‘Perhaps she just met a friend from her past and decided to stay the night,’ Oscar said hopefully.

Hermione shook her head. ‘She’s never mentioned a friend to me. To be honest, from the little she has said I don’t think she had much of a life when she lived at the bakery. Her father was a slave-driver and her mother was under his thumb. And anyway, if that were the case, I’m sure she would have got word to us.’

‘Then perhaps we should report her missing to the police,’ Oscar suggested.

Again Hermione shook her head. ‘Let’s give her a little longer,’ she said cautiously, very aware that if they went down that route they would have to tell the police that some very valuable gems had gone missing with her.

Oscar sank onto a chair as Mrs B poured the tea, but no one really wanted it and it grew cold in the cups as they racked their brains as to where the girl could be.

*

Ruby was lying on her bed staring into space when the cell door opened and Nurse Keen appeared with an elderly gentleman carrying a black leather doctor’s bag. The man was almost as far round as he was high with thinning grey hair and a florid complexion. His suit looked as if it was good quality, although it was shiny with wear, and as he advanced on her Ruby wrinkled her nose at the smell of stale sweat, whisky and tobacco.

‘So this is the new arrival, is it?’ He pushed his steel-framed spectacles further up his nose and grinned, showing stained and rotting teeth.

Ruby pulled herself to a sitting position and glared at him.

‘I’m Dr Pearse. And do you know what your name is?’

‘Of course I do! I’m not a simpleton.’ Ruby was indignant. ‘My name is Ruby Carter, sir! And I am being held here against my will.’

‘Of course you are, me dear.’ He placed his bag on the end of the bed and after rummaging inside it Ruby shuddered with horror as she saw him produce a jar full of leeches. ‘They all say that when they first arrive. But don’t you worry, I’m going to make you better.’

‘Not with those disgusting things you’re not!’ Ruby said haughtily.

He frowned as he turned to look at Nurse Keen and after giving her an almost imperceptible nod, she quickly stepped out onto the landing to summon another nurse. She then produced some thick rope from her pocket and as the two nurses advanced on her Ruby tried to push past them, guessing what they were going to do. But it was no use, within seconds they had taken an arm each and flung her onto her back on the bed, and although she kicked and fought, before she knew it, they had secured her hands to the metal bedposts.