‘Oh? Who are they then?’

‘How should I know until I’ve met them?’ Kitty snapped peevishly.

‘Then it might be nice if I came with you,’ Maggie persevered. What could be the harm if it was going to be purely a social evening?

But Kitty quickly shook her head as she crossed to the wardrobe. ‘No, there’s no need to trouble yourself. You’ve been running about after me all day and you deserve a rest. Now will you help me choose what I should wear? Richard said I was to look my best.’

Maggie had been about to say that she never had anything but quiet evenings in apart from when she accompanied Kitty to the music halls. Even then the time dragged as she waited in Kitty’s dressing room for her, but she bit back the hasty retort and instead began to sift through Kitty’s gowns. She was getting quite a selection now.

‘How about this blue one?’ She lifted it from the wardrobe and Kitty nodded then sat down on the stool in front of the mirror so that Maggie could dress her hair. The chignon was becoming very popular and Maggie was a dab hand at doing them now. Kitty’s long hair was given a side parting then the rest of it was drawn into a very loose bun just above the nape of the neck, which made it a perfect style for the ladies who wore hats. Once she was ready, Kitty added a long string of pearls – yet another gift from an admirer – and asked, ‘How do I look?’

‘Beautiful as always.’ Maggie couldn’t help but sigh enviously.

As Kitty drew her gloves on, she said, ‘You know, I think this hairstyle would suit you.’

Maggie’s hand rose self-consciously to the tight plait woven about the crown of her head. It was a severe style much favoured by older ladies, and yet she was still so young.

‘I’ll have a little practice on you tomorrow,’ Kitty promised and Maggie shrugged. She had never been a slave to fashion. But then Kitty was ready to go and after planting an affectionate kiss on Maggie’s cheek she sailed out of the room leaving her friend to face yet another empty evening. Although she was enjoying reading Kitty’s copy of The Jungle Book, she would have preferred some company.

Once Kitty was settled in a cab on her way to Richard’s the smile slid from her face. Richard had told her the day before that he was throwing a party for a few of his friends and she had suggested that perhaps she could bring Maggie along, but he had laughed aloud.

‘Why would you want to bring that boring old maid along?’ he’d guffawed. ‘She’s so prim and proper and you must admit she’s not the most enticing of creatures, and that’s putting it mildly. No, my darling, the friends I have invited wouldn’t enjoy Maggie’s company at all, I assure you. Just bring yourself.’