‘The children have very little and their nutrition is so poor that it hinders their ability to develop through education.’

‘Goodness.’ The Duchess touched her pearls. ‘But there are so many lovely open spaces for the children to run in. That must help them?’

‘Oh yes, you’re right – but still, so many children suffer trauma and sadness in their young lives. With modern practices we ought to be able to save them from a life of low wages and ill health.’

‘I see.’ The Duchess seemed to want the conversation back on safer ground. ‘Well, yes, that sounds very important for unfortunate children and their families – but you must see it is quite different for our girls. What would they need qualifications in?’

‘I would start with the basics. English, history, arithmetic, geography.’

‘And they would have to take examinations in these subjects?’ the Duchess asked.

‘It is proven that being qualified in certain subjects can really boost a child’s self-esteem, yes.’ Marion smiled, thrilled to be able to have this conversation so openly.

The Duke put out his cigarette, and through his difficulty in speech, asked, ‘And how often would the girls be taught all this?’

‘About two hours in the morning and the same in the afternoon, to start with, but as they get older, the hours would naturally get longer.’

‘Every day?’ asked the Duke.

‘Yes.’

‘When would we see them?’ The Duchess sounded anxious. ‘The Duke and I like to spend as much time with our daughters as possible.’

Marion began to realize she might have unsettled their Royal Highnesses. ‘Of course, I am only here until the end of August, as you know,’ she said. ‘I have to get back for my first term of psychology. I worked so hard to get my place. But I would think that any governess you employ would suggest the girls get some proper qualifications.’

Inside, a telephone rang and the Duke checked his watch. ‘That’ll be the PM for me.’ He bent to kiss the girls, who were sprawled over his knees. ‘See you two at luncheon.’

And then he returned inside.

The Duchess stood, and Marion did the same.

‘Girls, say goodbye to Miss Crawford. It’s time for your nap and a story. Miss Crawford will see you again after lunch.’

Marion curtsied. She watched as the mother and daughters, chattering away, left her alone in the garden.

Chapter Four

Royal Lodge, Windsor, March 1932

Not knowing where else to go, Marion returned to the Nursery.

‘How was your first morning?’ Alah asked over the tops of her glasses, as she folded socks from the clothes horse. ‘You’ll have lunch with me and Bobo, won’t you?’

‘I don’t quite know. May I have it with you?’

‘We have some soup and sandwiches coming that you are welcome to share.’ Alah gave Marion a careful glance. ‘We’ve never had a governess to cater for before.’

‘I must be a bit of a guinea pig for you all,’ Marion said lightly.