The Virtuous Ward - By Karla Darcy Page 0,19

afraid of losing Honoria's custom by arguing. In the light of this discovery, Amity suspected that the other garments in her wardrobe would be wrong for her. A spurt of anger forced her head up and she glared at the cinder path.

"I shant be a spineless doll, Muffin," she said with decision. The dog raised his head, cocking his ears as she reached down to scratch him. "I have been far too trusting. But now that I am aware of the situation I should be able to salvage something. Tomorrow I shall go back to Madame Bertoldi without Honoria and see what we can do to ensure that the rest of my wardrobe is suitable. For tonight I shall just hold my head up and smile."

Standing up, Amity brushed down her skirts and squared her shoulders. She picked up her bonnet, plopped it on her head and tied the ribbons. Having made a decision, she was determined to enjoy the rest of her morning stroll. Muffin lumbered to his feet, staring around at the park as though surprised to be there. Amity strolled along the path, stopping to peer more closely at the foliage along the way. The path turned to the right and just before she rounded the corner, Amity heard the sound of crying. She stopped, trying to locate the sound but Muffin bounded ahead and disappeared from sight. A shrill screech was choked off and Amity dashed around the corner.

A girl her own age was pressed against a bench, cowering away from Muffin. A handkerchief was clutched in her hand that she waved in front of the dog as though warding off evil. Amity hurried forward and grabbed a handful of fur then extended her hand to reassure the girl.

"He's really not fearsome," she said. "Come on, you great looby. You're frightening the lady."

Pulling Amity along, Muffin shambled forward until his nose was pressed against the black dress of the terrified girl. He raised his shaggy head, staring at her with his great soulful eyes, then lifted one hairy paw and placed it in her lap. The girl hiccupped once, raised her eyes to Amity's encouraging face, then stared down at the dog. After a moment's hesitation, she lifted the hand holding the handkerchief and tentatively stroked the hair on his back.

"I'm sorry I screamed, miss. He's a sweet old thing." Across the dog's back, the girl gave a watery smile to Amity.

Amity took in the reddened eyes and tear tracks on the girl's face and moved closer. Since she had just been feeling so desperate herself, she recognized the signs in the other girl. Pretending to notice nothing amiss, she sat down on the other end of the bench.

"This is Muffin. I'm ever so sorry he frightened you. As a rule we don't see anyone at this time of the morning." Amity bent her head patting the dog's back as the girl scrubbed at her tearstained cheeks.

"I 'spect it was the surprise," the girl. "When I set down there was not many jauntering around."

"Am I intruding?" Amity asked. "I didn't mean to be rude."

"No, please don't go," the girl said, lifting her hand as though to hold Amity in place. "I was sunk in a fit of the sullens as me mum used to say and that will never do. I would ever so much enjoy talking to someone."

"It's so nice to have a friend to talk to," Amity admitted. Smiling she introduced herself. "Muffin and I are new to London and we have made no particular friends. Sometimes it is very lonely."

The girl took her extended hand and bobbed her head as though making a curtsy. "I am Betta Twidleigh. I'm most pleased to meet you."

She then reached for the paw in her lap and shook Muffin who responded by opening his mouth and yawning.

Both girls giggled as the dog slumped at their feet, sprawling on the sun-warmed grass. For several minutes they sat in silence on the bench, then Amity coughed in embarrassment.

"I know it is the height of rudeness to intrude on your thoughts but sometimes a problem shared is less in weight." Amity flushed as Betta scanned her face but the girl did not seem insulted, but nodded her head in agreement.

"I am a thief," the girl blurted out as if the words were torn from her. At Amity's gasp of surprise, she added, "At least my mistress accused me of stealing. But in faith I did not take the bracelet."

"My apologies,