After an eternity, Richard straightened and smiled at her. ‘Well done.’ He came and sat down beside her, and as his lips found hers she sighed with relief. But then the kisses were aimed at her shoulders and she felt his hand close around her breast and once again she was uneasy. Sensing that she was nervous, he sat up and said, ‘Right, that’s it for today. Now why don’t you get changed and then I’ll drop you off at home. I need to see Ruby anyway.’

Kitty’s emotions were in utter turmoil, but when she was dressed again she began to feel better, and by the time they left the house to climb into his car she was smiling again.

It was mid-afternoon when Richard delivered her back to Brunswick Villa and after helping her from the car he followed her into the house.

‘Right, my sweet. Good luck with your performance this evening, not that you’ll need it.’ He gently patted her bottom. ‘Now I need to go and have a word with your aunt.’ He disappeared off in the direction of the drawing room as Kitty stood there and watched him go.

Maggie was in the hallway, polishing the hall tables. After returning from her visit to Mrs Partridge she had asked what she could do to help since she hated being idle, but although they exchanged greetings, Kitty barely gave her a glance before scuttling away upstairs so Maggie continued with what she was doing. When she reached up to dust the large gilt-framed mirror that hung to one side of the drawing-room doors, she overheard the following conversation. Ruby asked, ‘Well, did she do it?’

Richard laughed. ‘Yes, but it took some persuading, I don’t mind telling you.’

‘Good. It should be easier from here on in then,’ came the reply.

Maggie didn’t want to be caught eavesdropping so she hurried away, but her mind was troubled. Was it Kitty they had been talking about? And if it was, what was it that Richard had persuaded her to do? After returning the polish and the dusters to the kitchen she went upstairs to Kitty’s room, hoping the girl would tell her all about her day and put her mind at rest.

She found Kitty sitting in the window staring pensively down into the garden where Arthur was busy pruning the roses.

‘Had a good day, have you?’ Maggie asked as she entered. Kitty seemed pensive and not her usual cheery self at all.

‘Yes, thanks.’

‘And what things did you model today?’ Maggie was struggling to get the conversation going.

‘Oh, just this and that,’ Kitty answered as a flush rose to her cheeks.

She clearly wasn’t going to be drawn so after a few more lighthearted remarks, Maggie discreetly left the room. It was clear that Kitty needed some time alone. But what could have made her feel that way? Usually after spending time with Richard she chattered away about his many virtues fifteen to the dozen. Feeling more concerned than ever, Maggie left her to it. No doubt Kitty would come and seek her out when she wanted her.