When Lizzie wears the diamonds publicly, the dispute becomes increasingly serious, with Mr Camperdown insisting that they are unquestionably an heirloom while Lizzie remains determined to keep them in her own possession. Lord Fawn tries to escape his engagement, and Lizzie turns increasingly toward Frank Greystock for legal and emotional support, even beginning to imagine him as a possible husband despite his engagement to Lucy Morris. Frank himself is tempted by his beautiful and wealthy cousin and neglects Lucy, although Lucy continues to preserve both her dignity and her genuine love for him. As Lizzie gathers a new circle at Portray Castle in Scotland, including Lord George, Mrs Carbuncle, and Lucinda Roanoke, questions of money, marriage, reputation, and the disputed necklace become ever more dangerously entangled.
