Free Forever My Love (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon Page B

will be your friends when we are gone?"
    Royal looked up at Meg. "You are going home for a visit?"
    "No," Fiona answered for her sister. "We are returning home to Scotland. Our grandfather is ill and our father wants us home."
    "Oh, I am so sorry," Royal said, feeling sick inside. She glanced around the room and noticed that the girls were packing their trunks. "I do hope your grandfather will recover."
    Fiona nodded sadly. "He will, I'm sure, but I do hate leaving you. What will you do?"
    Royal came to her feet. "I have had worse things happen to me. I shall manage."
    Her words were brave, but her eyes showed her distress. "When do you leave?" she asked at last.
    Meg folded a lace shawl and placed it in the trunk, then slammed the lid shut with finality. "In the morning." She glanced at the mantel clock. "Run along and make yourself ready so we can go down to supper together. At least you will not be singled out tonight with my sister and me beside you."
    "Yes," Royal agreed. "At least the two of you will be with me tonight."
    As she moved down the hallway, Royal saw Kathleen Griffin hurrying in the opposite direction. Had Kathleen just come from her room? she wondered. Surely not.
    When she reached her room, she found the door was not closed tightly. Anger tugged at her mind. What had Kathleen been doing here? Perhaps she had only come with another summons from Lady Alissa.
    With a firm set to her chin, she vowed never to kowtow to Lady Alissa!

7
    Dearest Papa,
    Supper last night was amazingly without incident. I kept waiting for something to happen, but I was gratefully ignored by Lady Alissa and her friends. This morning the MacGregor sisters left, and, oh, I do miss them so. It is lonely being without friends, but I have decided to devote myself to my studies and be the best student I can be.
     
    Royal closed her diary and set it aside. It was almost time for her singing lesson. She moved to the mirror and adjusted the black velvet bow in her hair. Mrs. Hargrove, the music teacher, had told Royal that she had a pleasing voice, and she did enjoy the lessons.
    When she reached the music class, Kathleen Griffin stood before the door, barring Royal's way. "Mrs. Fortescue wants to see you," she said smoothly. "If I were you, I'd get there as quickly as possible."
    Royal turned away, trying to ignore her irritation. That girl did test her sorely.
    When she reached Mrs. Fortescue's office, she realized Kathleen was right behind her. "This is one summons you won't ignore, Royal Bradford." The hateful girl leaned closer. "After today, we will have seen the last of you," she taunted.
    Royal quickly entered the office, hoping to escape Kathleen, but the girl followed her inside. Not only was Mrs. Fortescue waiting for her, but Mrs. Hargrove was there as well. Royal sat down on the chair Mrs. Fortescue indicated and waited to hear what the headmistress had to say.
    Mrs. Fortescue leaned back in her chair and glanced at Royal. "Mrs. Hargrove informed me that a valuable broach is missing from her room. Now it grieves me to think that you might be responsible, but Kathleen Griffin has accused you. If you took the broach, it would be wise for you to speak up at this time."
    Royal whirled around to face her accuser, who stood near the door, a slight smile on her lips. Slowly Kathleen raised her hand and pointed an accusing finger at Royal. "She did it, Mrs. Fortescue! At the time, I thought it strange to see her coming out of Mrs. Hargrove's room, but now I know why."
    "I was never in Mrs. Hargrove's room!" Royal turned beseeching eyes on the music teacher. "I have never stolen anything in my life. I could never steal! Besides, why would I want to hurt you by taking something that belonged to you?"
    Mrs. Fortescue stared long and hard at Royal. "If that is so, then you won't mind if Mrs. Hargrove searches your room, will you?"
    Pride battled with indignation. "I have nothing to hide." Her angry gaze settled on Kathleen. "I will expect