Realizing that she was being given serious responsibility, Rosie felt a blush of pride colour her cheeks. ‘I’ll certainly do my best, your ladyship.’

‘We can live simply, frugally here; after all, we have no choice these days. There won’t be endless splendid parties like we had at Dowry House, nor society dinners, just a simple quiet life.’ Lady Veronica’s eyes strayed to the view through the kitchen windows. ‘We’re lucky enough to find peace in these awful times.’

After viewing her own room – neat and pretty with blue chintz curtains and a matching bedspread, plus stunning views out over the lake – Rosie was escorted to the east tower. After ascending the echoing stone staircase, Rosie gazed in rapt delight at the narrow slitted windows which lined the circular space looking out over the forest and the sloping emerald lawn.

‘It’s like a fairy-tale,’ Rosie cried in delight. ‘It’s just perfect!’

Shortly before Rosie left to catch the bus back to Mary Vale, she and Lady Veronica enjoyed a pot of tea, which Rosie, longing to explore the kitchen on her own, more than willingly brewed.

‘Would you mind if I left all the hiring to you, Rose? It’s really not my territory,’ Lady Veronica said, as she popped a cigarette into a long silver holder and lit it with a silver lighter which was on the coffee table before them.

Though Rosie slightly quailed at the awesome thought of hiring and firing staff, she straightened her back. ‘If you think I’m up to the job, and you trust me with your instructions, who am I to disagree?’

‘Excellent,’ Lady Veronica replied. ‘I’ll never forget the trust I had in you during your time at Dowry House. You were always such a devoted maid.’

‘I loved my time with you, ma’am.’

Veronica smiled. ‘Not withstanding certain marital flies in the ointment,’ she teased.

Seeing Rosie blush at her mention of the Brigadier, Lady Veronica politely asked, ‘Have there been any developments on your husband’s whereabouts since we last met, Rose?’

‘No, but Sybil’s promised to make further enquiries while she’s in London,’ Rosie said hopefully. ‘She has a few influential connections and she’s going to approach them.’

‘I have a few whom I could approach too,’ Lady Veronica promised; then, reaching into her handbag, she pulled out a set of keys for Zophony House, which she handed to Rosie.

‘All yours,’ she smiled. ‘I’ve arranged with the chauffeur to keep an eye on the place until your arrival, which I hope will be very soon.’

Rosie took the keys and gripped them in her hands. ‘I’ve a few things to sort out with the children and Mrs Larkin, who looks after them; once that’s done, I can move in immediately to take up my post,’ Rosie promised.