‘It’s my pleasure,’ he responded. ‘And that is not just a form of words. I have enjoyed all these outings with you far more than I ever would have done on my own.’ He thought for a moment. ‘Maybe one Sunday we could go into the real countryside. Would you like that?’

‘I’ll be happy to go anywhere with you.’ The words were out before she had time to think how they would sound to him and she blushed furiously; but he smiled and squeezed her hand.

At the door of Nan’s house she wondered if she should invite him in, but she remembered how untidy and dusty the room was and felt embarrassed. He solved the problem by taking her hand and saying, ‘It’s been a lovely afternoon. I’ll get in touch when I have thought out where we should go next. Goodbye for now.’

May was busy in her workroom when a messenger came to say that Mrs Breckenridge was in the fitting room and wanted to see her.

She went up gladly because it was many months since she had last ordered a hat, and she had begun to think that she had never forgiven her presumption in turning up on her doorstep unannounced.

She found Mrs Breckenridge standing in the centre of the room, with her hands folded in front of her, instead of sitting in one of the comfortable chairs intended for customers. Something about her appearance worried May. Her features seemed sharper and for a moment May thought she had rouged her cheeks. Then she saw that the hectic colour had nothing to do with paint.

‘Good morning, ma’am.’ May bobbed a curtsy. ‘I hope you are well.’

Mrs Breckenridge did not respond to her greeting. Instead she said, ‘I have not come to order a new hat. I have come to speak to you about my son.’

May felt a jolt of anxiety. ‘Is James all right?’

‘He is in perfect health, but I fear he is about to be led into a situation which could have grave repercussions for his career.’

‘I’m sorry. I don’t understand.’

‘Oh, I think you do. You have wheedled your way into his good books and taken advantage of his good nature. And it has got to stop.’

‘I haven’t …’ May began.

Mrs Breckenridge overrode her. ‘I don’t know what you think might come of your relationship, but whatever it is you are going to be disappointed. James has a good career ahead of him, and when it comes to choosing a wife he will want someone of his own class, someone who can act as hostess for him and know how to conduct herself in good society.’

May felt the colour rising in her face. ‘Mrs Breckenridge, I never expected anything like that. I know I’m not good enough for him.’