‘Not too far,’ Mrs Petty answered. ‘But come an’ sit down an’ tell me all about where yer used to live.’

Ruby got the distinct impression that the old woman was keen to change the subject but she went to join her anyway.

‘So why don’t you tell me a bit about yourself now? Why you ran away from home, I mean.’

Ruby instantly closed up like a clam. What her father had done to her was still far too fresh in her mind and just remembering made her feel sick.

‘I, er . . . never really got on with me dad,’ she said in a small voice. ‘So after me mam died I thought it was time to get out of there. Now, shall I make a cup of tea and take some into Maddie and her visitor?’

‘Oh dear me, no!’ Mrs Petty looked horrified at the suggestion. ‘You must never ever disturb her when she’s entertainin’, do you understand?’

Ruby’s eyes stretched wide and she felt confused. Surely it was good manners to offer visitors a cup of tea? Not according to Mrs Petty, though, and suddenly she was curious. ‘So is the visitor a good friend of hers then?’

‘Ask no questions an’ I’ll tell you no lies,’ the woman responded shortly. ‘And now ain’t it time a young ’un like you were gettin’ ready for bed?’

Somewhat subdued, Ruby nodded and after saying goodnight she made her way up to her room. Already she was beginning to wonder at what a curious household she had moved into. There was Nell who was very evasive when Ruby asked about her work and her personal life, and then there was Maddie and Mrs Petty who had been arguing about her when they thought she was out of earshot, although she had no idea why. And how did Maddie manage to live in such an opulent house? She had no job from what Ruby could make of it, so perhaps she had rich parents who indulged her? She was certainly generous, going by what she had spent on her that day, and yet still something didn’t quite feel right. Mrs Petty had almost jumped down her throat when she had suggested that she take tea into Maddie’s visitor, but why?

With a shrug she slid out of her clothes and hopped into bed. The flickering flames in the fireplace cast dancing shadows on the walls and the ceiling and despite the questions about her new friends running through her mind, Ruby couldn’t help but sigh with contentment. This was a far cry from the life she had led with her parents back in the bakery and she supposed she should just enjoy it while it lasted. In no time at all she was fast asleep.

*

The following morning a large Christmas tree was delivered and placed in a bucket of earth in the drawing room.