Betty frowned. No one in the entire house was feeling very kindly inclined towards the girl at the moment after what she’d done. ‘Mr Pembroke has confined her to her room an’ she’s sulkin’.’ She grinned. ‘Serves her right an’ all, although I don’t think she really believes her dad will carry out his threat of sendin’ her away. But why don’t you go an’ rest for a bit. I’ll stay here an’ keep me eye on Ruby.’

‘Well . . . only if you’re sure,’ Miss Wood answered doubtfully, glancing at Ruby. She was feeling rather stiff after sitting there for most of the day. ‘In that case I’ll stretch my legs but I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me and we’ll take it in turns through the night.’

‘I’ll be right as ninepence an’ I won’t take me eyes off her, I promise.’

And so Miss Wood left Betty to it and carried her mug down to the kitchen. It looked set to be a long night if they took it in turns but she was just grateful Ruby was still alive.

*

Ruby had a restless night and she was in a lot of pain, but when Miss Wood carried a breakfast tray up to her early the next morning at least she was properly awake, which was a good sign.

‘So how are you feeling today, dear?’ she asked gently.

‘I hurt everywhere.’ Ruby’s face was as pale as lint and the spattering of freckles across her nose stood out in stark contrast. ‘It’s my leg and my back mainly.’

‘I’ll give you some more drops of the medicine,’ Miss Wood told her. ‘That should ease it a little.’ She sighed as she prepared it. At some point she was going to have to speak to Ruby about the child she was carrying and there seemed no point in delaying so after helping Ruby to sip at the drink she sat down at the side of the bed. ‘Why did Miranda attack you?’

‘I think it was because she saw me an’ Bill go for a walk on Sunday.’ Ruby frowned. ‘I think she was jealous because she likes him, at least I think she does. Bill says she’s always hanging around him when he’s working outside.’

‘I see.’ Miss Wood nodded choosing her words carefully. ‘And do you like Bill too, Ruby?’

‘Of course I do, he’s me friend,’ Ruby stated in surprise. ‘So is Nell. We all went for a walk together.’

This was proving harder than she had expected and Miss Wood licked her lips. ‘And have you and Bill ever, er . . . gone for a walk alone?’

Ruby looked puzzled. ‘I don’t think so. Why?’