‘Time will tell,’ Miss Wood answered. ‘But we shall have to think about getting Ruby some new clothes. She can hardly be seen wearing those if she’s going to be catering to Miss Miranda’s needs.’

Humiliated, Ruby stared down at her shabby skirt. She had left everything Maddie had bought for her behind – it had seemed wrong to take it – and so she was once again dressed in the clothes she had arrived in before Christmas.

Lately, it seemed that everyone was keen to dress her. She just hoped that Miss Wood would choose her something a little more grown-up than Maddie had.

‘Not to worry,’ Miss Wood said softly as if she sensed that she had embarrassed her. ‘We’re sure to have a maid’s dress somewhere that you can wear till we can get you some new things.’

Suddenly Ruby was aware of the tantalising smell of frying bacon. Cook was busily preparing the breakfast and she realised that she was hungry. She hadn’t been able to eat a thing the night before after Maddie had told her what she had planned.

‘Right, it’s time I was off.’ Mrs Petty drained her cup and stood up. ‘You be good now and I’ll be back to see you soon, eh?’

Ruby was touched to see that there were tears in her eyes and rising quickly she gave her an impulsive hug, realising how much she was going to miss her. There had been so many goodbyes in her life recently.

Mrs Petty bustled away without another word as Miss Wood gently pressed her back into her seat. ‘You just sit there and have some breakfast and when you’re done, we’ll see about finding some clothes that fit you and I’ll explain what your job entails.’ She gave Ruby a gentle smile and left the room. Once she was alone, Ruby wondered what this next stage of her life would entail. One thing was for sure, nothing could be as bad as having to return to the man she had always called her father, and somehow, she would make the best of it, especially if it meant she didn’t have to steal jewellery for a living.

Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

As soon as breakfast had been served to the family, the staff sat down to eat and Ruby was shocked at the number of people seated around the table; she could only assume that the family must be large to warrant so many servants. She had no idea what their names were as yet, although she had no doubt she would get to know them all in time, so she sat quietly listening to them chatter. She was just finishing her meal when the door slammed open and the young maid who had admitted them earlier came in, her crisp white apron stained with tea and her mop cap all askew.