Lilibet frowned. ‘No one could ever be too tired for a quick carriage ride.’ She shook the dressing gown cord and encouraged her invisible horses. ‘Walk on, giddy up – we haven’t all night.’ She proceeded to tilt her body round unseen corners until Alah tapped her watch. ‘That’s enough now.’

‘Whoa, boys. Good boys.’ The Princess reined them in to a halt. ‘Alah will take you back to your stables, and maybe there will be a carrot for each of you.’

Alah rolled the dressing gown cords from the bed posts, and settled her charge to lie down.

Marion smiled. ‘Do you often drive your horses in bed?’

‘Oh yes. I have to exercise them, you see. Are you going to stay with us for long?’

‘For a little while, yes.’

‘Good. Grandpa says I need someone to teach me neat handwriting. By the way, what has happened to your hair?’

Marion smiled conspiratorially. ‘Well, I used to have very long hair but it took a lot of looking after, like a horse’s mane or tail, so …’ She lifted her hat. ‘I had it cut short.’

‘Goodness!’ Lilibet looked shocked. ‘I have never seen a girl with short hair before.’

Marion feigned surprise. ‘But I heard that it’s all the fashion at the moment.’

The little Princess frowned. ‘Is it?’

‘Yes. It’s called the Eton Crop.’

‘Like the Eton schoolboys? How funny. Alah, may I have an Eton crop, please?’

Alah frowned. ‘Now, young lady, you just lie down and go to sleep. Miss Crawford has come all the way from Scotland and she’ll be tired and hungry. Settle down now. You’ll see her in the morning.’

‘Very well.’ Lilibet rested her head on the pillow. ‘Goodnight, Miss Crawford.’

‘May I call you Lilibet?’ Marion asked, not wanting to make an unpardonable mistake.

‘Yes, please.’

‘In that case, goodnight, Lilibet.’

Alah signalled for her to leave as she tucked the little Princess in.

Waiting on the landing, Marion heard Lilibet whispering to Alah, ‘She’s nice, isn’t she? I like her. I hope Margaret does too.’

‘I’m sure she will. Now close your eyes and sleep well.’

Marion moved away from the door and went to one of the windows, not wanting Alah to think she had been eavesdropping.

Alah gently closed the door behind her. ‘Miss Crawford, you must be tired after your long journey.’

‘I’m fine, thank you.’

‘I have asked the kitchen to send a supper tray to your room.’

‘Thank you. That’s very kind.’

‘Not at all. You’re across the landing here.’

Alah opened the door onto a comfortable room, decorated in the same pink and fawn hues as the Princesses’ bedroom. A fire was burning gaily in the grate and in front of it was a small card table with a supper tray set upon it.

‘It’s a pretty room, isn’t it? The Duchess’s favourite colours.’ Alah reached for the coal tongs and took two lumps from the scuttle to place on the flames. ‘If you find yourself needing more coal, just ring for the housemaid. The bell pull is by the mantelpiece.’