May’s mind was whirling. This was a chance she must not miss, but was it within her capabilities? Already she could imagine the consequences if her efforts were not good enough. ‘May I look at the dress, ma’am?’

‘Of course, here, take it.’

May held the garment up. She had never touched such rich fabric, or seen anything so elaborately structured. The very feel of it sent shivers down her spine.

‘Can I look at the magazine, ma’am?’

‘I said so, didn’t I?’

May took the magazine carefully and held it to the light from the window. Page after page was illustrated with beautiful dresses.

‘When do you want the dress by, ma’am?’

‘Next week. The bazaar is scheduled to open on October 8th.’

‘Is there anything here you particularly like, ma’am?’

‘Oh, I don’t know! It’s all too confusing. That’s why I want you to sort it out for me.’

An idea came to May. ‘Perhaps, ma’am, if I could have some paper and a pencil, I could make some sketches of what might be done. Then you could see which you like best.’

‘Oh yes! That sounds like a very good idea. Don’t you think so, Mrs Wilkins?’

Mrs Wilkins looked as if she was being forced to swallow some very bitter medicine. ‘If you say so, ma’am.’

‘Yes, I think that would be very helpful.’ She looked at May. ‘Go up to the schoolroom and ask Miss Parsons to give you paper and pencils. There are plenty there for Isabella’s art lessons. But remember, I need this dress ready for next week, so don’t waste any time.’ She turned away and went to her dressing table, then looked back. ‘All right, thank you. You can go.’

Outside, Mrs Wilkins glared at May. ‘You needn’t think that this lets you off your proper work. You do this in your own time, understand?’

It was on the tip of May’s tongue to say that, as Mrs Freeman wanted this done in a hurry, this was more important than the dusting, but she bit the words back, knowing it would only prompt the cook to find her extra work to do.

‘I’d better go and ask for the paper, like madam told me,’ she said hesitantly.

‘Go on then. You won’t get much change out of Miss Parsons. She’s as tight as … well, never mind.’ If there was one person Mrs Wilkins disliked more than May, it was the governess.

She was right about the reception May’s request received. Miss Parsons looked down her long nose and said, ‘Mrs Freeman wants you to design a dress for her?’

‘Only some extra bits to bring it up to the latest fashion.’

‘And what makes her think you are capable of that – you, a maid of all work?’