CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY ONE – NAUGHTY CHILDREN

Charlotte's jaw dropped. "Lady Griffith's brooch! But how...?" Mrs. Perkins shook her head vehemently. "Found it in Lily's apron pocket, I did! That sly little thing must've pinched it!" A sinking feeling settled in Charlotte's stomach. Poor, timid Lily, accused of such a dastardly crime? It didn't make a lick of sense. Before she could respond, a commotion erupted from the corridor outside. Lady Griffith's shrill tones carried clearly through the thick oak door. "Where is that wretched girl? I'll have her flogged for this outrage!" Charlotte and Richard exchanged a dire look. Without a moment's hesitation, they burst through the door, skidding to a halt before the irate woman. "Lady Griffith!" Charlotte cried, her heart pounding. "We've found your brooch!" An icy hush fell over the corridor as the formidable matriarch froze, one perfectly arched eyebrow raised in disbelief. "Well?" she snapped after a tortuous pause. "Where is the blasted thing?" Swallowing hard, Charlotte he