The door at the top of the stairs opened to another world. There was a long passage, and the walls were covered with delicate gold and pale lemon wallpaper. Portraits and paintings by famous artists lined the long hall. Most of the furniture was the work of famous designers and very expensive. One of the aims of the Templeton School had been to teach them to identify and appreciate things of quality. The floor was highly polished wood with the most beautiful carpet runner she had ever seen, in the same colours as the wallpaper. Add to that breathtaking Venetian chandeliers and you had a house furnished to the highest standard. Her mother would be impressed and very jealous if she could see this.

The housekeeper stopped outside a door, knocked and waited. As soon as a female voice called to enter, she disappeared inside, leaving Jenny to gaze around her in appreciation.

It was only a couple of minutes before the door opened again.

‘Madam will see you. And watch your manners,’ the housekeeper said, her voice stern.

The woman sitting by the window with a book open on her lap was around forty-five and beautifully groomed, her blonde hair cut short in the latest bob. Jenny dipped a good curtsy in front of her. Her first emotion was one of profound relief that she had never met the lady at some social function her mother had dragged her to during the school holidays. Though it was doubtful if anyone would recognize the shabby Jenny Baker as being Eugenie Winford. She kept her eyes lowered as Mrs Stannard read the letter.

Mrs Stannard looked up after a few moments. ‘You are in urgent need of employment?’

‘Yes, madam.’ She was trying hard not to speak any more than was necessary, knowing how difficult she found it to stick to a working-class accent.

‘What do you think, Mrs Douglas? I do prefer to have someone with good references.’

‘Mrs Dearing always sends us good staff, madam. And we are in great need of an under housemaid, so perhaps a three-month trial?’

The mistress turned her attention back to Jenny. ‘We are prepared to take you on and see how you work out. The uniform will cost you four pounds, but for that you will be outfitted with a complete wardrobe of working clothes.’

Jenny pulled the pound notes out of her pocket and held them out. ‘I’ve got enough for that.’

Mrs Stannard nodded and glanced at the letter again. ‘Very well, Jenny, give the money to Mrs Douglas.’

The housekeeper took the money and tucked it in her dress pocket, then caught hold of her arm and ushered her from the room.

Once back in the kitchen Mrs Douglas called a young girl over. ‘Edna, this is Jenny; she’s to be the new under housemaid. You will be sharing a room with her.’