‘Yes, Mary. Curls. They are so very much of the hour, and as Nature has not—’ Fanny stopped, momentarily flustered, then cleared her throat to continue. ‘On your behalf, I have discussed it with Hall and he is of the professional opinion that your terrible illness has taken its toll. In consequence and as per the very latest in medical thinking, he recommends that we …’ At which point, her voice dipped into a mumble and the words ran out at speed.

‘Forgive me’ – a quick rest – ‘Ma-ma, I could not quite catch—’

‘Ah. Indeed.’ Fanny’s eyes froze wide in pure panic. ‘Yes. I was saying.’ The same voice now rose up to a squeak. ‘Shaving the head … can bring on a miracle … Or so it is said.’

For a long moment, Mary stood still by the bed, stared at its occupant and thought, not for the first time, that she might be a lunatic. Then, as if back in the schoolroom trying to grasp the subjunctive, she slowly repeated that which she thought she had heard. ‘You have kindly arranged for my head to be shaved.’

‘Correct!’ Fanny exclaimed, in seeming relief that her message had landed so well. ‘My dear, please believe that your father and I want only the best for you. Since the moment we met, my dedication to your improvement has been unfaltering, as I am sure you have noticed?’

‘Thank you, Mama.’

‘The dancing masters, the music teachers – the pony I personally found: all these things were arranged by your loving mama in the interest of your future; the improvement of your chances. My dear, do believe me when I say that – though you may well struggle to believe it – you are, actually, really, one of the fortunate. But if I may – there has always been this one tiny matter crying out for improvement.’

‘And here you speak of my hair.’ Mary had a momentary vision of Booker’s likely reaction.

‘Precisely. You know, Mary, your papa does have the very highest hopes of your eventual success. Dear man.’ She smiled and shook her head as if almost in sorrow. ‘Such a fond parent … Surely it is in both of our interests to at least try to ensure his wishes are met?’

‘Forgive me, Mama.’ Mary’s icy calm tone belied the wild storm in her breast, ‘but I feel it important to establish I have quite understood. So my first ball is in a fortnight, I shall present with no hair and you do not expect any adverse effect on my “chances”?’