59 Chapter 59

"My bracelet. It was there." Belle held up her wrist. "And now it's gone. Because she took it."

"Gone? Good God." Lord Koorecroft almost dropped the punch ladle. "What are you saying? Her? Took your bracelet? Good God. But that is Lady Armstrong, girl. Have you lost your senses?"

It was a pertinent question. For Belle to blame her showed a dislike and a distrust that was lamentable. Cass had expected to hear someone cry thief. But to know so well who that thief was, when there were so many present it might be ... well? And yet, if she'd to count on someone, Belle had every reason to detest her. Hadn't she stolen Devorlane after all?

"Me? No, I have not, sir." Belle stood her ground. "My bracelet is what I've lost. Stolen. Stolen away by that unspeakable slu-"

"Would somebody mind telling me what the hell is going on here?" As Devorlane Hawley strode through the crowd toward her, his eyes blazed. "Well?"