After lunch they wrapped up warmly and although Ruby felt a little ridiculous in the coat and hat that Maddie had bought for her, she was warm at least. They boarded a tram that took them right into Birmingham city centre and once they alighted Maddie walked briskly until they came to a jeweller’s shop displaying very expensive items of jewellery in the window.

‘Now, this is what I want you to do: I shall be looking at some rings but when I look at you and nod, I want you to pretend to feel faint and fall down. Distract the jeweller, in other words. Do you think you could do that?’

Totally confused, Ruby frowned. ‘But why would you want me to do that?’

‘Just do it.’ There was a hard note that she had never heard in Maddie’s voice before and Ruby chewed on her lip. Even so she followed her into the shop and stood silently as the jeweller fetched a selection of very expensive rings from the window for Maddie to look at.

‘Hm, this sapphire is very pretty, but could I look at some emerald ones and perhaps a few diamond ones as well?’

The jeweller almost tripped up in his haste to please her as he smiled at Ruby. ‘Of course, madam, and may I say what an enchanting little girl you have.’

‘Thank you.’ Maddie inclined her head setting the feathers on her very expensive bonnet bobbing as Ruby blushed. Little girl, indeed! She was fifteen years old, but then she supposed he could be forgiven for thinking she was younger in the clothes she was dressed in.

The man was back in seconds with yet more rings for Maddie to look at and as Ruby stared at them all sparkling in the light, she grew quite hot with nerves. What game was Maddie playing? she wondered, and why on earth would she want her to pretend to be ill? Eventually the counter was strewn with gems and still Maddie sighed uncertainly.

‘Oh dear, it’s so hard to make a choice,’ she said and looking towards Ruby she gave a small nod.

Ruby knew this was her cue and said, ‘I don’t feel very well.’ She began to sway before dropping to the floor.

‘Oh, the poor child.’ The jeweller was round the counter in a moment as he and Maddie bent over her. ‘Perhaps a glass of water would help?’

‘Oh yes, yes please,’ Maddie answered, looking distressed, and he rushed away to get it. He was soon back and as Maddie held the glass to Ruby’s lips, she blinked her eyes open.

‘Oh, thank goodness, she’s coming round.’ Maddie made a great play of helping Ruby to her feet. ‘I think I should get her home immediately. I’m so sorry for any inconvenience we’ve caused.’