Ruby’s heart started to beat a little faster at the possibility of having to live under the same roof with her again but her fears were unfounded when Hermione declared, ‘There is absolutely no chance of that happening! Why, we’d be at each other’s throats in no time because I wouldn’t put up with her tantrums. She’s obviously already tried her father and he’s stood firm, which is to his credit, but I wonder if she’s tried her mother? If she has and Lydia has told her she won’t have her, then I’m surprised.’ She tapped her lip thoughtfully for a moment but then she threw the letter onto the table and stood up. ‘Come along. I think we’ll do a bit of work in the garden this morning. It’s far too nice to be locked away in the workshop, then this afternoon Mrs Besom is bringing your new gowns and not before time, eh? But then she has apologised for being a bit late. Apparently, she’s been very busy.’

Ruby had been for her final fitting the week before and now she could hardly wait to see the finished gowns and when they arrived later that day, she was delighted with them and thought they had been well worth waiting for. Mrs Besom had recommended she try the latest fashion, which was a tight-fitting top with a straight skirt at the front and a small bustle at the back. They were easily the most fashionable gowns that Ruby had ever owned and they made her feel very grown-up. Since losing the baby she had noticed that her breasts were developing and although she realised she would always be petite, at least she was beginning to feel more womanly now.

She thanked Hermione profusely for them when Mrs Besom had gone but the woman waved her thanks aside. She was not one for shows of affection as Ruby had discovered.

‘Just go and put one on and let’s see you looking a bit more colourful,’ the woman told her, and Ruby was only too happy to oblige.

‘You look lovely, luvvie,’ Mrs B told her when she entered the kitchen a short time later wearing a pretty lemon linen gown covered in tiny sprigs of lavender. ‘But . . .’ She tapped her lip thoughtfully with her forefinger for a moment before suggesting, ‘Perhaps it’s time we did something a little bit more grown-up with your hair too. Not that your plait doesn’t look nice but . . .’

Ruby grinned. ‘And what would you suggest?’

‘Well, most o’ the young girls I’m seein’ out an’ about have their hair taken up at the back with little ringlets hangin’ down either side. Yours should work a treat seein’ as you have naturally curly hair. Go an’ get some grips off Hermione an’ we’ll have a little practice, eh?’