Her mother was suddenly all dishevelled sweetness and light again and Kitty accepted what she was telling her without question as she took the newspaper from her and quickly read the write-up.

‘That’s excellent!’ she exclaimed when she’d done.

‘It certainly is,’ Max agreed. ‘And I was just telling your aunt that I’ve already secured you four more bookings all over London.’

‘Really?’ Kitty hugged herself with delight. ‘When is the first one?’

‘At the beginning of next week, which will give us time to order another new stage costume. You’re going to need quite an extensive wardrobe at this rate. Oh, and Richard is very keen to take some photographs too. I was wondering if you could visit his studio again tomorrow afternoon?’

‘Of course,’ Kitty willingly agreed. ‘Maggie can come with me.’

Max intervened with: ‘Actually, I think Richard would prefer you to go alone. He doesn’t like an audience when he’s working and I think you would be more relaxed with no one else there.’

‘Very well.’ Kitty was feeling too happy to object although she couldn’t help but grin as she thought of what Sunday’s reaction would have been at the thought of her spending time alone with a gentleman. At Treetops, Sunday had tended to be very protective of her, and now Kitty was beginning to spread her wings and enjoy a whole new way of life. Just the thought of being alone with the handsome photographer made her heart beat faster. After agreeing a time with Max she raced off to share the good news with Maggie, but once again her friend was far less thrilled than Kitty had thought she would be.

‘Are you quite sure that all this is what you want?’ she asked, and Kitty tossed her head, suddenly annoyed with her.

‘Why wouldn’t it be? Doesn’t every young woman dream of seeing her name in lights and being a star?’ Then remembering what Maggie had been through she instantly felt guilty. Of course she was bound to worry about what every gentlemen’s intentions were! Her voice was soft when she added, ‘This is like a dream come true for me, Maggie. I hope you will try to understand.’

Maggie nodded, but inside she was extremely concerned. Kitty looked every inch the young lady-about-town in her smart new outfits, but she had had such a sheltered upbringing at Treetops and was surely still very naïve and vulnerable. Still, Maggie consoled herself with a touch of bitterness, at least I’m here now to keep my eye out for her – and I’ve got no illusions, and she then got on with putting Kitty’s clean laundry away.

‘Are you all right?’ The words made Sunday start and hastily wiping her eyes on her sleeve she turned to see that Tom had just entered the room.

‘Fine!’ She silently berated herself for being so short with him, but she couldn’t seem to help it. She was consumed with jealousy every time she thought of him lying with Ben’s mother, even though she knew she was being unreasonable.