‘Yes, your feet are too small for anybody’s cast-offs – I did try. Well, you had better get yourself up our stairs and make a quiet entrance; don’t be too flash. If Miss Rosie’s meeting you by the Christmas tree, I’ll stand there with you and serve drinks, to support you both. Mistress Isabelle won’t dare make a scene, once you are both up and dancing, as she won’t want her night spoiled. So she’ll just have to accept you.’ Mazy looked at her precious son. He was good enough for anybody, in her eyes, and she would walk through hell to protect him.

‘Thank you, Mother. You know how I feel about Rosie, I had to be with her tonight.’ Ethan kissed his mother and held her tightly.

‘Aye, well, your father will have something to say to us both in the morning no doubt. But it’ll be worth it, just for the pair of you to turn a few heads and to let them know nothing’s going to stand between you.’ Mazy wiped her eyes with her hanky and led the way up the servants’ stairs, weaving through the crowds to where the Christmas tree stood.

‘She’s not here yet. I can see her father talking to Mrs Fox, but I can’t see Rosie, nor her mother.’ Ethan gazed around the room at all the well-to-do guests and tried to hide behind his mother, as she picked up a tray of full champagne glasses from the dresser and offered them to passing revellers.

‘She’ll be here, don’t fret. She keeps her promises, does Rosie – not like that Jane, who seems to be occupied with a young man. Although her mother and Mr Atkinson don’t seem that happy with her, by the look of the glances they are giving her and the young man. Happen you won’t be the scandal of the evening after all.’ Mazy smiled as her tray started to empty to all the partygoers.

‘Ethan! Ethan, I’m here.’ Rosie tugged on his jacket and pulled him towards her into the relative quiet of the drawing-room doorway.

‘I couldn’t see you. How do I look – swanky, eh? Not so much a stable boy now.’ Ethan grinned. He held his hands and arms out and looked himself up and down. ‘Do you think you can afford to be seen with me, Miss Atkinson?’

‘Oh, Ethan, I wouldn’t be bothered if you were still in your old work clothes, as long as we are together. But yes, I’m right proud to be on the arm of such a good-looking man. Let’s see what they do about us now.’ Rosie grinned.