‘It was a pleasure,’ Miss Wood assured her. ‘Now let’s get you into your gown and then I really must get ready myself. I don’t want to let the side down.’ If truth be told she was almost as excited at the prospect of an evening out with Oscar as Ruby was, although outwardly she remained as cool as a cucumber.

Fifteen minutes later the transformation was complete and as Miss Wood turned Ruby to look in the cheval mirror, Ruby hardly recognised herself. The soft green satin complemented her complexion and she was momentarily struck dumb.

‘You look absolutely stunning,’ Miss Wood whispered and Ruby thought she detected a catch in her voice. But then Miss Wood turned to go, saying, ‘Be sure to take your cloak, dear. It’s still very cold out, and I’ll see you down in the drawing room shortly.’ With that she was gone, leaving Ruby to preen in the mirror as she stroked and admired the delicate guipure lace trimming her neckline.

Soon after she made her way carefully downstairs to find George and Caroline already waiting in the drawing room.

George’s eyes were openly admiring as she walked in and Caroline clapped her hands together. ‘Oh, Ruby, you look just lovely,’ she declared.

‘You look rather beautiful yourself,’ Ruby answered, and it was the truth. Caroline was wearing a sky-blue gown that matched the colour of her eyes to perfection and her long fair hair had been pulled into the nape of her neck and tied with a matching ribbon from which ringlets cascaded down her slender back.

‘You both look lovely,’ George told them, bringing a dull flush to Ruby’s cheeks as the men joined them.

‘How about a drop of brandy before we go, Oscar?’ Mr Chatsworth suggested, looking very smart in his black evening suit. ‘And as it’s a rather special night, I don’t see why we shouldn’t let these young ones have a little drop of wine. I do mean a drop though,’ he warned as Caroline grinned.

Very soon the ladies joined them and Ruby noted the way Mr Pembroke’s eyes rested on Miss Wood who looked really lovely. Her dress was in a pale-lilac chiffon over a satin skirt that billowed about her legs with every step she took and her hair was dressed in curls on the back of her head, making her look very sophisticated. Ruby realised with a little shock that Miss Wood was still a very attractive woman indeed – Mr Pembroke certainly seemed to think so, and the thought made her smile. Mrs Chatsworth had also made an effort and looked very regal in royal-blue velvet and pearls.