The next hour was one of the nicest Ruby could remember as she and Mrs B played with her hair and finally between them they managed to get it into some sort of style. When Mrs B nudged her in front of the mirror hanging above the fireplace, Ruby was shocked to see a young woman staring back at her. So shocked that she barely recognised herself.

‘I . . . I feel so different,’ she whispered.

Mrs B grinned. ‘You’re growin’ up,’ she said stoically.

Ruby said nothing. She could have told her that she’d been forced to grow up on the day her father had raped her, but she didn’t want to spoil the mood and so instead she donned a huge apron to protect her lovely new dress and went outside to find Hermione, who was once again working in the garden.

*

Back in the house in Erdington, Mr Pembroke was in his workshop when Betty tapped on the door and went inside. ‘I’m sorry to disturb you, sir, but the mistress is here to see you.’

Oscar looked surprised and stood up. ‘Thank you, Betty, I’ll be right out.’

He wondered what Lydia could want. The last time she’d called they’d ended up having a blazing row after she had insisted that he should raise her monthly allowance. When he had refused, she’d had a tantrum and he hoped it wasn’t going to be the same today.

However, when he joined her in the sitting room she looked remarkably composed and even managed a smile when he entered the room.

‘Ah, Oscar,’ she greeted him. ‘I have come to ask a little favour.’

‘Oh yes.’ He remained standing as he eyed her warily.

‘The thing is, Miranda has written to inform me that she will be having a three-week holiday from school the week after next and I wondered if she might stay here with you? I am going away myself, you see? I thought a little break would do me good and she’ll be bored staying with Mama and Papa.’

‘Of course she can,’ he said instantly, although he was mildly surprised. Lydia had never ventured anywhere alone before. ‘And are you going anywhere nice?’

‘I’m going to Spain,’ she told him as she rose from her seat. ‘But now that is settled, I really must be going. I shall write back to Miranda and ask her to let you know when to expect her.’

As she pulled on her gloves, he fancied that she had lost a little weight, and was that a new gown she was wearing? He couldn’t remember seeing it before but it looked very expensive. He stifled a sigh. She would no doubt have charged it to his account but at least she was being civil, in fact, she looked better than she had for a long time. Their being apart clearly suited her.