She had written to George, sending him the number and the address: The Highlands Guest House, Church Street, Kensington.

And today he was arriving in London.

‘Crawfie dear, may I ask why you wish to leave your duties a little earlier tonight?’ The Duchess smiled, a particular smile that Marion knew preceded a change in mood. Her lips had tightened and her eyes were steady and intent on Crawfie’s own. ‘Only, it is of great inconvenience to the Duke and me this evening.’

Crawfie knew from asking Ainslie earlier, that the royal couple had no engagements and would be dining alone at home. She had fully hoped that she would be given permission to meet George.

‘Of course, ma’am. I was going to meet a friend, but I can do that another time.’ How else could Crawfie reply?

‘Thank you.’

Crawfie was dismissed.

She left the room and returned to the nursery, where the Princesses were diligently working on the assignments she had left with them.

Alah looked up from her darning, noticing Crawfie’s glum face. ‘She said no?’

Crawfie nodded.

‘Who said no?’ asked Princess Margaret.

Lilibet gave her a frown. ‘Don’t ask personal questions. It is rude.’

Margaret stuck her tongue out at her sister. ‘It’s not rude to ask questions. Crawfie always says that asking questions helps us to understand things. Isn’t that right, Crawfie?’

Alah ignored her. ‘The girls have almost finished their work and I promised them a walk in the gardens when you got back.’

Crawfie looked at the clock on the mantel. It was four now and she was due to meet George at five thirty, but she wouldn’t finish her duties until six thirty. Would George wait for her? There was no way she could get a message to him to let him know what had happened.

‘I think there will be lots of conkers to collect,’ Lilibet said.

Crawfie was pulled back to the present. ‘Conkers?’

‘Yes.’ Margaret joined in. ‘Bobo said she would have them baked hard by Cook in the oven. Then we can beat Papa. You said you would take us.’

Crawfie put her anxiety to one side. She could think about this later. ‘All right then, girls. Put your work away neatly and get your coats on.’

When they had gone to collect their outdoor clothes, Alah whispered, ‘What time are you meeting your friend?’ She had managed to get as much as she could out of Crawfie, which wasn’t much, but she did know that a gentleman friend was on his way from Scotland to meet her at the Leicester Square Lyons Corner House. Crawfie shook her head. ‘Five thirty, but there’s no chance now.’

‘Look, you have the Princesses back here by five and nobody will know if you slip off. I’ll be telling no one and Bobo will not dare.’

‘But suppose the Duke and Duchess come looking for me?’

‘Then you’ll have a headache and be sleeping soundly. I’ll tell any callers that you are not to be disturbed. Now get your coat and collect some conkers.’