He had waved his hand angrily. ‘Did, do, it makes no difference. It’s what Ruby thinks that counts.’

Remembering this now, Clarissa said softly, ‘He’s not happy, Ruby. I know he’s not. His letters . . . Well, they don’t sound like Edward.’

‘Some people find it difficult to express themselves on paper.’ The words were spoken so quietly as to be almost a whisper.

‘Not Edward. I know he’s—’

‘Clarissa.’ Now it was Ruby who paused. From barely being able to get the words out she knew she had barked her friend’s name. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said more calmly, ‘but I don’t want to discuss this. He is engaged to be married and that’s the end of it. It’s – it’s all for the best.’

‘Do you really believe that?’

‘Yes.’ She had to believe it, needed to, otherwise she would go mad. ‘Yes, I do.’

Clarissa inclined her head. She wasn’t convinced but she felt as though she had said as much as she could.

They talked a little more before Clarissa left and Ruby went downstairs to work in her sewing room. It was a Sunday morning and for once she was glad that she was so busy she had to keep her nose to the grindstone non-stop over the next few days if she was going to fulfil her commitments. It meant she couldn’t think about anything else but the job in hand and that was what she needed.

Apart from stopping for a quick bite at lunchtime and again about six o’clock she worked through till midnight, and she only ceased then because she was so tired she was in danger of falling asleep sitting at her work table. But she had got through a mountain of work, which was satisfying and would also take the pressure off herself and the two girls in the coming week. She had already warned them to make it clear to customers that no further alterations could be promised before Christmas, and that any clothes must be sold strictly on that understanding until the New Year.

When she walked into the flat, her gaze was drawn to the luxurious carrier bag that held Clarissa’s gift and she felt a stab of contrition. She hoped she hadn’t appeared ungrateful in refusing her friend’s invitation for Christmas Day, but the memories of the previous two years when she had been in Edward’s company would have been too much in her present state of mind.