As Mr. Burmaster started toward the circular stairway, his wife caught nervously at his arm.
“No, John! Don’t be so weak as to give in to her!”
“Mrs. Lear has made a very serious accusation against you. We must prove to all these people that she misjudged you.”
“You can’t search—you mustn’t! It’s insulting to me!”
“But my dear—”
“I’ll never speak to you again if you do! Never!”
Mr. Burmaster hesitated, not knowing what to do. “So you’re afraid to look?” Mrs. Lear needled him.
“No, I’m not afraid,” the estate owner said with sudden decision. “Furthermore, I want someone to accompany me as witness.” His gaze swept the little group and singled out Penny. “Will you come?”
Penny did not wish to be drawn into the feud, but as the others urged her to accompany Mr. Burmaster, she reluctantly agreed.
Mrs. Burmaster’s bedroom was a luxurious chamber directly above the living room. There was a canopied bed with beautiful hangings and a dressing table that fairly took Penny’s breath away.