Flabbergasted, Rosie was seriously struggling to find words. ‘Your ladyship,’ she said, as she bobbed the customary curtsy. ‘What on earth are you doing here at Mary Vale House?’ Realizing that up until recently the singular purpose of the Home was a hide-away for unmarried mothers, Rosie clamped a hand over her mouth. Could it be that Lady Veronica was here to have a baby too? The very thought brought a blazing blush to her cheeks. As if reading her embarrassed thoughts, Lady Veronica smiled.

‘Don’t worry, darling, I’m here solely for one purpose – to see you, of course.’

Completely overcome, Rosie turned to Sybil, who was hanging back some way behind her.

‘Please let me introduce you to my closest friend.’

Extending her hand, ever confident Sybil stepped forward, saying, ‘Delighted to meet you, Lady Veronica.’

The two women locked eyes.

‘You must be Sybil Harwood,’ the visitor said. ‘My father mentioned you.’

Knowing what Lord Stow might have said about her, certainly nothing good, Sybil managed to remain calm and composed.

‘I had the honour of meeting Lord Stow recently,’ she replied diplomatically.

Looking Sybil straight in the eye, Lady Veronica said, ‘I’ll come straight to the point – it’s so much simpler.’

Rosie trembled in fear at what would come next, while Sybil stuck out her small determined chin – she could take what was coming. But, surprisingly, what she wasn’t expecting was gratitude.

‘I came here to thank you both from the bottom of my heart,’ Lady Veronica explained.

Rosie gaped at her in disbelief. ‘You drove all the way from London to thank us?’

‘No, of course not,’ Lady Veronica laughed. ‘I’m staying with friends in the Windermere area. I knew of your address from Dowry House’s trusty butler,’ she said with a sly smile. ‘Seeing as I was in your neck of the woods, I thought I’d swing by to say hello.’

Seeing Rosie completely out of her depth, Sybil took charge. ‘Would you like a cup of tea or something to eat?’ she asked politely.

‘No, thanks, that’s most kind, but I’d love it if we could find somewhere nice and private to talk,’ Lady Veronica replied.

After settling their visitor on a bench facing the sea and as far away from the House as possible, Rosie and Sybil waited, sitting on the lawn in front of her, for their visitor to speak.

‘As I said,’ Lady Veronica started, ‘I’m here to thank you both. I always knew you were a devoted maid, Rose, but what you have done, and years after you left my service, was an act of deep kindness.’

‘The truth always preyed on my mind, your ladyship,’ Rosie mumbled. ‘It was only when I met Sybil’ – she nodded in her friend’s direction – ‘that I felt strong enough, and bold enough, to approach Lord Stow.’

Turning to Sybil, Lady Veronica said kindly, ‘You stuck your neck out too, I hear?’