Chapter 42

 

In the weeks following their return to Kingston, Ontario, Gwen and Crispin became mostly inseparable. While, technically, they kept separate addresses, they often spent their nights at either her apartment or at the House of Goths. Gwen continued to work at Mathewson’s Jewellers, insisting she should stick to her commitments, just as Crispin saw fit to keep to his. She did request the summer off to join Crispin on tour with the Kingston Quartet. She also took his advice about finishing her education. Gwen accepted his financial support and had already enrolled in university to commence her final year of studies in the upcoming fall.

While standing behind the counter, overlooking the many trinkets on display, she often thought about their trip to England. As she stroked the lovely bracelet on her wrist, she smiled at how things had turned out. Overhearing the jingling of the shop door, she looked up to see her friend Stacy the travel agent, who helped make it all happen, walk in.

“Hello, Stacy, did you forget? I’m not having lunch with you today.”

“I know that, silly. You’re leaving for your cross country tour with Crispin’s band.” Stacy said, leaning across the counter. “I just thought I’d drop by on my break to say goodbye and to wish you a wonderful trip.”

“Thanks, Stacy!”

“That’s not all, though,” she said with a look of concern. “I had the strangest dream.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah,” Stacy explained. “I thought you might like to know since it involves you.”

“Well, go on.”

“I dreamt you came running into the agency.” Stacy smiled and laughed. “You were all aflutter.”

“About what?”

“Well, you had this big trip you were going on. Something huge. You were so excited and wanted me to help you book flights, find accommodations.”

Gwen raised her eyebrows at her friend. “I suppose when you’re a travel agent, those are the best types of dreams to have!” she teased. “Well, I don’t know of anything like that. I mean, Crispin’s planning on returning to Harlow Manor, but not until Halloween. Maybe you’re anticipating booking those flights for us. Plenty of time for all that, though.”

“Yeah, maybe that’s it. But I don’t know, I think this was different. Somewhere new and exciting.”

“Hmmm…. I’ll let you know if ever something comes up,” Gwen said.

“All I’m saying is, I’m right across the street if ever you need me. Have a great time on tour. You’ve come a long way, Gwen. I’m proud of you.”

“Thank you, Stacy, and thanks for messing up our accommodations in London.”

“Oh, you’re very welcome. I’m sure Crispin will forgive me one day, too.”

“Haha, I’m sure he’s gotten over it.”

“Well, aside from his many eccentricities, a fool he is not. Ciao, Gwen.”

“Goodbye, Stacy. See you in six weeks.” Gwen waved at her friend and went to the back to gather her things. Her suitcase was there, packed and ready to go, along with her laptop and notebooks. Crispin would be there soon to pick her up. They were to return to the House of Goths, stay the night and leave first thing in the morning, travelling east to Prince Edward Island, the first province of many on their Canadian tour. They were to travel on the luxury tour bus he had recently bought. They might have flown, but everybody decided driving across Canada would be more fun. Who was she to argue? This trip would be way different than England. For one thing, she didn’t bother with an itinerary since Crispin had that all worked out with his bandmates. It made her a bit nervous not to be in control of her destiny, but at the same time, she found the not knowing quite freeing. With Crispin in control, she felt confident things would go as smoothly as possible.

At the jingle of the door, Gwen returned to the front, expecting a customer or perhaps Stacy had forgotten something. Instead, she came face to face with the man of her dreams. “Crispin? You’re early!”

“Am I?” He made a great show of checking his watch. “No, I believe I am right on time.” Turning around, he locked the shop door.

“It’s not closing time yet. I told my uncle I’d be here until he came in to take over. We have an hour yet.”

“Well, technically, the shop is still open, only you have a very important customer who will compensate your uncle to have the place all to himself for exactly one hour.”

“What are you up to?” she asked suspiciously.

“Well, I have an important gift to purchase and I need your undivided attention.”

“Is that right?”

“Oh, yes!” he confirmed.

“And what is it you’re looking for?”

“Well, that’s just it.” He cupped his chin and tapped a finger to his lips. “I have a pretty good idea of what I’m looking for. But the young lady I’m shopping for has very specific tastes when it comes to jewellery.”

“Does she?”

“Oh, yes, and very good taste indeed.”

“Okay, well, why don’t you tell me what it is you’re looking for and I will show you what we have. Is it a bracelet?” she asked.

“Not a bracelet. Not this time.”

“A necklace perhaps? Earrings, or a watch?”

