It was Mr Freeman who cut in. ‘There is no need for you to apologise, May. I have spoken to Isabella and it is clear that you acted with the best intentions – and in the process created something rather beautiful.’

There was a knock and Mrs Wilkins came in. She saw May and pursed her lips in disapproval. ‘Oh, you’re back, are you?’

‘Yes, she is,’ Mr Freeman said, ‘and if I had not found her you would now be looking for another position.’

Mrs Wilkins shot May a look that said very clearly, ‘Just wait till I get you downstairs!’

‘However,’ Mr Freeman went on, ‘she is not staying. It has become apparent that May is totally unsuitable for her position as a maid of all work. She is far too good for that. You have failed to recognise her remarkable talents, Lydia, but I have not. So I am going to offer her a position more suited to her abilities.’ He turned to May and gave her a reassuring smile. ‘How do you like the idea of becoming a milliner’s apprentice?’

‘A milliner, sir? That’s someone who makes hats for ladies, isn’t it?’

‘That’s correct. As I think you know, my business is expanding rapidly. I intend to open a millinery department. I have employed a very talented milliner. Her name is Nancy Driscoll, but she is always known as Nan. As I said, she is very good at her job, but she is not a young woman and I have persuaded her that it would be a good idea to take on an apprentice. I think it is a job that would suit you very well. What do you say?’

May glanced at the two women. Lydia Freeman was sitting with her head bent, biting her lips. Mrs Wilkins was white-faced with fury and May could see she was stifling words of disapproval.

‘Yes, please, sir!’ May said. ‘I think I should like that very much.’ She hesitated. ‘Where would I live? Would I still live here?’

He shook his head. ‘No. We shall need your room for whoever takes your place. Nan has a room in her house that you can have. But you must understand one thing. An apprentice cannot expect wages. I shall have to pay Nan for your board and lodging out of the six pounds a year I have been paying you. But since you have been used to earning, it seems hardly fair to expect you to do without altogether, so I will make you an allowance of two pounds per year. But you will be learning a skill, and in a few years’ time you should be able to command a good salary, or even go into business on your own account. So, what do you say?’

May did not have to pause for thought. ‘Yes! Oh, yes, thank you, sir!’