As detectives Bunfit and Gager investigate the theft of the iron box, Lizzie becomes increasingly anxious because she still possesses the diamonds, even while enjoying the sympathy and public attention created by the supposed robbery. A second burglary soon takes place in London and this time the necklace is genuinely stolen, leaving Lizzie unable to report the truth without exposing the lie she had already told about losing it during the first robbery. Suspicion spreads toward Lord George and others, while Frank continues to defend Lizzie at the cost of neglecting Lucy, although he gradually recognizes that his cousin’s conduct reflects a pattern of deliberate deception rather than a single mistake. As the police investigation closes in and the confidence of Lizzie’s friends begins to disappear, her determination to possess the diamonds threatens the very wealth, reputation, and relationships she had hoped the jewels would protect.
