Free Pride of the Courtneys by Margaret Dickinson Page A

gasp.
    â€˜Louella, what is the meaning of this?’
    â€˜Well, Miss Lloyd, we are waiting,’ purred Millicent in deceptively honied tones.
    â€˜I—I came to look for the dagger. If Millicent is blaming me, telling lies about me, then she must have taken it herself,’ I finished weakly.
    I did not think for one moment that Bassett would believe me.
    Millicent moved into the room.
    â€˜I’m sorry to disappoint you, Louella, but I did not take the dagger. And it seems now, as if you are after my jewels, my paltry few jewels, and you would steal them,’ she added pitifully, no doubt hoping to arouse Bassett’s sympathy.
    Bassett stood aside.
    â€˜Go to your room, Louella, and stay there.’
    I passed through the doorway close to him.
    â€˜You foolish child,’ he murmured, so that Millicent could not hear.
    I returned to my room, angry with myself. The tears I had so long held in check now flowed.
    I, in my foolishness, had confirmed my guilt in Bassett’s eyes, I was sure.
    I heard the family retire, one by one, and knew that by now they would all know of the latest escapade of the thief. Even Charles and Evelyn Corby would know of it, for it was before they left.
    I did not expect anyone to come to visit me now, not even Georgiana. Even she would be doubtful of my innocence having been found in Millicent’s bedroom in front of her open jewel case. It was a wonder they had not locked my door.
    But I was wrong, for well after midnight, a soft knock came on my door.
    â€˜Who’s there?’ I whispered, and the door opened quietly. I was not surprised that it was Georgiana.
    â€˜Louella, you silly goose,’ she said affectionately, creeping into bed beside me to keep warm. ‘Whatever did you want to go and search for the dagger by yourself for? You know I would have helped you if you had waited. Now you’re in a worse pickle than ever.’
    â€˜I know,’ I said miserably. ‘ It was the most stupid thing I have ever done in my life. But do you mean to say you still believe me innocent, Georgiana?’
    â€˜I want you to swear to me that you did not take the dagger and that you were only searching for it in Millicent’s room.’
    â€˜I swear it,’ I said solemnly. And how solemn I felt. I thought I should never be able to smile again.
    â€˜Then I believe you. Now we must think what we can do. I think you are probably right in thinking it is Millicent. I don’t see who else it can be. She is obviously terribly jealous of you where Bassett is concerned. Though,’ I knew Georgiana was smiling mischievously, ‘it might be me because of my jealousy of you over Charles.’
    â€˜I don’t think that for one moment,’ I said.
    â€˜Well you need not, because it isn’t me. But what I can’t understand is,’ she continued thoughtfully, ‘why Charles didn’t leap to your defence.’
    Although I was plunged in the depths of despair, I saw an opportunity of reassuring Georgiana that Charles was not in love with me.
    â€˜Why should he?’ I said, ‘ he does not care enough, even as a good friend, to risk the wrath of the Courtneys by defending me. Why, he probably believes I am guilty.’
    â€˜Oh no, surely Charles wouldn’t think that. But does that mean he’s not in love with you, because if he loved you, he would defend you, guilty or not?’
    â€˜I’ve told you he’s not in love with me. That confirms it.’
    Georgiana hugged me in pure joy.
    â€˜Then, I might have a chance.’
    â€˜I’m sure you’ve more than a chance.’
    â€˜If only it were so, I should be the happiest person alive. But now, Louella, we must think what we can do to get you out of this mess.’
    â€˜There is nothing we can do,’ I sighed.
    â€˜I shall see Bassett first thing tomorrow and convince him of your innocence.’
    â€˜I doubt you can do that. He