25
“Noodle! Leave those ladies alone.” Felicity, Countess of Chiverton, marched up to the little party on the landing. “You’re absolutely filthy. Come, let’s wash up.” Felicity’s mouth was set in a grim line, as if she had been enduring some awful trial. She held out her hand to her child but when Noodle stuck out her hand to clasp it, Felicity drew away. She waved at Noodle to follow.
Ruby and Fina stood up, watching mother and daughter retreat. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Ruby snapped shut her doctor’s bag.
“That those pearls were fake? Otherwise, why would she let Noodle play with them?”
“Precisely. It’s possible she has a set of fake pink pearls for Noodle.” Ruby tailed off, lost in thought.
“Did you find out anything about the liquid in the water glass?”
Ruby held up a
