“I can only apologise – ” the Prince began humbly.
“No, please,” Lord Mere interrupted, “there is no need. I perfectly understand the circumstances, Your Highness, that made it imperative for your son to retrieve the necklace. But now I suggest that before you leave you instruct Giovanni to make an exact copy of the necklace.”
“Copy it?” the Prince asked in a puzzled voice.
“When he has done so, we will give the copy to my sister and I am certain that my brother-in-law will not have the slightest idea that it is not the original, while the one that means so much to your family can then be restored to its proper place.”
The Prince drew in his breath.
“There are no words to thank you with for your kindness.”
“I will ask Florencia to do that,” Lord Mere said with a smile, “if you will p
