‘Lovely.’ He smiled at her, making her heart race. ‘And could you bring an extra cup for yourself while you’re at it. I have something I’d like to ask you.’

All of a fluster she set off wondering what it could be.

She returned soon after and as she poured the tea, he told her about the letter he had received from Lydia asking for a divorce.

‘I see . . . I’m sorry,’ she said, outwardly calm as she handed him his cup. But when she lifted her own cup her hands were shaking slightly.

‘Don’t be. It was inevitable and I shall be writing back today to tell her that I agree to it on any grounds she likes. It won’t happen overnight, though. It could take a few years before the divorce is final.’

When she nodded but made no further comment he went on, ‘But that isn’t what I asked you in here for actually. You see, I wondered if you would care to accompany myself and Ruby to London in a couple of weeks’ time?’

She was so taken aback and thrilled at the request that it was a moment before she found her voice. ‘I would love to.’

He rubbed his hands together. ‘Excellent. It will make things appear more formal – compared to me travelling with a young woman on my own, I mean. I don’t want to start tongues wagging. There’ll be enough gossip when word of the divorce gets out.’

‘It’s nice that you’ve been so kind to the girl,’ Serena said quietly.

He smiled. ‘It would be hard not to be. She’s such a lovely girl, isn’t she? And so keen to learn the trade. I always hoped that Miranda would want to be a part of the family business but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. I like to encourage young people, and another one I’m considering setting on at the jewellery school is young Bill. He’s expressed an interest in the trade and I thought I might offer him a part-time apprenticeship. That way he could still live and work here and I could hire another young chap to help him. What do you think?’

‘I think it’s a wonderful idea.’ When she smiled, he noticed how attractive the dimples in her cheeks were, and he quickly averted his eyes.

‘Of course, if there are any clothes or anything you need for the trip do please charge it to me,’ he said, hurriedly.

Serena shook her head. ‘Thank you but I’m sure I have everything I shall need, and anyway, surely I shall be dining with the servants once we get there?’