Tremors rippled through her as she thought of what she was planning to do. If she failed, years of belonging to that man faced her; if she succeeded, a life of what? Drudgery, hard work and loneliness, but that would be preferable to the alternative. Her mother didn’t care what happened to her and would be glad to be rid of her. It was a bitter realization, and something she had shied away from admitting before.

The boom of the dinner gong made her jump. A quick glance at the clock on her mantelshelf told her that it was eight thirty. She hadn’t even noticed it getting dark; she’d been preoccupied with her planning. Her mother would be cross about her still being in her school uniform, but there wasn’t time to change now. To arrive late was an even greater crime.

She quickly straightened the grey woollen stockings, made sure the sensible lace-up shoes were clean, put on the maroon jacket and hurried down the stairs just as the second gong sounded. The last thing she felt like doing was eating; yet she must make the effort.

The dining room was empty expect for the butler. ‘Mrs Winford will be dining in her room,’ he informed her solemnly, while holding out her chair at the long table set for only one.

‘If I’d known I would have done the same and saved you from going to all this trouble for me.’

‘It’s no trouble, miss.’

She sat down and made a pretence of eating, as each course was set before her. She was hurting too much, and it was an effort even to swallow. To lose her father was a terrible disaster; to find that they were penniless and that she was expected to go to Greaves was terrifying. The tears gathered again and she stared down at her plate, not knowing or caring what was on it. If she put too much inside her, it would refuse to stay there.

At the end of the meal she said, ‘Please apologize to Mrs Dobson for me. The meal was excellent, as always, but I’m not at all hungry.’

‘Cook will understand.’ He poured her a cup of coffee.

‘Do you have somewhere to go when you leave here?’ she asked.

‘Mrs Dobson and myself have already obtained new places with Lord and Lady Buckheart. They have a fine house in Surrey, and we’re looking forward to working in the country for a change.’

‘Oh, that’s wonderful.’ She really was pleased for them. ‘What about the others?’

‘They all have interviews within the next two days. I expect they will soon be suited.’ He lifted his head proudly. ‘Superior servants are always in demand.’

‘Er …’ She hesitated for only a moment as she schooled her expression and tone of voice to sound casual. ‘How do you go about finding domestic work?’