Chapter 30 - Thirty
Sunlight streamed through the large, polished glass windows, making the diamonds, rubies, and sapphires glitter fiercely from within their velvet-lined cases.
The door bell jiggled as Amber Carson entered. As the only daughter of the immensely wealthy and powerful Carson family, she was spoiled, yes, but not rotten. She was used to the best life had to offer, and she carried herself with an easy, unshakeable confidence that many mistook for arrogance.
Evelin Pembroke, however, saw it as sheer perfection. She couldn’t hold back her excitement, her hand flying to her mouth as she watched Amber glide through the shop. They were both the same age, but they might as well have been from different worlds.
"Anne, look," Evelin whispered, her voice filled with awe as she nudged her companion. "That’s Amber Carson. She’s the true princess of the Carson family. She’s a trendsetter; a gown she wears to one ball becomes the most sought-after design for the rest of the season. People of our class struggle to keep up with her."
She leaned in closer, sharing a piece of well-known gossip as if it were a secret. "And they say her brother, the Duke, loves her more than anything in the world. He would do anything for her."
Amber, oblivious to the fawning admiration, was focused on her shopping. She moved with an elegant grace, her eyes scanning the glittering displays. She came to the section where Anne and Evelin were standing, drawn by a particularly lovely set of jewelry.
"Lady Amber," Evelin squealed, her voice far too loud in the quiet shop.
Amber stopped her Browse, a flicker of surprise on her face at being addressed so enthusiastically. "Oh," she said, looking at the star-struck girl. "Hi." She offered a polite, pleasant smile before turning her attention back to the jewels, a clear dismissal. "Can I see this piece, please?" she said to the hovering salesman, pointing to a stunning necklace and earring set made of fiery red rubies.
As Amber examined the necklace, a thought popped into Anne’s head. An opportunity. This was her chance to get ahead of the story, to paint a picture of Delia so ugly that no one in the Carson family would ever accept her.