Panic threatened to choke her, so she took a deep breath and tried to compose herself. Miranda would get fed up of waiting for her eventually and she would come back for her. She dropped down onto the metal-framed bed and eyed the room as tears trickled down her cheeks. The walls were painted a dull, drab brown and were smeared with all manner of things that she didn’t even want to think about, while the floor was rough planks, and apart from the bed and a bucket that stood in one corner which, judging by the evil smell emitting from it, served as a toilet, the room was empty. There was a tiny window but it was set so high into the wall that she doubted she would be able to see through it even if she stood on the bed, and her heart went out to the poor patients who had to live in these terrible rooms. There was not an ounce of comfort anywhere and she wondered how her mother had survived in such a place. But she won’t have to any longer, she promised herself. I shall get her out of this dreadful place just as soon as they realise their mistake and take me to her.

Hermione had shown her nothing but kindness and she had no doubt that once she knew what was happening, she would let her mother stay with them so that Ruby could nurse her back to health.

*

Miranda clambered into the carriage waiting at the end of the drive with a smug smile on her face, and nodding to the driver she told him, ‘Back to the train station, if you please.’

He frowned. ‘Only the one of you, is it, miss?’

‘Yes. Now drive on and mind your own business,’ she told him imperiously, so with a shrug he clambered up into the driver’s seat and set the horses in motion. As long as he got his fare it was no business of his after all.

*

It was late afternoon when Mrs B commented, ‘Ruby’s late, ain’t she? Unless she decided to hop on the train an’ go an’ see Miss Wood.’

‘Hm, though usually she would tell us,’ Hermione answered, as she placed the carrots she had just fetched from the garden onto the table. She wasn’t overly concerned as yet. After all, it was Ruby’s day off to spend as she wished. But then something occurred to her. ‘Did she tell you not to cook a meal for her?’

Mrs B shook her head.

‘There you are then; she’ll be back for dinner. Now I’d better go and get washed and changed; I think I have half the garden beneath my fingernails.’ And she sailed off leaving Mrs B to prepare the meal.

*