‘Spend it wisely now,’ Miss Fox warned and with a cheeky grin, Kitty promised her that they would.

They took the omnibus to High Street Kensington and were soon browsing around the store called Derry & Toms, which had been opened in 1860 by Joseph Toms and his brother-in-law, Charles Derry.

‘I really don’t want anything fussy, I’m not a frilly sort of person,’ Maggie said stubbornly, turning her nose up at the dress Kitty was holding up for her to see.

Eventually she chose two day dresses. To Kitty’s mind they were far too plain but Maggie seemed happy with them. One was a dark navy blue and the other was an unobtrusive pale silver grey.

‘The grey one will be ideal for about the house and the navy one will be nice when I have to accompany you to rehearsals,’ Maggie stated. They went on to find her a pair of sensible black shoes, the only sort she would look at, a good quality navy coat and hat, and a selection of underwear and nightwear.

‘We still have a considerable amount of money left,’ Kitty said, counting out the cash in her bag. ‘More than enough to get you a fancier dress for going out in.’

‘And where am I supposed to go, to wear a fancy dress?’ Maggie raised an eyebrow. ‘I only know you in London and I am a servant now, remember.’

‘That’s not strictly true. You know Arthur and his family, and Mrs Partridge has already said she’d love you to visit her on your days off. And as far as I’m concerned, you’re my companion – that sounds much better and you could wear a pretty dress when you accompany me to the theatres on my performance nights.’

‘I think all eyes will be on you while you’re onstage; I’ll be hidden away in your dressing room,’ Maggie pointed out and Kitty didn’t really have an argument for that. ‘Besides,’ her friend went on, ‘we’ve spent quite enough money already and I intend to pay back every penny from my wages.’

‘Well, at least we can go somewhere nice for lunch before we head for home.’

Maggie sighed but gave in gracefully as Kitty led the way to a very expensive little eating-house that Ruby had taken her to.

They arrived home mid-afternoon laden down with boxes and bags to find Ruby entertaining Richard and Max in the drawing room.

‘Ah, here you are, sweetheart,’ Ruby cried girlishly. She was wearing a gown that displayed so much cleavage, Kitty was in fear of her breasts spilling out of it, but she went in to join them as Maggie carried all her new things up to her room in several journeys. Kitty was still inwardly reeling from the terrible secret that Maggie had confided to her. Now she knew why the other girl had always looked so sad and haunted. But as ever, her heart began to beat faster at the sight of Richard and when he patted the sofa at the side of him she went to join him willingly.