‘And why is that?’ Knowing Miranda as she did, something didn’t sound quite right to Esther.

Serena shrugged. ‘I have no idea. Perhaps she’s finally growing up.’

‘Hm, well I shall believe it when I see it.’ Esther didn’t look at all convinced but seeing that Serena was looking vaguely uncomfortable she quickly changed the subject.

*

‘Ah here you are,’ Mrs Chatsworth said cheerily as the girls returned home later that afternoon, their cheeks glowing and happy smiles on their faces.

‘Oh, we’ve had such a lovely time, Mama,’ Caroline said as she dropped into the seat by the fire. ‘I took Ruby on a sightseeing tour and it was wonderful.’

Ruby nodded in agreement, her eyes bright. Today was a day that she would never forget; she couldn’t remember a time when she had enjoyed herself more. She had seen so many of the landmarks that she had never thought she would see and she was still bubbling with excitement.

‘Excellent. But now help yourselves to some tea to warm up and then you’ll just have time to change before dinner,’ Mrs Chatsworth said indulgently, and the girls were only too happy to oblige.

*

Once again, the mood was light as they all sat at the dining table that evening and Mr Chatsworth was full of praise for Ruby’s designs. ‘Your designs are like a breath of fresh air, my dear,’ he told her and Ruby flushed with pleasure. After the morning spent at the shop, her head was already full of new ideas and she could hardly wait to get started on them.

‘I’ve already set the goldsmiths to work on some of the ones you showed me,’ Mr Chatsworth went on as he loaded his fork with tender roast beef. ‘And hopefully some of them will be ready for you to see before you go home.’

‘Oh, don’t keep talking about work, Papa,’ Caroline interrupted. ‘What would you like to do tomorrow, Ruby?’

Ruby looked uncomfortable. As much as she had enjoyed her afternoon, she was very aware that she was there to work and she didn’t want to take advantage of her hosts.

Seeing her discomfort Mr Chatsworth smiled at his daughter. ‘I was rather hoping that Ruby would come to the shop again in the morning,’ he told her. ‘But I’m sure you could arrange something for the afternoon, if you wish.’

‘Oh, no really . . .’ Ruby looked very concerned. ‘I’m quite happy to work.’

‘We’ll see,’ Mrs Chatsworth interjected. ‘But I do have a little surprise for you. For all of you as it happens. I’ve booked us tickets to go to the opera on Wednesday evening. Have you ever been to one, Ruby?’

Ruby shook her head as Caroline clapped her hands with delight. ‘Oh, you’ll be able to wear that beautiful green gown that you said you’ve never worn,’ she told Ruby excitedly.