once.”
“Well, what I was after was a gold oval locket.”
“Oval locket… Yes, actually, I do have one. But it’s estate jewellery. Is that fine?”
“Of course, that’s fine.”
“I won’t be a minute,” he said, excusing himself as he went out back.
I looked across at Richard and gave him a half-hearted smile. I wasn’t quite sure why he was being so helpful. I just wished it was James here with me now, not him.
“Here we are, how’s this one?” he said as he took the locket out of its box and placed it on a black velvet mat. “That’s it! It’s perfect! I’ll take it!” I couldn’t contain my joy. “Thank you, thank you!”
“Would you like me to engrave it for you?”
“Engrave it… Ah, I’m not sure. I’ll think about it, thank you,” I replied. This certainly wasn’t the time for that and I didn’t want Richard to see the message. Once I had paid for the locket, Nicolas placed it in a black velvet box, handed me a business card, and reminded me to return when I decided to have it engraved.
“Where to now?” Richard asked excitedly after we had left the shop.
“Well, I think I will head back to the college. Thank you again for your help,” I thanked him and started to walk away.
“Go back? You must be joking! Please, let me take you to lunch,” he pleaded.
“No! I mean, thank you, but I really need to get back. I have some work to prepare for my students before tomorrow’s classes.”
“Alright then, I will let you go. But please let me drive you back. It really isn’t worth troubling a taxi.”
I didn’t want to go with him, but he did have a point about the taxi and he had helped me find the gift, so I agreed.
We walked to his car, which was a very flashy sports car. He opened my door and held my hand to help me in before going around the car to get into the driver’s seat, starting the car and driving off. Surprisingly, he drove quite slowly, which was not what I was anticipating. I let out a little giggle.
“Have I missed something?” he asked.
“Well… to be honest, when I saw your car, I assumed you were going to tear off and I would have to hold on tight. But you drive like an old woman!” I said, with a smirk on my face, quite surprised that I had told him the truth.
“Well, on a normal day I would, but today isn’t a normal day… you’re in my car and I want my time with you to last as long as possible.”
My face instantly became red hot. I was so embarrassed by his response and it made me feel very uncomfortable. I turned towards the window, praying he couldn’t see my face.
“Did I embarrass you?”
“No… of course not!” I quickly replied turning my head forward again. As soon as I could see the college, I felt more at ease. The car came to a sluggish stop.
“Thank you for today,” I told him, opening my door and getting out of his car as quickly as possible.
I quickly made my way to my room, not wanting to see or bump into anyone. When I finally got into my room, I closed the door, locked it and leaned my back on it, clenching my bag. And then, like a child opening a birthday present, I pulled out the velvet box from my bag, took out the locket and held it in my hand. I brought it close to my chest and prayed that it would bring James and me good luck. I opened my eyes and studied the locket. It was perfect. I tried to open it but I couldn’t. It was stuck. Frustrated, I placed it on the desk and walked away, feeling foolish that I hadn’t checked it while I was in the shop. I still wanted to give it to James, and soon. I was no good at surprises or waiting for the right moment. I hated being surprised as much as holding onto one. I grabbed the locket, placed it back in its box and headed out of my room to look for James. I went to the common room first, but didn’t go all the way in, just poked my head in.
“If you’re looking for Miss Kent, she is not back, dear!” yelled out one of the professors.
“OK, thank you,” I replied and quickly left the room, starting to make my way towards James’s office. As I got closer I started to feel insecure again and child-like. I then remembered the Victoria in my dreams. She was child-like and Jonathon loved her for it. I got to the door, took a moment and then knocked. There was no answer but I heard something inside, so I grabbed the door handle and started to turn it slowly.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Mr Kemp whispered from behind me placing his hand over mine, stopping me from entering.
“I am here to see James,” I explained, stunned that I didn’t hear him creep up.
“Well he is not in his office,” he said. Mr Kemp grabbed my hand and directed me away from James’s office.
“Come with me!” he demanded.
I was mortified. I didn’t want to go anywhere with him!
“Let go of me!” I protested.
“No! You are playing with fire, you know. Don’t you realise that?” he said.
“No! I think you are! Wait until James hears about this!” I retaliated.
“Whose orders do you think I am following, Cathy?” His smugness was frustrating.
“What? I don’t believe you,” I struggled, trying to make him release my wrist, but the man, although short and stumpy, was surprisingly strong.
“You don’t know what you are getting yourself into!” he warned.
“Mr Kemp, don’t you think you’re overreacting to this: James and I being here at the college? Do you think you could find another hobby, other than annoying me?”
“Annoying you,” he finally let go of my hand. “Now Cathy, you need to listen and try to understand what I have to say. You and Mr Barclay must not be together, ever. You had your chance and you weren’t meant to be.”