‘Well, I thought I’d try a few designs for hat pins. Not ordinary run-of-the-mill ones but some set with semi-precious stones, like this.’ She nudged a drawing towards her employer.

Hermione studied it for a moment then nodded.

‘Knowing how fashionable hats are I thought ladies might like to match the colours with gems like topaz, citrine and garnets, etc. And I’ve also been designing some cufflinks for gentlemen.’

Hermione was more than pleased with her protégée’s designs and felt sure that Oscar would be too, but never one for overpraising she simply nodded and left Ruby to continue with her work.

As Hermione had anticipated, Oscar was delighted with the designs, which she showed him when he visited later that day. ‘I wouldn’t have thought of putting those two different cuts into one ring,’ he said thoughtfully. ‘Or of that shape, for that matter, but it certainly does make for a very unusual piece. I fail to see how my client could be anything but thrilled with it so I’m more than pleased.’

Hermione then told him of Ruby’s ideas for hat pins and once again he was impressed. ‘We’ll take some of the designs to London for William to look at when we go,’ he told her.

As he was about to leave, he told her, ‘I had a letter from Lydia yesterday. She’s asked me for a divorce. It wasn’t entirely unexpected. I think she’s hoping to marry her lord.’

‘Hm.’ Hermione frowned. ‘And how do you feel about that?’

He chewed on his lip for a moment before confessing, ‘To tell the truth, I’m almost relieved, which makes me feel rather guilty. She is the mother of my child, after all, and this will be so final . . . the end to our marriage.’

‘I don’t see why you should feel guilty,’ Hermione said shortly. ‘That woman has led you a merry dance for many a year, so I would expect you to feel relieved. At least then you will be free to get on with the rest of your life. Just make sure you choose more wisely next time.’

Oscar chuckled. ‘I’m not planning on jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire just yet,’ he assured her.

But Hermione didn’t share his amusement. ‘Then you’re a bigger fool than I took you for,’ she said caustically. ‘You have a woman who adores the very ground you walk on and who would walk through fire for you – and I think you know who I am speaking of! Serena Wood is twice the lady Lydia will ever be.’

Twin spots of colour appeared in Oscar’s cheeks. ‘She is also my housekeeper,’ he pointed out.