‘Let’s go and see how the housekeeper is getting on with your room now,’ Kitty suggested and Maggie shook off her gloomy thoughts and after a final weak smile at Arthur, followed her friend inside.

The room, she discovered, was very basic but clean and comfortable and Maggie was happy enough with it. After pointing out where the servants’ bathroom was situated, the housekeeper took her leave. A large sash-cord window overlooked the surrounding streets, and Kitty couldn’t help but think what a long way down it was to the ground below when she peeped through it.

‘I shall let you have some of my toilette things and a nightgown until we can go shopping.’ Kitty turned her attention back to Maggie and again the girl was grateful, although she looked as if she might burst into tears at any second. ‘Come on, let’s go down to my room and collect a few things now, although I don’t think my day clothes will fit you.’ Kitty eyed her doubtfully up and down. Maggie was considerably taller than her. Very tall for a woman, in fact, and she was also a much bigger build. ‘But never mind, we’ll set off and go shopping for whatever you need first thing in the morning.’ She was trying desperately hard to cheer Maggie up but the girl stood rigidly and was very pale.

Without thinking, Kitty held her hand out to her and asked, ‘Are you missing your family?’

A quick shake of Maggie’s head was her answer as she ignored Kitty’s outstretched hand and again Kitty wished that the girl would confide in her. She was sure that Maggie would feel so much better if she did, but she didn’t want to try and force her.

‘I’m so happy we bumped into each other, we’re going to have so much fun together. I feel as if you’ve brought a little bit of home with you,’ Kitty said brightly, dropping her hand and turning towards the door. ‘Come on, let’s go and fetch the things you’re going to need and get you settled in, then I’ll introduce you to the cook and the rest of the staff. You’ll soon get to know them all if you’re eating with them in the kitchen.’ She would have preferred for Maggie to dine with her mother and herself in the dining room as Miss Fox did, but hadn’t liked to suggest it just yet. But she would when the time was right.

Maggie quietly followed her down to the next landing where Kitty’s room was situated and Kitty began to toss things she thought her friend might need onto the bed.

First was a very pretty linen nightgown trimmed with lace that Maggie was reluctant to accept.

‘Ruby bought me three so I won’t miss it,’ Kitty assured her as she saw Maggie’s puzzled expression.

‘If she is your mother, why do you always address her as Ruby or Aunt?’ Maggie dared to ask. It had been puzzling her.