Miss Everett chattered happily, not noticing her dressmaker was distracted or that her fingers shook as she pinned the hem of the dress. Only a word or two penetrated Philomena’s thoughts. “Lady Selena…” and “Ripped her dress…”

Philomena concentrated as the girl rattled on. “It was quite shocking. Lord Thatcham was so angry that he positively reprimanded Selena. He is very fierce, of course, despite being so handsome.” The girl frowned. “Perhaps he would not be such a very good husband, after all.”

“Surely he was not angry because Lady Selena tore her gown?” Philomena ventured, ignoring a pang of guilt at encouraging gossip.

“Oh no, it was to do with Mr. Arthur Muldrow. Lady Selena, you see, has a special fondness for him, but her brother dislikes him. Lord Thatcham saw them together and took her straight away. It was the most diverting thing I have seen in my life.” She giggled, delighted. “But what I was going to say was that Lady Selena is meeting me here. I told her all about you and the tiny stitches you use, and she said she had once known someone who sewed like a fairy and that she was sure no other would manage nearly as well.”

Miss Everett paused for breath. “So I said that, of course, you were every bit as good, and Miss Selena said she did not think you could be and then she asked me all about you. I told her what you look like, Miss Tailor, for you are much prettier than the other dressmakers.”

Miss Everett paused again, leaving Philomena open mouthed. She dropped a ribbon on the floor and bent to pick it up, her mind racing while her fingers fumbled. Before she had time to speak, there was a knock at the door.

“Oh, I believe that is Selena, now,” said Miss Everett. “Do let her in.”

Philomena had no choice. Half running, half-reluctant, she opened the door. Selena jumped into her arms with a shriek of joy. “Oh, I prayed it would be you. Dear Philomena, I am so happy to have found you!” There were real tears in her eyes as she held Philomena by both hands. “How could you come here and fool us all into thinking you had gone to Bristol?” Selena said, laughing. “You are so very wicked. I must give you another hug.”

Philomena, very aware of Miss Everett’s round-eyed astonishment, gently removed Selena’s hands and closed the door. “I am pleased to see you,” she said, and then whispered in Selena’s ear. “Pray take care. I am not a suitable companion for you.”

Selena laughed aloud. “Not suitable! Why, you are an old friend of our family, and I do not mind that Lucy knows it.”