‘Yes, it was a bit of a shock,’ Kitty admitted. Her mother’s voice had a musical quality to it and she was quite bemused by her.

‘A nice one, I hope?’ Ruby’s laughter tinkled about the room and Kitty found herself smiling. Miss Fox had told her that men had used to flock to her mother like bees to a honey pot and now she could understand why. She was totally enchanting and everything about her was so feminine. ‘And has Foxy told you why I couldn’t have you here before?’ If truth be told, she had only agreed to claim the girl after abandoning her so long ago because of Miss Fox’s constant nagging. But at least she was old enough to be sent out to work now should the need arise and she also saw Kitty as someone who might care for her in her old age when Miss Fox was gone. The fact that she was pretty was a bonus. There were many men who would be willing to pay to be seen out and about with such a presentable young woman on their arm.

Kitty nodded.

‘Well, at least you are here now and we have so much catching up to do. We shall go shopping for new clothes for you at the very earliest opportunity. And of course, you will want to see all the sights – Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey to name but a few. We’re going to have such fun, you and I, you just wait and see. There is only one thing …’ She pouted then, reminding Kitty of Maggie when they were tiny playmates. ‘I have a favour to ask of you. Do you think you could call me Ruby instead of Mother? It would make you so much easier to explain, you see? I can tell people you are my sister’s daughter and that you’ve recently become orphaned.’

Kitty felt a sharp stab of disappointment and hurt. She was finally reunited with her real mother and now here she was asking her to call her Ruby and pretend that she was her niece! But then grudgingly she could see that it would indeed make things much simpler for Ruby, so she nodded; she didn’t really feel that she had much choice.

‘Very well, if that is what you’d prefer,’ she said stiffly.

‘Shame on you, Ruby!’ Miss Fox suddenly scolded. ‘This poor girl’s just found her mother and already you’re asking her to call you by another title!’

‘Oh, Foxy, don’t be angry with me,’ Ruby implored with tears sparkling becomingly on her lashes and instantly Miss Fox softened.

‘Oh very well. If you’re going to turn on the tears …’ she said grumpily. ‘But now I’m heading off to the kitchen to see what’s for supper. Would you like me to show you to your room, young Kitty, while I’m at it? You’ll probably want to have a bit of a wash and brush up after your journey before we sit down to eat.’