The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1615

Louise suddenly realized she and her future daughter-in-law had been standing and chatting for quite a while. "Look at me, all scatterbrained with excitement," she chuckled warmly. "Myrna, come on in and have a seat."

"I have to run." Myrna glanced at the clock on the wall. Time was slipping away, and she turned to Arabella, "I'll catch up with you another day."

With those words, she wrapped Arabella in a big hug.

As they embraced, Arabella whispered in Myrna’s ear, "Is everything safe?"

"No worries," Myrna replied, her smile concealing her caution. She didn't want to alarm Kenneth and Louisa or let the gossiping designers overhear anything. "I'm off then. I'll come visit over the holidays. Bella, see you around."

"You're leaving already? After bringing all these gifts. Wait a minute, let me walk you out," Louise said hurriedly, following Myrna's steps. "Next time you come, don't bring anything. It's too much. Are you and Chasel off for the holidays? You should come over for dinner!"

"Sure," Myrna said with a smile. "I love the vibe at your place, Louisa. Why isn't Serena here today?"

Normally, having a designer come over for a fitting was an event Serena would never miss.

"She." Louise, considering Myrna as part of the family, didn't intend to keep secrets. "I sent her next door to reflect on her behavior."

As Louise relayed the story, Myrna's expression turned to one of anger. "Why hasn't she learned her lesson? Last time, she told her classmates that Bella managed to sweet-talk her way into your hearts just because she's pretty and smart, and that's why she was taken in as your goddaughter, given the Collins name, and lived under the same roof as her. If I hadn't stumbled upon her lies, who knows how much more she'd have slandered Bella!"