Nella was furious, but also, I thought, embarrassed. Perhaps furious was winning. She put something down so that she could point at me, her voice carrying easily but foolishly. It was she, not the men, who were attracting attention. ‘Handling stolen goods, indeed! It’s she you need to speak to, not me. That Townend girl.’ The quiver of her hand made her diamonds sparkle beautifully. A few years ago, I’d have bolted, and to hell with it. That was what feral kids did, and even if I’d never been quite that bad, I spent enough time living on the edge of the law to know a few unpleasant dodges. I could have tripped people, tipped stands, done whatever it took. And don’t think I didn’t want to now. But I wouldn’t. Neither would I burst into tears or wet myself with fear, no matter how much effort it took. If Lord Elham had taught me anything, it was to look calm, and even be a bit high-handed in dealings with the police. Griff, on the other hand, preferred to woo them, if they were young and handsome enough.
