CHAPTER THREEIt was time for Carina and the troupe to leave. She had put on one of her best dresses and added a very pretty hat.
When she went downstairs, Bertie took one look at her and clapped his hands.
“Magnificent!” he exclaimed. “You are a true Bertie’s Beauty.”
Carina blushed.
“I don’t think you should say that,” she said. “It sounds – not quite proper.”
“Nonsense, you are a lovely girl. You shouldn’t be ashamed that men admire you.”
There was something so engagingly innocent about him that it was impossible to take offence. After a moment she laughed and he joined her.
“You don’t mind if I say how talented you are?” he asked. “How could I have been so lucky as to have found you?”
“I hope you will still say that after the performance,” Carina retorted with spirit.
Bertie ro
