When the room had settled back into its proper position several other things had also slotted into place. I was surprised, mostly, to find that I was not surprised. I seemed to have known for a long time that Lucas was a liar. I just hadn't been aware of it. And, in the middle of the sinking feeling, was also a certain amount of relief. I had been so certain that Hardley was Sally's gentleman and I was glad to find that it was not so. Very glad. In fact, quite a weight had been lifted. It didn't excuse his conduct with Emma of course, but it made him more forgivable. And now I knew just what to do. 

 'Sally, since this is the first I've heard of your Mr Brand's claims to my jewels, I will need some time to make some inquiries. If I find that he is telling the...

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