The Courtesan's Daughter

by Claudia Dain

  “Well, my dear, Caro doesn’t have your pearls. Why come to me? ”

  Which of course was a complete lie. Sophia knew exactly why this exotically beautiful and confused young woman had come to her. That she was a woman who had lost her pearls? Sophia could not possibly have been more sympathetic.

  “I would like, that is, I noticed, we all noticed, how well things have gone for Lady Caroline and I was wondering . . . I was thinking that you might . . . be . . . able . . .”

  The poor dear was stuttering to a complete halt. As much fun as it was to watch her stumble about, Sophia drew the line at outright cruelty. She was periously close to the line now and cruelty, unless absolutely necessary, was not a character trait she enjoyed. At least not too excessively.

  “You would like your pearls back, wouldn’t you?” Sophia said, setting down her cup.

  “Yes,” Louisa said stoutly. “I want my pearls back.”

  “Then, darling, we shall simply have to get them for you.”