‘Thank you, ma’am. And thank you for having me.’ Remembering what Hermione had taught her, Ruby bobbed her knee.

The woman waved her hand. ‘Oh, my dear, you don’t have to stand on ceremony when you are with us,’ she told her. ‘You are our guest and most welcome. And, Serena, how are you? It’s been some time since I last saw you.’ The two women had met on a number of occasions when she and her husband had visited Oscar in Birmingham, although that had been some time ago now.

‘I’m very well, thank you.’ Serena extended her hand, but before they could say another word the door opened and the most beautiful young woman Ruby had ever seen burst in like a ray of sunshine, closely followed by an extremely attractive young man.

‘Caroline, please remember your manners,’ Mrs Chatsworth scolded, although her eyes were twinkling with amusement. ‘I’m so sorry. You must excuse my daughter’s rather hasty entrance. She’s been so looking forward to you coming,’ she told the visitors.

Caroline made a beeline for Ruby and thrust her hand out saying, ‘Hello, you must be Ruby. Papa has told us all about you and how clever you are. I’m Caroline.’

‘I’m pleased to meet you.’ Ruby was smiling as she looked back at her. Caroline’s hair was straight and platinum blonde, almost silver, and fell down her back like a silken cloak. Her eyes were a lovely lavender colour and she was tall and slim. Ruby judged she must be about the same age as herself but she didn’t have time to take in any more before Caroline unceremoniously grabbed the young man’s hand and yanked him forward. ‘This is George, my brother. He’s older than me and very studious. In fact, he’s no fun at all.’ She pouted but her eyes were laughing as he grinned and made to clip her ear.

He too held his hand out to Ruby and as their hands connected, could she have known it, his heart did a funny little flip. She was a complete contrast to his sister. Whereas Caroline was tall, Ruby was small and petite and with her shock of curly red hair he thought she was quite beautiful.

‘George is at medical school training to be a doctor, but he’s on holiday this week,’ Mrs Chatsworth explained with a note of pride in her voice as the door opened once more and the maid rolled a tea trolley in.

Once the tea had been served, Caroline drew Ruby to one side and soon they were deep in conversation as the elders discussed the shop and business.

‘It’s so nice to have someone close to my own age to stay,’ Caroline chirped happily. ‘How old are you Ruby?’

‘I’m seventeen.’