She was glad to see that her boss was alone in the office. That meant that at least she would have the chance to put her own point of view without being overridden by that McBride harridan, as she termed her in her own mind. But Mr Freeman’s expression was bleak.

‘May, whatever came over you, to behave like that to one of our best customers?’

‘I didn’t mean to offend her, sir,’ May said. ‘It was just such a shock. You see, I looked after Angel when she was left at the workhouse. The poor little mite didn’t know what was happening to her and we sort of … I don’t know … we grew fond of each other. I was the only one who could get her to stop crying and eat something.’

Mr Freeman shook his head. ‘That’s a very touching story, but it can’t possibly refer to the McBride’s child. I understand that she is the daughter of Mr McBride’s sister-in-law, who lived in Ireland and sadly died when Angelina was less than two years old. The McBrides adopted her and brought her to live with them here.’

‘That may be what they want people to think,’ May said, shaken out of her usual deferential manner, ‘but I’d know her anywhere. She doesn’t even look like them. And why is she called Angelina? I gave her the name of Angel, because that’s what she looked like – still does.’

Mr Freeman looked at her closely for a moment. Then he said, ‘I can see that you feel strongly about this, so I will excuse your behaviour to me. But I’m afraid Mrs McBride will not be so easily mollified. Does it not occur to you that a family like that, with a position in society here, would not wish people to know that their adopted daughter was a doorstep baby, left at the workhouse for reasons we can only guess at?’

May lowered her eyes. ‘I’m, sorry, sir. I meant no disrespect, to you or Mrs McBride. I was taken by surprise, that’s all.’

‘I understand that, but apologising to me is not going to be sufficient. Mrs McBride wants you dismissed.’

‘Oh no, please sir!’ May begged. ‘Don’t send me away. I love my work here and I’m good at it. You know that.’

‘I do know it. But the McBrides are among my best customers, and they have a lot of influential friends. I can’t afford to let them ruin the reputation of the business.’

‘What can I do?’ May asked, swallowing back tears. I’ll do anything. Please, sir, don’t sack me!’