“No, not this time.” He slowly shook his head. “This time, I’m looking for a ring.”

“A ring?” Gwen swallowed deeply, refusing to get her hopes up. “A friendship ring, a promise ring?”

“No, I’m looking for a ring of far more significance.” He quirked an eyebrow and flashed her a smile. “I’m afraid, nothing less than an engagement ring will do.”

“Crispin!” Her hands shot up to her face. “Don’t toy with me!”

“You know I don’t play games, outside the bedroom, that is.” He winked. “Trust me, I’m one hundred percent serious.” Unable to resist, he caressed her cheek. “Now tell me, which ring should I get for my special lady. You see, my fiancée has eccentric tastes.”

“Only when it comes to men.” She giggled and winked.

“Go on, don’t distract me with those eyes of blue-grey. Help me choose.”

In truth, she had spent much of her recent free time in the shop gazing at the various rings on display. Ever since meeting Crispin, she had often fantasized about him proposing. But she would never have believed it would happen so soon. Sensing the seriousness in Crispin’s intentions, she directed him to the engagement ring display. With trembling fingers she unlocked the cabinet and reached in, her hand already trained in which direction to go. She’d often taken the particular ring out, even tried it on for size. It was the most beautiful, delicate, gold diamond solitaire. The ring had fit perfectly the first time she had tried it on and it already felt like it belonged to her.

“Ah, yes, perfect.” Crispin took it from her trembling fingers and rolled it onto his pinky, gazing at it, studying it with great pains. By now, tears were threatening to form in Gwen’s eyes. Without further ado, Crispin held out his hand and encouraged her out from behind the counter. When she stood directly in front of him, he then knelt down on one knee. “Gwen Mathewson?” He waited until she looked at him. “Will you marry me?”

Stifling her tears long enough to answer, she nodded and spoke loud and clear, “Oh, Crispin, yes!”

Standing up, Crispin, slid the little ring on her finger. He gathered her up in his arms, lifting her in the air. He then sealed the deal with a kiss before placing her gently back down on the ground. He could tell from the look on her face, beyond the tears of joy, her mind was already racing. Indulgently, he held her hands and waited for her to gather her wits.

“Go on, ask me,” he said with a wink.

“It’s just… when?” she asked. “I mean when should we get married? We’ve got the tour, then classes in the fall.”

“There she is, the one I’ve come to know and love.” Smiling ear to ear, he leaned up against the counter.

“There’s just so much to think about.” She said with liquid eyes, gazing from him to her ring finger.

“There is, but there’s plenty of time,” he said. “Let’s aim for next year. I think we deserve to enjoy our engagement.”

“Yes, that’s a good idea!” she agreed.

“Plus, you’ve already got so much to plan,” he said with a crafty smile.

“I do?” she asked, curious.

“Gwen, there’s something else I want to ask you.”

“What is it?” she asked.

“After the tour ends in August, we’ll have about three weeks before classes start up,” he said with a thoughtful expression on his face.

“Yes, that’s true,” she said.

“Come away with me,” he said.

“Where?” She held her breath in anticipation.

“I miss travelling with you,” he said with a wistful smile. “It was such an amazing experience, but I feel it was too short. This time, I was thinking Rome, Florence, and Venice. What do you think?”

“Oh, my God!”

“I’d also like to go to Ireland for a few days on the way back,” he added.

“Ireland… to find your father?”

“Yeah, I believe I should at least try,” Crispin said. “If he doesn’t know I exist, I think he should.”

“That’s a wonderful idea, Crispin!”

“So, you’ll come with me?” he asked.

“Are you kidding!” Gwen said. “Of course, I will!”

“Perfect, now where are your bags? I’ll place them in the car. As soon as your uncle shows up, we’ll head on back to the house. Becky and the guys are waiting. Everyone’s excited to get going. Tonight, though, we’ll have ourselves a little send-off.”

“Okay… my stuff’s in the back.” She handed him the keys to the backroom. “And if you don’t mind watching the shop for a moment, there’s something I need to do!”

“Yes, sure, anything for you, my cheeky monkey.”

With a smile on her face, Gwen left Crispin in the shop and marched across the street and ran into Stacy’s travel agency.

“Gwen?” Stacy startled, looking up from her desk. “Everything okay?”

“Everything’s perfect!” Gwen locked the shop door behind her.

“Oh, what’s going on?”

“Drop everything, Stacy! I need your undivided attention!”