Ray was looking at her, waiting.

Maggie swallowed. ‘I wouldn’t blame you,’ she said, ‘I wouldn’t blame you if you told me to take a running jump after the way, well, after Sunday and the barn and everything but I’ve been thinking about your offer, Mr Maguire, your very … very kind offer. The tandem?’

Ray nodded. His dark eyes were fixed on her, he was listening intently.

‘If you’re still willing to teach me, I’d like to say yes.’

His eyes narrowed. He looked as though he didn’t quite believe her. ‘It’s not ready yet,’ he said evenly.

‘No, no … there’s no rush. Or rather, there is, but …’

His mouth was twitching. ‘I should have it finished by next weekend,’ he said. ‘We’ll need to practise. Forty miles in one day is quite a trek. Do you think you’re up to it?’

A stab of doubt hit her. Forty miles? But she lifted her chin. ‘I think I can, yes.’

‘Miss Corbett!’ It was Miss Sharp, calling from the terrace. ‘His Lordship would like a word. In his office. Now!’

Chapter 24

‘Ah, Miss Corbett. Please, do come in and close the door.’

Maggie’s heart was thrumming. Why had she been singled out like this so suddenly? Perhaps she was about to be dismissed, after all, for being half-German and therefore half-an-enemy? Or, maybe Dad had discovered her whereabouts and was demanding she come home? Oh, please not that. For all the ups and downs of this place, she’d still rather be at Snowden Hall than back in the East End with him.

No, more likely, it was to do with Pam’s missing pound note. She glanced around the room, expecting to see a copper, notebook in hand, ready to question her. But there was only Lord Ashford, in a white shirt and a smart brown suit and tie. He was perched on the windowsill, his legs crossed at the ankle.

‘I’ve been selfish, Miss Corbett,’ he said, indicating that she should take the chair in front of his desk.

On the blotting pad in front of her, a small brown teddy bear was propped up against an inkwell. It looked like the one little Rudi had been playing with, down in the basement. He got everywhere, that child. Even, it seemed, into his Lordship’s office.

She’d missed some of what he was saying.

‘I beg your pardon?’ Maggie asked.

‘I said I’ve been selfish, Miss Corbett. If you’re going to teach me German, I should offer you something in return.’

Of course. How could she have forgotten about his request?

‘I’ll do it!’ she said, relief making her forget herself for a moment. ‘Sir,’ she added, more quietly.

He smiled and raised his eyebrows. ‘Excellent!’ Then his voice became more teasing. ‘But you haven’t heard my side of the bargain yet, Miss Corbett.’