Caroline shook her head as she helped herself to another chocolate and offered the box to Ruby. ‘I am not! I know George and I think he’s smitten.’

Ruby quickly steered the conversation in another direction and the rest of the evening passed so pleasantly that before she knew it, she was stifling a yawn.

‘Oh, my dear. You must be so tired after your journey,’ Mrs Chatsworth said kindly. ‘Please feel free to retire if you wish. I’ve had Hattie put a stone hot-water bottle in your bed and the fire in your room has been lit, so do go up whenever you like.’

‘I think I will if you don’t mind.’ Ruby said her goodnights and made her way up to her room where she stood by the window and stared out at the rooftops of London.

‘I wonder what you would think if you could see me now, Mam?’ she whispered, thinking of the kindly woman who had brought her up. ‘I hope you would be proud of me.’ Then she quickly undressed and after carefully hanging her gown away she hopped into bed and within seconds of her head hitting the pillow was fast asleep.

*

‘Morning, miss, I brought you some tea.’

As Hattie’s voice reached down through the deep layers of sleep, Ruby opened her eyes and stared blearily up at her.

‘Thank you,’ she mumbled. ‘What time is it?’

‘It’s after eight, miss,’ Hattie informed her cheerfully as she laid the tea tray on a small table next to the bed. ‘And Mrs Chatsworth says you’re to join them all in the dining room as soon as you’re ready.’

‘After eight!’ Ruby sat bolt upright. ‘Oh, I can’t believe I’ve overslept.’

Hattie grinned as Ruby jumped out of bed and ran about snatching up the clothes she intended to wear. ‘Don’t worry, miss. Mr Pembroke isn’t down yet either, so there’s no need to rush. While you have your tea, I’ll go and get you a jug of hot water for you to have a wash.’

‘Th-thank you.’ Ruby felt very guilty. She had thought she would have difficulty sleeping in yet another strange bed but she had slept like a log. Hurrying over to the wardrobe she selected a gown that she thought would be suitable to wear to the shop and once Hattie had returned with the hot water she hurriedly washed and dressed and pinned up her hair. Then snatching up her folder of designs, she hastened downstairs.

Mr Pembroke had also just entered the dining room where their hosts were waiting for them but there was no sign of Miss Wood as yet, nor Caroline, although George was there, looking very handsome in a pin-striped suit and smart waistcoat.

‘I’m so sorry,’ Ruby said. ‘I overslept.’