‘Huh!’ he snorted. ‘Is that what they told you? Well, it isn’t strictly true. You see, I think they wanted a little puppet who would do their bidding, and because I had spirit and didn’t want to take over my father’s shop they disowned me. Well … almost. I did go to see them again a few days ago, which is when my mother told me about you and gave me your address.’

‘Oh!’ Kitty was taken aback. The Tates had seemed like such a nice, genuine couple. Then suddenly a shadow fell across the room and looking up Cissie saw that George had come home.

She leaped to her feet and told him joyously, ‘George, you’re just in time to meet Hugh – my son.’

His face straight, George held out his hand and said: ‘It’s nice to meet you. Cissie has always wanted to find you.’

‘Thank you, sir,’ Hugh answered respectfully. Then to Cissie, ‘And thank you for your hospitality. I’d like it if we could meet again sometime if you felt able to, so we can get to know one another. But for now, I really should be going. I’ve imposed enough on you as it is.’

All the initial reservations she had felt at first sight of him melted away. He was her flesh and blood, and at last he was back in her life.

‘You haven’t imposed on me at all,’ Cissie assured him. ‘And we’re both usually home at this time each evening so do call again whenever you’ve a mind to. You’ll always be welcome.’ Her maternal instincts were suddenly working overtime.

The man nodded then strode from the room and Cissie watched him go with a rapturous look on her face.

‘Well, who would have thought it after all this time, eh?’ she sighed. ‘I must admit, I got a bit of a gliff when I first clapped eyes on him. He’s so like his father, ain’t he? But only in looks, mind. He seemed to be quite a charmer.’

George forced a smile. He hadn’t taken to the chap at all, if truth be told. Hugh Tate had seemed to be a right smarmy so-and-so – not that he’d say that to his wife. He wanted her to keep the dream of her long-lost son intact. She’d had to wait long enough for him to come back into her life, God only knew! He just hoped that she wouldn’t live to regret it.

‘Pssst! Maggie, have you got a minute?’

Maggie paused on her way down to the kitchen the next morning to see Miss Fox gesturing to her from the door of the drawing room. She went to join her and once they were in the room, Miss Fox hastily closed the door and asked, ‘Is Kitty all right? I went along to her performance last night and she didn’t seem to be at her best.’

Maggie sighed. ‘She isn’t, to be honest. I think she’s overdoing things but if I mention it she gets all hoity-toity with me. Perhaps you could have a word with Ruby? She could maybe talk some sense into her. Kitty can’t go on like this, burning the candle at both ends.’