‘That’s why I’ve been thinkin’ about what she might do when she’s recovered,’ the old man went on. ‘I was thinking she might make a good companion for Hermione. She’s always enjoyed the company of young people, never having had any children of her own.’

‘Hm, you could be right there,’ Oscar answered thoughtfully. Hermione was his father’s sister. When she was younger, she had been heavily involved in the business but she had retired and now lived in Bedworth, a small town just outside Nuneaton, although she still spent her time, or some of it, making designs for the jewellery they made. Her designs were highly praised and she had even been commissioned by royalty to make special pieces for them. ‘Maybe I’ll go to see her and put the idea to her.’

Once he had left his father to rest, he decided that there was no time like the present. He was long overdue for a visit to her so if he went that afternoon, he could kill two birds with one stone.

*

Ruby was gazing out of the window deep in thought when her door opened and to her delight, Nell and Maddie appeared.

‘Oh, you look so much better,’ Maddie said with relief, coming over to her and resting a hand on her shoulder. ‘You really scared us for a while.’

Ruby grinned. ‘Oh, I’m so happy to see you! I don’t remember your other visit at all, though Miss Wood told me you’d been here.’

Maddie took her hand. ‘I’m just sorry I couldn’t come back sooner. The three of us have been beside ourselves with worry, haven’t we, Nell? But what with one thing and another . . .’ She waved her hand airily, as though this explained everything, and looking at Nell’s flushed face, Ruby decided she’d rather not know what had been keeping them away from her.

‘Still,’ Maddie went on brightly, ‘Bill’s been keeping us informed, so we know you’ve been in good hands.’

‘Yes, they’ve all been looking after me very well, so there was no need to worry because I’m fine,’ Ruby assured her. ‘Or I will be when I can get this splint off.’ She patted the offending splint.

‘Hm, well don’t get trying to rush things,’ Maddie advised. ‘Nell, could you go and organise us a nice tray of tea? Oh, and some of Cook’s fancy cakes wouldn’t go amiss if there are any going begging.’ She pulled the pin from her hat and placed it on the chair then settling into her seat, she gazed at Ruby earnestly. Finally, she drew a breath. ‘I want you to know that I’m sorry,’ she said, looking away. ‘Petty and Nell have told me off enough times, but they don’t need to. I should never have tried to force you to work for me like that.’