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Leonora,’ she told herself severely as she brushed her hair one morning.
    â€˜Perhaps you are pretty – in an ordinary way – but there are so many pretty women in the world.  So why on earth should a gentleman choose one in an apron, hot and bothered after serving endless glasses of lemonade!’
    Resolving now that the object of her affections had merely been amusing himself at her expense, she determined to put the whole incident at Broughton Hall out of her mind.
    For this reason she refused an invitation from Maud to attend a tea party to thank all the volunteers.
    What Maud construed from her refusal she would never know, as shortly Maud departed on a visit abroad to some exotic islands in the Atlantic.
    All this time Mr. Schilling remained in Bristol or London – exactly where, neither Leonora nor her Mama cared.
    *
    One morning a dray cart lumbered to a halt outside the cottage and a man jumped out and began to haul down packages.
    Mama, who had seen the cart arrive and gone out to investigate, called out excitedly to Leonora.
    â€œDo come down.  These packages are for you.”
    Leonora descended the stairs in puzzlement as the packages were carried into the living room.
    â€œThey are from Bristol,” sighed Mama, reading the labels.
    â€œThey must be from your stepfather.”
    As the wrapping paper was removed and the boxes opened, Leonora’s astonishment knew no bounds.
    Here were dresses and gloves and stoles of a quality she had never in her life possessed.
    She could never imagine Mr. Schilling capable of such taste and Mama’s hands were at her cheeks in awe.
    â€œCan that be ermine ?  Whatever is Mr. Schilling thinking of!  He must have such plans for you, darling!”
    Leonora dropped a white fur wrap back into its box.
    â€œThat’s what worries me, Mama!”
    Finny carried the boxes up to Leonora’s room and offered to help put their contents in chests and wardrobes.
    â€œYou’ll look a Princess in this, miss” he marvelled, holding up a beautiful lavender silk gown.
    Leonora took the gown, trying not to reflect on that night at Broughton Hall – if only she had been wearing this dress when she danced with the masked gentleman!
    Mr. Schilling arrived two days after the packages and he was in such obvious jovial spirits that Leonora and Mama were almost suspicious.
    â€œDid some parcels arrive?” he quizzed Leonora as he took off his brown mantle in the hall.
    â€œThank you – yes,” replied Leonora, twisting a blue handkerchief in her hot fingers.  “I must admit to being – astonished.  Did you choose the contents yourself, sir?”
    To her surprise, Mr. Schilling deliberately ignored her question.
    â€œWhat’s for supper?” he asked, turning to Mama.
    â€œMutton stew and baked prunes, but Mr. Schilling, Leonora wishes to discuss the generous gifts you sent her.”
    â€œLater, later!” he puffed.
    All through supper, whenever Leonora glanced Mr. Schilling’s way, he would give her a conspiratorial wink.
    She was at a loss as to what this might portend.
    After supper she, Mama and Mr. Schilling repaired to the parlour, where he sank into his leather chair whilst Leonora sat on a stool by Mama’s chair.
    He brought out his pipe, caught her eye and gave yet another of his winks.
    â€œNo more worries about your future!” he muttered.
    Leonora straightened up on her stool.
    â€œI don’t consider my future a worry.  I shall return to Fenfold and continue with my education.  When I leave, I hope to find employment as a Governess.”
    Mr. Schilling lit his pipe.
    â€œYou can forget about Fenfold.  I’m not paying for you to return there.”
    â€œI don’t expect you to.  Mama has kindly offered to pay the fees.”
    â€œOh, has she?”
    Mr. Schilling took a deep draw on his pipe and let out a trail of smoke before