"We're only looking this morning," Mrs. Blackstone replied. "We have dinner plans next month, and he thinks I need something new."
"Of course you do," Patricia said with delighted certainty. "Let me show you a few pieces we haven't even displayed yet."
She turned briefly toward Diana. "Excuse me. I need to attend to these important customers. Someone can help you with the other collections."
Then she walked away, leaving the Aurora cabinet unlocked and the presentation tray near the edge of the counter. Diana watched her go, surprised less by the insult than by the carelessness. A manager who had just warned her about the security requirements surrounding the necklace had abandoned the open case the moment higher-status customers appeared. Diana moved the tray away from the edge and waited, conscious that she was now within arm's reach of a necklace worth three hundred fifty thousand dollars.
Patricia's voice floated back across the showroom. "I'm sorry you had to wait while I dealt with that. We get all kinds wandering in from the street."
The Blackstones did not answer immediately. Mr. Blackstone glanced toward Diana, then back to the necklace his wife was admiring. Mrs. Blackstone's smile had thinned slightly, but she did not challenge Patricia.
Diana watched the moment pass. Silence could mean discomfort, uncertainty, cowardice, or simply the desire not to interrupt an expensive purchase; its effects were often the same.
Ashley approached from the rear counter when Patricia's back was turned. "Ma'am, I'm sorry about the wait," she said. "My name is Ashley. Can I bring you some water or find another specialist to finish showing you the collection?"
Diana turned toward her and felt some of the pressure inside her chest ease. Ashley had not looked at the old shoes or the bracelet before speaking. She had looked at Diana's face and asked how she could help. It was such a small act that Diana felt an almost painful tenderness toward her; small acts had been the foundation of the company, and here was one still alive inside it.
"Water would be lovely," Diana said. "And I would appreciate it if someone could make sure the Aurora cabinet is secured. I don't think it should be left open."
Ashley glanced at the tray, and her expression changed. "You're absolutely right. I'll take care of that."
Before she reached the lock, Patricia called from beside the Blackstones. "Ashley, the back inventory needs reorganizing. Now, please."
Ashley stopped. "I was just helping this customer."
"Kevin can handle it," Patricia said, without looking up. "I asked you to go to the back."
The order carried the authority of a public correction. Ashley's cheeks warmed, but she did not retreat immediately. She looked at Diana in apology, then at the unlocked cabinet, clearly calculating whether she could safely disobey long enough to close it. Kevin, who had heard the exchange, came forward before she had to choose.
"I'll secure the display," he said. "Ashley, I'll come find you in a few minutes."