Mabel nodded, a grin forming on her face. ‘Now that would get her hobbling!’

‘But if I’m with them, I can’t look for the necklace,’ said Roz reasonably.

‘That’s where I come in,’ said Felix.

‘Oh no!’ said Roz vehemently. ‘I’m not having you get involved.’

‘Too late!’ said Felix. ‘You’ve lost enough as it is, I won’t see you parted from something so special.’ He held up his hands to quieten Roz who was about to protest. ‘I’ll pay one of the messengers a penny to tell Lilith that you’ve broken down. Then when she’s out the way, I’ll nip in and check it out.’

‘And what if you get caught?’ asked Roz, who wasn’t at all convinced by Felix’s plan.

‘Who by?’ said Felix. ‘Lilith will be on a wild goose chase, and from what you’ve told me it doesn’t sound as though their place is full to the brim of furniture and clutter.’

Roz sighed impatiently. She really didn’t want Felix seeing her living conditions; she had no doubt that he would be understanding, but she still found it embarrassing. On the other hand, there was no point letting pride get in her way, and without Felix, she might never find her necklace, which was more than she could bear. She thought over his plan. What Felix said made sense, but the thought of any of the Haggartys catching him snooping around their home was an idea she didn’t relish. She looked at Mabel for help, but it seemed Mabel agreed with Felix.

‘From what you say there’s nothing in there – it’s not as though there’s lots of drawers and cupboards for Felix to search through!’ reasoned Mabel. ‘I know you’re worried that Felix will get into trouble, but he’s only going to be inside for no more than five minutes, right?’

Felix nodded.

Roz still looked doubtful. ‘And what about when Lilith realises she’s been lied to?’

Felix shrugged. ‘Everybody makes mistakes, and good luck to her if she wants to seek out the boy who brings her the message. There’s loads of young lads down the docks, and lots of coal merchants; the Haggartys will most likely think there’s been a mix-up, and seeing as they won’t find anything amiss when they return, they won’t have reason to suspect anything’s up.’

‘I think it’s a good idea,’ said Mabel. ‘Especially if it means you get your necklace back.’

‘Okay then. When shall we do it?’ said Roz, much to Felix and Mabel’s delight.

‘We’ve got early deliveries for the next few days,’ said Felix. ‘How about next Wednesday?’

Roz nodded reluctantly. ‘Alright, but promise me you’ll only be inside for five minutes?’

He placed his hand over his heart. ‘You have my word.’

‘And if you think Lilith suspects anything?’ asked Roz.