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didn’t even blink. ‘Then it would seem wise to continue her education at home, sir.’
    ‘I am of that opinion as well.’ Albert scrutinised the proposed tutor. He had interviewed five applicants so far, but he rather liked the look of this one. He was only twenty-five, but age was irrelevant in this case, character was the important factor in a tutor for Eleanor. He was tall, and rather too thin, and Albert’s first impression was of an ordinary-looking man, until you saw his grey eyes, magnified slightly by the spectacles. They shone with determination and intelligence. Albert was aware that he had also been assessed during the interview. Mr Rogers wasn’t going to take any chances, either. He admired that in the young man.
    ‘Are you married, Mr Rogers?’
    ‘No, sir. I would not contemplate marriage unless I was in a position to provide adequately for a wife and family.’
    Sensible, as well. Albert had made up his mind. He wanted to engage him. ‘My daughter is seventeen and bright, showing great interest in the changes happening in this country. I also have a nephew who is two yearsyounger than her. He is unhappy away at school. Would you be prepared to teach them both?’
    ‘Yes, sir.’
    No hesitation. ‘I must warn you that this might not be an easy task.’
    ‘I enjoy a challenge, sir.’ His grey eyes glittered at the prospect.
    ‘I shall, of course, pay you extra for the additional pupil.’ Albert stood up. ‘The position is yours if you think it would suit you. There is a small, but comfortable gatehouse you may live in while you are with us. If things work out, we shall need you for two years or more. My daughter will not require a tutor for long, but my nephew must have a good education so he can eventually take over the reins from his father.’
    Stanley Rogers also rose to his feet. ‘That is very satisfactory. I look forward to working for you, Mr Warrender. I have your address in Kent, so when would you like me to start?’
    ‘As soon as you can. My daughter has, no doubt, been running wild this last week whilst I have been in London.’
    Stanley smiled for the first time. ‘Would tomorrow afternoon be suitable?’
    ‘Perfect.’ Albert watched the new tutor walk out of the room, and felt sure he had made the right decision. Appearances could be deceptive, but he had a strong feeling that Eleanor would have to watch her manners around that young man.
    His deep chuckle echoed around the empty room as heremembered the little girl from the slums, whose vocabulary had been limited but colourful. It had taken them some time to stop her swearing. Eventually the past had been put behind her and forgotten. She had settled down to a happy life with them. He hoped it stayed that way and her past remained buried, but he knew that when she reached eighteen she should be told. There now seemed to be a danger of her finding out from some chance remark, and that would be intolerable. He had to be the one to break the news to her, but how he dreaded it.
     
    ‘You look lovely.’ Ellie’s mother nodded in approval. ‘That pale cream is perfect and brings out the golden tint of your hair.’
    Ellie wriggled, pulling a face. ‘I dislike dressing up like this. Why do we have to wear so many clothes?’
    Her mother’s smile was indulgent. ‘At least you have no need of stays. Your youthful figure is slender enough.’
    ‘I’m never going to lace myself into those abominations.’ Ellie lifted her hands in disgust. ‘When are women going to be sensible and wear clothes that are comfortable and easy to move around in? Did you hear that Mrs Dunsford was riding a bicycle and her skirt got caught in the wheel? She came off and broke her arm.’
    ‘I did hear, but what was our neighbour doing on one of those contraptions? With motor cars and bicycles it appears that the horse and carriage is not good enough. And some foolish men are even trying to fly!’
    ‘Oh, Mother.’ Ellie laughed at her