"If it weren't for Miles's book I think I should have fallen asleep and been bounced right out of the carriage," Ella said, though her tone was amused instead of bitter. What fun would that have been? The driver might not have even noticed! She could have wandered around the country at her leisure. Certainly a search party would have been sent for her eventually.
She spied the lovely necklace Patience was wearing and her mouth fell open in a most ungainly fashion. Her hand covered her mouth instantly as she gasped. She'd certainly never seen her friend wear it before. It had to be new!
"Patience Hurst, have you got a wealthy suitor!?" Ella said loudly into her hand. It wasn't to her taste, but the necklace was undeniably gorgeous. "That necklace makes you even more beautiful!"