by Chelsea Flint

Created on: April 23, 2008   Last Updated: June 11, 2008

The First Lady's Ring

"Welcome to Viewpoint Villa, for my Independence Day celebration," Mr. Thornton, the wealthy, elderly host, greeted thirteen-year-old Holly Rivers and her best friend Jared Hughes. "Tonight along with dinner and fireworks, I will unveil a historical treasure. Please follow my butler, Mr. Long, while I wait for our last guest."
Mr. Long quietly led them through the beautiful hallways to a vast, open foyer where two women where chatting. Holly immediately recognized the women as Mrs. Vincent, the local jewelry storeowner, and Jamie Cotton, the Applewood county queen. Holly felt very out of place.

"I still can't believe Mr. Long invited you and a friend here after he read your essay on freedom," Holly told Jared.
"Yeah, it's pretty cool," Jared agreed.
Mr. Thornton and Mr. Coolidge, the local historian director, entered the room. Mr. Thornton began, "I am an avid collector of history and tonight I would like to unveil my newest collection in tribute of Martha Washington. This collection has a rare Martha Washington stamp, a Martha Washington silver certificate and her beautiful ruby ring."
He led the group to the library where a glass display enclosed the former First Lady's collectibles. Holly's jaw dropped when she saw the large, beautiful ruby ring lying on a floral pattern silk.
Mr. Thornton walked to the back of the case, pulled out a crumpled paper from his jacket pocket and punched a code into the digital keypad. "I have to copy the code every time I have guests," he explained and then took out the ring.
"Only a handful of people have seen this three-carat ruby ring. I bought it a month ago to complete my collection. Martha received it as a gift from her husband who had her initials engraved inside."
"Wow," breathed Miss Cotton, "that must be worth a lot of money."
Mr. Thornton simply nodded, replaced the ring on the silk and closed the case. "Time for dinner."
After the delicious hour-long steak dinner Mr. Thornton encouraged the guests to explore the mansion while he took a quick rest. Everyone would meet back in the foyer at 8:30. At 8:20, after roaming the halls with Jared, Holly suggested they see the ring again.
When they walked into the library they found Mrs. Vincent and Mr. Long, the butler, in front of the display. She was peering through the glass with a jeweler's loupe.
"Something's odd about this ruby. It's not like other rubies I've seen. Perhaps Mr. Thornton will let me get a closer look."
"Perhaps," Mr. Long muttered, looking

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>