As May moved around, putting things away, Miss Jones fell to examining the hats, in various stages of completion, which were on models around the room. She picked them up, turned them around and returned them with a small snort of disdain. Then she began to look through May’s sketch pad, where she drew out her ideas for new designs. Eventually, she closed it and looked at May.

‘I can see that there is a need for someone to take this department in hand. Were you seriously proposing to execute these designs?’

‘Most of them,’ May replied. ‘But I always show them to the customer for her approval first.’

‘And these half-finished hats. Have the designs for them been approved by customers?’

‘Oh yes. In fact, the lady who ordered this one –’ she picked up the one she had been intending to finish when she came in ‘– will be here at any minute and she wants it for a special occasion. So if you will allow me …’

‘I am truly amazed at the poor taste some of these ladies must have. These designs are months behind the times. I can see that there is a big task ahead of me to re-educate you and them about modern fashion.’

‘Some of the leading ladies of Liverpool society come to me for their hats!’ May exclaimed.

Miss Jones shook her head. ‘Dear, dear. I feel sorry for them, having to subject themselves to the caprices of an inexperienced girl. Well, they can rest assured that they are in safe hands now.’

May was about to protest when a messenger boy came to the door. ‘Pardon me, miss, but Lady Vickers is here.’

‘That is the lady I was telling you about,’ May said. ‘I shall have to explain to her that the hat is not quite ready, but it will be finished by the end of the day.’

She was halfway to the door when Miss Jones’s voice stopped her. ‘Where do you think you are going?’

‘I thought you heard the boy say that Lady Vickers is upstairs waiting for me.’

Miss Jones stalked past her. ‘Let us have one thing quite clear, young lady. From now on I am in charge here, and I shall deal with all the customers. When we have agreed the style required, I shall tell you and you can start on the basic work. The finishing will be in my hands.’ She turned to the boy. ‘Pray tell Lady Vickers that I shall be with her directly. Now, where is the hat in question?’

May handed it over, biting her lip, and Miss Jones took it with a theatrical sigh and left the room.