She found herself in a tiny box-like room that smelled of smoke, greasepaint, stale sweat and cheap perfume. A dressing table with a cracked mirror and a small stool in front of it stood against one wall, and a selection of paint and powder was set out on it, along with an overflowing ashtray. There was a screen in one corner for getting changed behind and a chair – but she saw at a glance that the only place where she could hang her precious gown was on a nail that had been hammered into the wall. With a sigh, she supposed it would have to do.

Once the dress was hung up she straightened her back and began to practise her scales as Miss Lark had taught her. Max had decided to go for tried and trusted numbers that were popular with the public. As the minutes passed Kitty began to grow ever more nervous. She had no idea what the time was as there wasn’t a clock in the room, but at last the door opened and Ruby appeared.

‘Right, let’s get you changed. It’s almost time for you to go on and there’s a full house tonight,’ she told her cheerily.

By then Kitty just wanted to get it over with so she stood still as Ruby helped her into her dress and fastened it. She then slid her feet into the pretty satin slippers and pulled her gloves on before sitting down at the dressing table for Ruby to brush her hair. They had decided to leave it loose as Ruby thought it made her look innocent. They had also discussed whether or not she should wear any jewellery but again Ruby had insisted that the simplicity of her gown was what made it so stunning.

‘There then,’ Ruby said with satisfaction after she had brushed Kitty’s hair until it gleamed in the dim lights. ‘You go out there and break a leg, my girl!’

When Kitty looked horrified she giggled. ‘Don’t worry, I don’t mean it literally. It’s just a showbusiness expression that’s used meaning “go out there and make them sit up!”’

‘That’s a relief then.’ Kitty managed a faltering smile as Ruby made for the door. This was all so new to her. ‘What do I do now?’

‘Just sit there and when it’s time for you to go on, someone will come and take you into the wings. It should only be a few minutes now. There’s a comedian on at the moment. He’s awful and the audience are giving him a terrible time so you’re going to have to work hard to get their attention back, but I’m sure you can do it. Good luck.’

Kitty gulped as she stared at herself in the mirror, wishing she was safely back at Treetops, or anywhere rather than here. But there was no going back now. All she could do was her best and hope that it was good enough. When the tap came to the door she almost jumped out of her skin as a voice called, ‘Miss Nightingale. Into the wings, please. You’re due on in five minutes.’