‘Then what are you after? Do you think he is going to take a mistress? Is that what you want?’

‘No! I wouldn’t agree to that even if he asked me – which he won’t. It’s not like that. He is just a very kind man, and I suppose he sees that I haven’t had the chances in life that some girls have and he likes to give me the occasional treat. That’s all.’

Mrs Breckenridge studied her for a moment and then her attitude softened a little.

‘May, you are a good girl at heart. I believe that. But you must understand. James has conceived a fondness for you, but if it were to go beyond that it would be very detrimental to his future prospects. He cannot afford to be involved in any kind of scandal, and I am afraid that that is what your relationship will result in. If you really care for him, the best thing you can do is put an end to it now. You do understand that, don’t you?’

May lowered her eyes. She wanted to protest, to ask why, if they cared for each other, they should not be allowed to be together. But she knew that Mrs Breckenridge was speaking the truth. If people began to gossip about their friendship it would be harmful to James’s career. It was unfair, but it was the way society worked. She drew a long breath and looked up.

‘Very well, ma’am. I understand. I’ll send James a note saying I can’t see him again.’

‘Thank you. I knew you would do the right thing when it was explained to you. I’ll wish you good day.’

May returned to her workroom and took a sheet of paper and a pen. Nan was fiddling with a straw hat for another customer and took no notice of what she was doing. May wrote:

Dear James,

This is a very difficult letter to write. Your mother has just been to see me and pointed out to me that our friendship might be misunderstood and that it could damage your career. I should have seen that for myself. I have always known that our friendship could not last, but I have so much enjoyed our outings together that I never thought that it might cause you problems. You have been so kind to me and I shall always be grateful, but I see now that we must stop seeing each other. Please forgive me if this causes you any distress, but I know it is for the best.

Yours ever,
May

She found an envelope, addressed it and posted it on her way home.

Over supper Gus wanted to know what was the matter with her, but she made the excuse that she was not feeling well and escaped to her bedroom, where she wept bitterly but silently until she fell asleep from exhaustion.