The next morning, the fourth day after the prank, the young ladies of Willow Cottage were dressed and waiting by the door when Concordia joined them. “Everyone ready?” She turned to Miss Carey, whose hands were thrust in her jacket pockets. “No gloves yet?”
“No, miss,” Miss Carey whispered, close to tears.
“Don’t worry, dear, I’m sure they will turn up.” Concordia turned to Alison Smedley. “Miss Smedley, lend your gloves to Miss Carey in the meantime, if you please.”
Miss Smedley started, involuntarily looking down at her fashionable—and quite expensive—white kid leather gloves trimmed in pearl buttons. “I’m not giving these to that...freshie.”
The girls had stopped talking and stared. Ruby looked on in interest.
Concordia leaned in close to Alison Smedley. “You will give her your glo
