Georgina’s gaze drifted to the attic window. “Because that diary is the only heirloom I care about. And you, Klara Devine, are the only person in fifty years who has touched it with reverence instead of greed. You didn’t take it. You just… read it. And then you put it back exactly as you found it.”
Klara’s hand, which had been inching toward the beaded bag, stopped. “Condition?” klara devine & georgina gee
“Yes?”
Klara adjusted the earpiece hidden beneath her auburn waves. “Georgie, be reasonable,” she whispered to herself, rehearsing the plan. The plan was simple: charm, distract, lift. She was very good at simple. Georgina’s gaze drifted to the attic window
“The ruby is flawed. You know that. But its true value isn’t monetary. It’s sentimental—it was your grandmother’s, I believe. The one who built the Trust.” Georgina’s voice softened, just a fraction. “I am not a villain in your story. I am an old woman who is very, very bored. I will give you the ruby, here and now, on one condition.” You didn’t take it
Georgina chuckled, a dry, papery sound. “Oh, I know. Horrible man. Chews with his mouth open and has the emotional intelligence of a potted fern. But he gave it to my goddaughter, and she gave it to me for safekeeping. She’s young. She made a foolish choice in lovers, not in loot. I won’t see her charged with theft.”
“Magnificent kaftan,” Klara said, stopping a respectful two feet from Georgina. “Is it Pucci? Early seventies?”