She had just finished dressing when there came a knock on the door. Bessie went to open it.
“Sir Rupert’s compliments,” a voice said, “and he thought her Ladyship might like to wear these.”
Bessie came across the room carrying two jewel boxes. Nerina opened one and gave a gasp of astonishment. Lying in a bed of blue velvet was a necklace of diamonds with earrings and a bracelet to match.
She opened the other and smaller box. It contained a ring of two huge pear-shaped diamonds surrounded by brilliants.
“Family jewels!” Nerina said.
Bessie found her voice.
“They’re magnificent, Miss Nerina. Are you goin’ to wear them?”
“Why not?” Nerina enquired. “Willy-nilly I am now one of the family. Besides they are just the final touch that I need for my appearance.”
She was right. The glitteri
