‘I’ve brought you your tea up, miss.’ Refusing to be intimidated, Ruby crossed to the fire and threw some coal onto the dying flames.

Miranda’s head appeared bleary-eyed with her hair tousled. ‘Pass it over then. I can’t reach it from here, can I?’

Ruby obediently laid the tray across the girl’s lap and plumped up the pillows behind her before asking politely, ‘Will there be anything else, miss?’

‘Well, of course there will, you idiot.’ Miranda scowled at her as she took a sip of her tea. ‘You can sort out what I’m going to wear today and then fetch me some hot water to wash in. You should know what needs to be done without being told!’

‘Sorry, but as I explained I’ve never worked as a maid before, but I’m sure I shall soon pick it up. So what would you like to wear?’ Crossing to the elaborate armoire Ruby opened the doors and was again shocked to see the many lovely gowns hanging there.

‘I think the dark-blue brocade. It’s nice and thick and warm.’ Miranda took another very unladylike slurp of her tea. ‘And I shall need the petticoats to go beneath it and some clean underwear laid out as well.’

Ruby efficiently did as she was asked before shooting off to the kitchen to fetch a jug of hot water. She found Cook expertly flipping bacon in a huge frying pan on the range and the moment Ruby entered the room she asked, ‘So what mood is the little madam in today, then?’

Ruby smiled as she filled the jug from the kettle. ‘Oh, not too bad. Not yet at least.’

The kitchen was a hive of activity as servants rushed about laying the table in the dining room and helping prepare the breakfast for the family. The huge table in the centre of the room was already covered in a variety of dishes that made Ruby’s stomach rumble with anticipation.

‘How many will be down to breakfast?’ she asked, thinking that perhaps the family had visitors.

‘Oh, just the two men an’ the young miss,’ Cook informed her.

Ruby was shocked. There was so much food. How could three people possibly even eat a fraction of it? she wondered.

As if she could read her mind Cook chuckled. ‘Don’t worry. None of it goes to waste. Miss Wood will take a tray up to the mistress and the staff finish what’s left.’

Ruby smiled and shot off back up the stairs with Miranda’s hot water. The girl was out of bed by then and she frowned at her as she entered. ‘About time too,’ she muttered ungratefully, but again Ruby kept the smile plastered to her face.

‘You can go now,’ Miranda ordered when Ruby had poured the water into the bowl. ‘And while I’m down at breakfast you can come back up and tidy my room.’