They were all a valuable part of the history of the illustrious Raven family.
It seemed so wrong and sordid that a collection formed over many generations should be spoilt by one spendthrift member of the family, who dissipated everything he was given.
‘It is going to be terribly difficult for me,’ Noella thought, ‘when the burglary is then discovered.’
She recognised that she would have to be very careful not to become involved.
Because she was so perturbed by what she had to do, she wandered aimlessly around The Castle all day.
She moved from room to room, touching the china and the other ornaments as if she was caressing them.
She looked at the pictures, afraid that when she next looked there the frames would be empty.
The Earl did not return until shortly before dinner.
She was
