The head’s office was up a flight of stairs, at the end of a long corridor lined with portraits of past dignitaries who had either run the school or made some important mark in life. Eugenie was sure she’d never be one of them! She was bright enough but not academically brilliant. Not that that mattered too much at this school. The girls were taught all the social graces – how to run a large household, make polite conversation and generally fit into the upper echelons of society. She walked briskly, for it was not the done thing to keep Miss Patterson-Hay waiting. When she issued a command, it had to be obeyed with alacrity.

On reaching the door, she paused to catch her breath, wondering what on earth she had done now. It wasn’t unusual for her to be hauled in front of the head for some misdemeanour, but she couldn’t think what this urgent summons was for. To be taken away from a lesson – something quite unheard of – was worrying.

She knocked firmly and waited.

‘Come.’

Turning the ornate brass doorknob, Eugenie stepped inside the room.

‘Ah, Eugenie.’ Miss Patterson-Hay studied her carefully for a moment and then sighed. ‘Sit down.’

What? Now she really was worried. The girls were never called by their Christian names at the school, and certainly never told to sit in the presence of this lofty personage. She obeyed by perching nervously on the edge of the delicate regency chair, hands clasped in her lap.

‘You are to return home immediately. Pack a small bag. The maid will see to your trunk, and it will be sent on later.’ The head looked at her with something very close to sadness in her eyes.

Eugenie was alarmed. ‘But why, Miss Patterson-Hay? Am I not coming back? Have I done something wrong? Am I being expelled?’

Miss Patterson-Hay held up her hand to stop her. ‘You are not being expelled. Your family have sent for you. That is all I can tell you. Your father’s chauffeur is waiting outside the main entrance for you.’

Forgetting her manners, Eugenie rushed to the window. The Rolls-Royce was parked on the sweeping driveway, with Edwards standing beside it.

‘You have been a bright student, if somewhat wilful at times, Eugenie, and we shall be sorry to lose you.’ The severe lady actually smiled. ‘Apart from the academic studies, we have tried to teach you self-discipline and strength of character. Those qualities will stand you in good stead in the future.’