‘Very well. In fact, I have some good news for you,’ Hermione beamed. ‘Within a very short time of her being here she expressed an interest in goldsmithing so I began to explain to her some of the techniques involved. But it soon became clear that her real flair lay in design so I allowed her to do a few sketches. Some of them are remarkably good so I showed them to Mr Clamp, the goldsmith at the school in the jewellery quarter. He was so impressed that he’s having a few of them made up even as we speak. Ruby has a great eye for detail and I have a feeling that her designs are going to sell really well. She seems to have a natural talent for it. She’s in my workshop right now, and she can’t get enough of it.’

Miranda felt bile rise in her throat as she listened to her great-aunt praising the girl who had been the cause of her having to leave home, but she managed to keep the smile in place as she sipped daintily from the bone china cup. The door opened, then, and speak of the devil, there she was, and looking so different to how Miranda remembered her that she barely recognised her. Ruby seemed older somehow, no doubt owing to the more grown-up hairstyle and the dress she was wearing. Whatever it was, Miranda felt a pang of jealousy as she was forced to acknowledge how attractive she looked.

The first person Ruby saw when she entered the room was her former employer and she smiled broadly, but when she noticed Miranda, the smile slid from her face and she faltered to a stop.

‘Ah, Ruby, look who is here. We have guests for lunch,’ Hermione said.

Remembering her manners, Ruby smiled an acknow-ledgment. ‘Good afternoon, Mr Pembroke, Miss Miranda.’ Ruby inclined her head politely.

‘How are you, my dear?’ Mr Pembroke’s voice was kindly.

‘I’m very well, thank you, sir.’ She looked hesitantly towards Miranda then and was surprised when the older girl gave her a radiant smile.

‘And Aunt Hermione tells us that you are trying your hand at designing,’ Miranda said. ‘How lovely. You must show me some of your drawings before we go.’

‘Yes . . . of course.’ Ruby wasn’t sure whether she should dip her knee or not so decided to just stand there, reeling with shock at the change in Miranda’s attitude towards her. She could never remember her speaking civilly to her before and didn’t quite know what to make of it.

Thankfully, Hermione broke the awkward silence. ‘Sit down then, girl. You’re making the place look untidy. There’s some tea left in the pot. Help yourself to a cup.’