Not for the first time, Diana felt a thrill of anticipation shoot up and down her spine.

Colette gave her a little hug. “Now, I must say goodbye. You’re going to want to go to the next station, over that way. There, you can rent jewelry to match your ensemble.”

“Thank you,” Diana said, following Colette’s pointed finger down the crowded aisle to the next station. There, she saw several glass jewel cases, full of the gorgeous gems.

At first, she thought they must be costume jewelry, but as she neared them, a man said, “Are you kidding me? Two thousand euros to rent for a few hours? You’re out of your mind, Gladys.”

His wife, an older woman, pouted, “But they’re diamonds, and they don’t come cheap. Plus, it goes so perfectly with this dress!”

Real jewels?

Diana leaned in and looked at the jewels. Yes, they were beautiful, but Diana had never been impressed by such things. She’d always kept her jewelry to a minimum. Even the engagement ring Evan gave her was a modest diamond fleck. It simply never interested her.

Right away, she spotted an enormous diamond-and-ruby pendant, the exact color of her dress. That’s how they get you—hook, line, and sinker, she reminded herself, preparing to turn away. I’m no dummy. I’ve never cared for jewelry, and I’m not going to start now. No way am I spending that much to rent a piece of jewelry.

A male voice called behind the case, “This one—the esteemed Madame Royale—would look lovely on you, mademoiselle.”

She turned back to see a young man with the bluest eyes, gazing at her. He was wearing the traditional ascot and waistcoat, and one of those ridiculous wigs—this one, iridescent pink. He had an over-powdered face and dark lipstick that matched the Marie Antoinette mole on his chin. The lipstick was, incidentally, also on his front teeth, a fact she noticed right away when he smiled at her as he opened the case.

“Come, now. Let us just slip it on and see, shall we?”

Diana held up her palm to him and prepared to turn away. “No. It’s all right. I’m fine.”

He tutted with disappointment, “Ah, but I’m gifted in these things. The jewelry speaks to me. Can you hear it?” He cupped a hand around his ear and pretended to listen intently. “It’s saying something, quite insistently.”

She shook her head. Who was this character? “Sorry. Jewelry doesn’t—”

“Maybe you haven’t taken the time to listen. And right now, this piece is saying it only wants to be worn by you,” he said, reaching into the case for something else. “It comes with gold earrings, too, but I daresay that all a beauty like you needs is the necklace.”

What, does this guy think I was born yesterday? She shook her head.

He clutched at his chest, “Oh, you wound me. I feel it’s my life’s work to find the jewelry to complement these gowns, and I’m afraid my life will not be complete unless you leave here wearing this necklace. It’s truly meant for you.”