The next day Elsie was on her way to take a shower when she noticed a familiar set of jewels upon Doctor O’Donnell’s finger. She was wearing the Conningham Ring, and acted like it was nothing. Elsie found herself at a loss for words, knowing that her friend suddenly bore a small fortune and yet didn’t seem to care. In fact, the doctor was particularly merry, and she hummed as she made her way down the hall.
When next Elsie visited Jack in his cabin she scolded him. “Why is Doctor O’Donnell wearing the Conningham Ring?”
Jack smiled in response. “You told me to express myself more genuinely so…”
“I meant for you to be a little more romantic. Not give her a ring that’s probably worth more than you and I could ever make in a lifetime.”
Jack patted her on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, she only wants to wear it for a little while. Once we get to Edith Post she’ll give it back to Mr. Tanner, and then he will sell each of the gems individually and we will all split the reward. Oh, and I’ll have you know that this time she invited me to dinner. Can you believe it?”
Elsie gave an amusing smile. “No, Jack, I really can’t.”
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