Laurie Marie Hendrick's destiny lies in marriage to a significantly older man whom she's never met. Or does it? With the assistance of Queen Isabella II's charm teacher and a ruby necklace called the Moor's Tear, she may trick fate and marry the man she loves.

Set in Madrid, Spain in 1851, this short story is connected to the time-travel romance CHARMING THE PROFESSOR. The Moor's Tear appears in the next two books in the series. While it’s not necessary for understanding the time-travel story, knowing the background of the necklace does enrich the experience.