‘Let’s just hope that she stays with her mother,’ Mrs Chatsworth said quietly to Serena. She had never had much time for Miranda, or for her mother for that matter. From what she could see they were cut from the same cloth: rude and selfish. Admittedly she had felt a little sorry for Oscar when he had told her that Lydia wanted a divorce but secretly, she thought he would be well shot of her particularly as— She stopped her thoughts from going any further. She had guessed many years ago that Serena was in love with him and wondered why he couldn’t see it. But then, men tended to be very slow when it came to matters of the heart. She could only hope that eventually he would see what a wonderful, warm person she was. Her thoughts were interrupted when Caroline burst into the room looking as fresh as a daisy.

‘Morning, everyone.’ She smiled round at them all, noting with amusement the way George’s eyes were fixed on Ruby again. ‘Did everyone sleep well?’

A murmur rippled round the room in reply as the maid came in with the breakfast and they took their seats at the table.

‘I thought I might come into the shop with you this morning, Papa, if you don’t mind,’ Caroline said as she helped herself to a slice of toast and began to spread it with butter and marmalade.

Her father’s lips twitched with amusement. He could read his daughter like a book. ‘Oh yes. And why would that be?’

‘Well . . .’ She batted her eyelashes prettily at him. ‘I thought perhaps that when you were done with Ruby, she and I might find a little time to do some shopping.’

He shook his head and laughed. ‘You women and your shopping. But yes, I don’t see why not. There’s a lot I want Ruby to see but I don’t suppose it all needs to be seen today. Why don’t you come to the shop at lunchtime and collect Ruby from there? You could take her for a little lunch somewhere before doing your shopping.’

Caroline quickly pecked him on the cheek and gave him a dimpled smile. ‘You really are the best!’

Another ripple of laughter echoed around the table and Ruby felt herself laughing with them.

The happy atmosphere lasted for the rest of the meal with Caroline chattering like a sparrow as her brother struggled to get a word in, and despite the fact that he constantly scolded her and told her to be quiet, Ruby could see how close they were and once again she couldn’t help feeling a little jealous.