Ruby grinned as she stared from the window at the river. She didn’t even attempt to get a word in. She had already discovered that when Caroline was in full flow there was no chance of stopping her. And truthfully, she wouldn’t have wished her to and was enjoying every second.

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty

At the house in Belgravia Miss Wood and Mrs Chatsworth were enjoying having time to themselves and were settled in the drawing room with a large pot of tea and a cheery fire. George was studying in his room and the men were still at the shop so it was a good chance for the women to have a chat.

‘You’re looking very well, Serena,’ Esther Chatsworth commented as she helped herself to one of Cook’s tasty pastries. ‘I was so pleased when William told me that you would be coming. You’re so much easier to talk to than Lydia. I must admit, I always found her to be very hard to get on with, although I was shocked when William informed me that she and Oscar had separated. Do you think there’s any chance of a reconciliation?’

Serena looked vaguely uncomfortable as she shook her head. ‘I don’t think so. In fact, I’m sure that Oscar wouldn’t mind me telling you that Lydia has asked for a divorce and he’s agreed to it.’

‘Really?’ Esther Chatsworth gave her a wicked little smile. ‘So just between ourselves there may be a chance for you two now?’

Serena looked shocked. ‘Wh-whatever do you mean?’

‘Oh, come, my dear. It’s as clear as the nose on your face that you care for Oscar and I’ve a sneaky feeling he cares for you too.’

Serena sniffed and folded her hands primly in her lap. ‘I should also point out that I am merely Oscar’s housekeeper.’

‘So?’ Esther grinned. ‘Times are changing. And don’t forget that Oscar wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth. His father worked hard to build this business up and comes from working-class roots so Oscar doesn’t have a snobbish bone in his body – although I must admit I was quite surprised to hear how he had taken Ruby under his wing. But then that was before I met her and now that I have, I can quite see why. She’s a delightful young lady and she and Caroline are getting on like a house on fire. Talented too, so it’s nice to see that she’s been given this chance. But now, tell me about Miranda. Has her temper improved? I can admit now that I never took to the girl, she was too much like her mother.’

‘Yes, she could be a little . . . difficult,’ Serena agreed tactfully. ‘But she seems to have calmed down now. In fact, she seems to be quite taken with Ruby lately.’