‘I know of a very good restaurant in Dean Street in Soho. It’s called The French House and the food is quite superb – unless there is somewhere else you would prefer to go, that is?’

‘Oh no, that sounds lovely,’ she said shyly, and they were soon negotiating the narrow streets of Soho, quite close to the Palm Beach Club.

‘You look quite delightful this evening,’ Richard whispered as he took her arm possessively and led her up a flight of stairs to the restaurant. ‘Every man we meet will be green with envy when they see you on my arm, and every woman will be jealous of your beauty.’

Kitty felt as if she was floating on a cloud as she tripped along at the side of him. They were shown to a table set in a small alcove and from the waiter’s greeting it was clear that Richard was a well-known client there. The table was laid with a crisp white cloth and gleaming silver cutlery; crystal glasses winked in the candlelight.

Richard ordered for both of them with Kitty’s consent but truthfully afterwards she couldn’t even recall what they had eaten, she was far too busy basking in the admiring glances she was receiving from Richard and the other diners.

When the meal was over he led her back to the car and told her regretfully, ‘There is nothing more I would like than to take you dancing now, but I don’t want to upset your aunt and deliver you home at an ungodly hour. Perhaps next time?’

Kitty doubted whether Ruby would even be in when they got back and she would have loved the night to continue. Even so, she did not wish to appear forward so she remained silent as he drove her home through the busy night-time streets of London. Once they were parked outside Brunswick Villa he slid his arm along the back of her seat and took her hand, making little shocks of pleasure ripple all the way up her arm.

‘I’ve really enjoyed this evening. Perhaps we should do it again soon? And I’d like you to come to the studio to have some more photographs taken too, if you could spare the time, darling Kitty. There would be no charge, of course.’

Richard leaned over then and brushed her lips with his, and Kitty was disappointed when he moved away. He had awakened sensations in her that she had never known before – but he was walking around to her side of the car now, and once he had helped her out he escorted her to the front door, saying, ‘I shall be in touch again very soon. Goodnight.’

‘Goodnight.’ Her voice came out as a squeak and she stood there as if she was glued to the ground, watching until his car turned the corner and disappeared from sight.

Her happy mood vanished instantly when the door was flung open by a stony-faced Miss Fox, who caught her by the arm and almost hauled her over the doorstep.