Mr Freeman leaned back in his chair and looked at her wearily. ‘If you have come to tell me that things are not going well between you and Miss Jones, I already know. She was here twenty minutes ago complaining that you were late for work.’

‘I’m sorry about that, sir, but you won’t need to be troubled by that again. I’m leaving Freeman’s.’

‘Leaving!’ he sat forward sharply. ‘May, don’t make a hasty decision. I admit that employing Miss Jones may have been a mistake. I should have trusted you to take care of the department. But give it a few months. I’ll speak to Miss Jones. I’m sure we can resolve the situation satisfactorily.’

‘It’s not about Miss Jones,’ May said. ‘Or not really.’

‘So what are you intending to do? Set up independently? We’ll lose half our best customers.’

‘It’s not that, either,’ she said and handed him Gus’s letter. ‘I think you had better read this.’

Mr Freeman scanned the letter and when he raised his eyes his expression was different. ‘This is a most extraordinary turn of affairs. I thought you told me you were an orphan.’

‘I thought so too, until I got this letter.’

‘So what do you intend to do?’

‘I’m going to Australia to join my father.’

‘Of course. Of course.’ He seemed at a loss for words. ‘When do you plan to leave?’

‘Tomorrow.’

‘Tomorrow? So soon!’

‘There’s a ship leaving tomorrow and I’ve taken a berth on it.’

He sat back and looked at her. ‘Well, I don’t know what to say. I can see it is a wonderful opportunity for you. But I shall miss you, May. I think you know I’ve always had a greater interest in you than in most of my employees.’

May felt a lump rise in her throat. ‘Please don’t think I’m ungrateful. You saved me from a life of drudgery and you’ve given me a chance to learn a skill and opened up a whole new world of opportunities. Most girls from the workhouse never get that sort of chance. And I know I’ve given you trouble, more than once. I’ll never forget how kind you have been to me.’

He got up and came round the desk. ‘To be honest with you, I have felt towards you as I might have done if you were my own daughter. There have been times when I have wished that Isabella had half your talent and a quarter of your courage. I meant it when I said I shall miss you, but I wouldn’t dream of standing in your way, even if I could. All I can do is wish you every possible success in your new life.’

‘Thank you.’ She could not hold back the tears, but she smiled through them.