‘So what would you like me to lay out for you to wear, miss?’

Mabel’s voice brought her thoughts firmly back to the present and she started. ‘Oh, I err … I’m not sure. What do you think, Mabel? Mr Fitzherbert is taking me out for a meal so nothing too fussy, I think.’

‘What about this one?’ Mabel held up one of the new gowns Ruby had bought for her in a soft blue colour. ‘This one would look lovely with the new coat you bought the other day, and it’s smart rather than dressy.’

Kitty nodded in agreement. The dress was pretty but not overly fussy so Mabel carefully laid it out on the bed without a word although Kitty sensed that there was something she wanted to say. When she caught her eye, Mabel flushed and Kitty asked, ‘Is there anything bothering you, Mabel?’

‘Well, it’s just … be careful, miss. Mr Fitzherbert has a reputation with the ladies, and I wouldn’t like to see you get hurt. I mean, you’re only seventeen, miss, and well, he’s all of thirty. Oh dear. I hope I haven’t spoken out of turn, miss.’ Mabel looked mortified.

Kitty sniffed. As far she was concerned it was nothing to do with Mabel who she chose to go out with, and yet deep down she knew that the girl was only trying to look out for her so she forced a smile.

‘I’m only going out for a meal with him,’ she said quietly. ‘It’s not as if I’m going to marry him.’

‘Huh! From what I’ve heard of him, no one will ever get him to put a ring on their finger. Mr Fitzherbert is the love ’em an’ leave ’em type o’ chap,’ Mabel snorted, then remembering who she was talking to again she blushed an even deeper shade of red and said quickly, ‘Looks like your hair is dry now, miss. Shall I dress it for you?’

The atmosphere was somewhat strained between them as Mabel helped her to get ready and Kitty found herself thinking what a good idea it might be to have Maggie as her maid, after all. She was sure that Maggie wouldn’t go poking her nose in where it wasn’t wanted, but it would all depend on the outcome of her interview with Ruby the following day. She could only cross her fingers that all would go well.

As soon as Kitty was ready she made her way downstairs where she found Miss Fox waiting for her in the hall ready to put in her two penn’orth.

‘Now don’t get staying out too late.’

Kitty eyed her coldly. Here was yet another servant trying to tell her what she could or couldn’t do.

‘Please don’t concern yourself, Miss Fox. We’re only going for a meal, not planning to elope.’ She couldn’t keep the sarcasm from her voice but Miss Fox appeared unfazed.

‘That’s as may be, but Richard Fitzherbert eats little girls like you for dinner and spits them out afterwards – so just be mindful of that.’