Sherwood Smith Quote

We all turned, and my brother appeared with four other gentlemen. Branaric called jovially, Found you, Mel, Nee. And he bowed to the other ladies, who in turn greeted the arrivals: Geral, Savona, Lord Deric of Orbanith, and Shevraeth.What’s toward? the Duke asked.Tamara’s gaze was still on me. I saw her open her mouth, and before she could say anything that might sting me with embarrassment, I stuck out my hand and said, Look at my ring!Surprise, and a few titters of laughter, met my sudden and uncourtier-like gesture.Trishe took my hand, turned it over so the ring caught the light. She made admiring noises, then looked up and said, Where? Who?Yesterday. I sneaked a look at Savona. He was grinning.Which finger? Tamara asked, glancing down.The one it fits best, I said quickly, which raised a laugh. I cast a desperate look at Nee, who was biting her lip. I hadn’t even thought to ask about meaning in ring fingers, though I ought to have, I realized belatedly. Rings would be a symbol just like flowers and fan language.I’ve seen it before, Trishe said, frowning in perplexity. I know I have. It’s very old, and they don’t cut stones like this anymore.Who is it from? Savona asked.I looked up at him, trying to divine whether the secret knowledge lay behind his expression of interest.Of course she cannot tell, Tamara said, her tone mock chiding--a masterpiece of innuendo, I realized. But…perhaps a hint, Countess?I can’t, because it’s a secret to me, too. I looked around. Nothing but interest in all the faces, from Savona’s friendly skepticism to Shevraeth’s polite indifference. Shevraeth looked more tired than ever. The best kind, because I get the ring and don’t have to do anything about it!Everyone laughed.Now that, Savona said, taking my arm, is a direct challenge, is it not? Geral? Danric? I take you to witness. We started strolling along the pathway. But first, to rid myself of this mysterious rival. Have you kissed anyone since yesterday? Winked? Sent a posy-of-promise? He went on with so many ridiculous questions I couldn’t stop laughing.