Sleep evaded Ruby as she tossed and turned throughout the night. Part of her was thrilled that at last she was going to meet the woman who had given birth to her, but the other half was full of questions. Miranda had said that she was ill. Did that mean that she might be dying and they would never have a chance to form a bond – that was assuming that her mother even wanted to? And why had she given her away in the first place? Was it because she hadn’t wanted her, or because she had had no choice? So many questions were swimming around in her head that she was relieved when she saw the first streaks of dawn colouring the sky. Rising, she washed and dressed and by the time Hermione came downstairs Ruby was waiting for her in the drawing room.

‘Goodness me, you’re up early,’ the woman commented. Peering closely at her she frowned. ‘You’re looking a bit peaky. Are you not feeling well?’

‘Oh, I’m fine.’ Ruby forced a smile. ‘In fact, I’ve had some new ideas for designs so I think I’ll get straight to work.’

‘Very well.’ Hermione nodded, but her mind was full of questions. The girl was as jumpy as a kitten. ‘But have some breakfast first,’ she advised.

Just the thought of eating at the moment made Ruby feel nauseous but she nodded. ‘Of course.’ And she pottered off to the kitchen to help Mrs B prepare it, although how she was going to force anything down, she didn’t know. Hermione had been so kind to her and she longed to share her good news but then, she consoled herself, once the visit was over, she could tell everyone. In fact in just a few short hours she could tell the world, and the thought of it brought a lump to her throat.

The rest of the day passed interminably slowly but at last Ruby said goodnight to Hermione and Mrs B and rushed off to her room where once again she tossed and turned through the night. The next morning she was up bright and early again, although Hermione noticed she had dark circles beneath her eyes and looked worn out.

‘I thought I might go out for a few hours today to do a bit of shopping,’ Ruby said casually to Hermione at breakfast.

‘It’s your day off so you can do as you please,’ Hermione pointed out as Ruby pushed the food about her plate. Once more she had barely eaten a thing and Hermione was growing concerned about her.

‘Did Ruby seem herself to you?’ Mrs B asked when Ruby had left shortly after breakfast.