‘I’m so sorry,’ Richard said instantly. ‘But I’m afraid you’re so lovely it’s easy to forget myself.’

‘It’s all right.’ Kitty got up and scuttled away behind the screen to get changed before he touched her again. She didn’t know if she would be strong enough to stop him from going any further a second time. She struggled terribly with the buttons on the back of the dress but eventually she was in her own clothes again, and when she came from around the screen she found Richard adjusting his camera as if nothing untoward had happened at all.

‘Would you like me to run you home?’ he offered but she shook her head. At that moment, all she wanted to do was have a little time to herself to put her thoughts into some sort of order. Did the way that Richard had behaved mean that he had feelings for her? She could only assume that it did, and if that was the case then she was thrilled. Oh, she knew that he was somewhat older than her, and with a reputation for being a bit of a ladies’ man. Had Sunday been there she would have had something to say about her being alone with him. But Sunday wasn’t there, she told herself smugly. She was living with Ruby now who was far more lenient and gave her far more freedom than she had ever known back at Treetops.

‘I shall hop in a cab and be home in no time,’ she assured him as she collected her bag. She was becoming quite adept at flagging the cabs down now so with a nod he saw her to the door.

‘Come again about the same time the day after tomorrow,’ he told her as he gently kissed her lips. Then patting her bottom familiarly, he sent her off down the steps to the pavement. When she turned back to say a final farewell he had already gone and she felt quite bereft. I think I may be in love, she thought and tripped away with a smile on her face.

Maggie was waiting for her when she got home but there was no sign of Ruby.

‘She went out with a gentleman who called for her,’ Maggie informed her. ‘And it wasn’t Mr Smethwick.’

Miss Fox appeared from the direction of the kitchen then and noting Kitty’s glowing face she asked, ‘How did the photographing go? Did you get to model some nice clothes?’

Kitty had a feeling that Miss Fox strongly disapproved of Richard so she answered hastily, ‘It was just like a practice session today. Another one and Richard thinks that I’ll be ready to start modelling properly.’

‘Hmm, well, I still think that Maggie should come with you,’ Miss Fox said grumpily then marched on as Kitty grabbed Maggie by the hand and hauled her upstairs.

‘Richard kissed me today … properly!’ she told the girl and Maggie looked anxious.