“I sold it this morning!” Sir Charles informed her abruptly.
“You – sold it – Papa?”
“So that you could have the clothes you need to wear when you are the Duke’s guest.”
For a moment Bettina wanted to tell him that he had no right to sell the jewel that her mother had left her, but, because she loved her father, she bit back the words.
“I expect that was – what Mama would – have wanted you to do,” she said, “and I know she would wish you to be – proud of me.”
She felt that her father relaxed as if he had actually been afraid that she would be angry with him.
Then, as the sparkle came back into his eyes, he said,
“There is no fear of my not being proud of you, but remember the person you want to admire you is Lord Eustace.”
*
Travelling in the Duke’s private train, which was carryi
