Beatrice thought that the dazzling array of gifts laid out on the long table could hardly be called trinkets. Aside from the gold and silver plate, and the endless traditional tea sets, there was an extraordinary selection of jewellery: gold bracelets, and sapphire necklaces, and diamonds as large as a Fortnum & Mason sugared cherry. The servants had set out small cards beside each gift, stating who it was from, and the butler had compiled a neat list in a gleaming leather-bound book purchased just for that purpose.

‘They h-have enough to d-do,’ Beatrice replied. ‘Besides, I want t-to get this f-finished.’

There were a lot of gifts to sort and Beatrice was grateful when Rosa sat down and silently helped her with the remaining pile. Finally there was only the clockwork peacock left, but Rosa wouldn’t hear of taking it back.

‘Don’t be a goose!’ she exclaimed. ‘It’s yours.’

‘Thank you. I am t-truly d-delighted with him.’

Now that she examined the peacock again, Beatrice thought it was possibly even more beautiful than the one she’d seen in the Winter Garden. Rosa had not forgotten her earlier remarks, and took the opportunity to question her as to where exactly she had seen the other mechanical bird. Beatrice was forced to make up a story.

‘I’m afraid you m-misunderstood me,’ she said. ‘It wasn’t a r-real g-garden. It was in a ch-children’s book. I thought you must have h-had the s-same one.’

‘Oh.’ Rosa looked disappointed. ‘Well, I don’t recall ever seeing a book like that.’

Beatrice was relieved to let the subject of the garden lapse, and to fall back into silence as they continued packing up the presents. By the time they’d finished, most of the guests were gone, including her Aunt Emily, who’d departed in tears. Beatrice could summon no sympathy for her, and was only relieved to think that the house would soon be hers once again. She ached for solitude in every limb.

Rosa reached for her hat. ‘Thank you for the most thrilling day. Whatever will you do now?’

‘T-Travel.’ Beatrice looked out the window. ‘I’ve n-never set foot outside E-England.’

And I will find that Winter Garden.