Knowing that Clarissa had to prepare for the evening ahead, she said politely, ‘It’s been very nice to meet you, Mr Forsythe, but I really have to be going,’ at the same time as she became aware that next to his height and breadth – he must be at least six foot two inches or so and his shoulders were broad under his evening clothes – she felt unusually small and feminine and it wasn’t an unpleasant sensation. There was a fresh clean smell emanating from him and although he was clean-shaven the faint bluish hue about his chin went hand in hand with his wavy jet-black hair. He was somehow disturbing, a small section of her mind told her, and not just because he was handsome although he certainly was. No, it was more the presence he carried with him. Telling herself she was being ridiculous and hoping she didn’t appear as flustered as she felt, she said to Clarissa, ‘Thank you for a lovely tea.’

‘Oh, I enjoyed it immensely and don’t forget you promised to come for lunch on Thursday,’ Clarissa said, leaning forward and kissing her on both cheeks. ‘I’ll get Pearson to take you home.’

Had she promised to come for lunch on Thursday? Clarissa had asked her earlier when she was escorting her round the house, but to Ruby’s mind she’d parried the invitation, hoping Clarissa wouldn’t pursue it. Clarissa was being gracious, and she was clearly a genuinely warm-hearted woman, but the social gulf between them was so huge no amount of gratitude on Clarissa’s part could bridge it. She must see that?

Highly embarrassed now, and wondering what Clarissa’s brother was thinking, Ruby said awkwardly, ‘That’s really very nice of you but I don’t think—’

‘But you’re on holiday this week, you told me so,’ Clarissa interrupted before she could finish. ‘Oh, Ruby, please spare the time.’ Clarissa took her hands, shaking them slightly. ‘We can lunch down by the lake – it’s lovely and cool there in the shade of the trees. Edward, tell her she must come.’

Edward looked at Ruby, a wry twist to his lips. ‘She’s like a miniature steamroller, Miss Morgan, take it from me, and always gets her own way. Thoroughly spoiled by our parents, I’m afraid, and Godfrey took over from where they left off.’

‘Oh, you!’ Clarissa pushed her brother with sisterly disapproval. ‘You make me out to be a brat.’

‘Well . . .’ Edward grinned at Ruby and she had to smile back; they were like a double act, they really were.

‘You’ll come?’ Clarissa said again.

Ruby nodded. ‘Thank you.’ Edward was right, Clarissa was an unstoppable force, and anyway she would be back at work next week and normal life would have to resume. Why not take this brief step out of reality and enjoy it for what it was worth – a glimpse into how the other half lived.