‘I just wish the weather had been a bit better so I could have gone to see Maddie,’ she confided to Miss Wood as they sat enjoying a hot drink in the kitchen together as Cook prepared the lunch. The snow was still falling and now lay thick on the ground, which would have made the long walk to Maddie’s very difficult.

‘Why don’t I ask Mr Pembroke if Bill could drive you there in the carriage?’ Miss Wood offered kindly.

Ruby instantly looked flustered. ‘Oh no . . . thank you for the offer but it would seem very cheeky.’

‘Why would it?’ Serena grinned as she rose from her seat. ‘Just leave it with me.’ And she left before Ruby could say another word. She was back within minutes to tell her, ‘Mr Pembroke has no objections at all. He wasn’t going anywhere today anyway so if Bill is happy to take you, there’s no problem. Will you ask him, or shall I?’

‘Ask me what?’ Bill entered the kitchen carrying a large scuttle full of coal, which he placed on the hearth next to the roaring fire.

‘We were wondering if you would mind driving Ruby to visit Maddie in Vittoria Street this afternoon?’

‘Of course I wouldn’t.’ He gave Ruby a warm smile. ‘What time would you like to leave?’

‘Not afore she’s had some lunch!’ Cook piped up, her face rosy from leaning over the vegetables that were bubbling on the range. ‘Make it about two o’clock.’

Bill nodded, only too happy to oblige.

*

They set off promptly after lunch and as Bill helped her up into the carriage and placed a warm rug about her knees, Ruby felt quite the lady. She just wished that he could have travelled in the carriage with her rather than having to drive.

The journey took slightly longer than usual because of the conditions on the road, but thankfully the main roads were clear, although still treacherously slippery so they went slowly as Bill was concerned about the horses damaging their legs.

‘We can’t stay too long,’ he warned Ruby when they eventually arrived. He threw two warm blankets across the horses’ backs and attached their nosebags. ‘I don’t want the horses getting a chill.’

Ruby willingly agreed and together they entered the house. Nell and Mrs Petty were in the kitchen and she greeted them effusively. ‘Eeh, I never thought you’d make it in this weather, bab.’ Mrs Petty quickly helped them off with their coats and ushered them towards the chairs by the fire. ‘You must be perished through,’ she said kindly. ‘I’ll make you both a nice hot drink.’

Ruby removed her hat and placed it on the table before asking, ‘Where is Maddie?’

‘She’s in the drawing room reading the newspaper the last I saw of her,’ Mrs Petty informed her. ‘Why don’t you go through?’