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to unwrap their presents and Nanny has been given time off.’
    Amelia saw the happy smile on her face. Emily loved children and the knowledge that her own daughter was living with another family must be torture for her. She wondered if Emily had ever tried to discover the whereabouts of her child, but supposed it was unlikely. She had devoted her life to her ailing mother until that lady died and had then been forced to look for work. Perhaps Amelia might mention the possibility to Emily another day, but now was not the time.
    ‘I think Susannah is very brave to have the children’s party without her nanny, for I am certain that some of the ladies have no idea of looking after their own children.’
    ‘I think it will be great fun. I always wished that I had brothers and sisters, and envied those who did.’ The wistful expression had come back to Emily’s face.
    Amelia saw it and made up her mind that she would ask someone to make enquiries concerning the lost child for her. However, it would be better to say nothing to Emily for the moment in case the child could not be found.
    ‘I am certain that we shall enjoy ourselves this afternoon,’ Amelia said. ‘I am eager to meet Gerard’s daughter. She has been brought up in France until the past few months, and I dare say she may not understand English as well as she needs to if she is to communicate with the other children. I know that Gerard’s nanny will be present, so we shall have help.’
    The two ladies smiled at each other as they approached the large salon where the celebrations for the younger guests were taking place. Entering, they saw that the room had been decorated with silver and gold stars; there was also a crib with wooden animals and a doll representing the Baby Jesus and two of the servants were dressed as Joseph and Mary. Some of the other servants were dressed as the three kings, and they had big sacks of gifts. These would be distributed to the children at the end of the entertainment.
    All kinds of delicious foods that might appeal to children had been set out on a table: sweet jellies, bottled fruits, cakes and tiny biscuits, also fingers of bread and butter with the crusts cut off and spread with honey.
    ‘Amelia…Miss Barton.’ Gerard approached them with a smile. ‘May I have the pleasure of introducing my daughter, Lisa, to you? Lisa—this is Miss Amelia Royston—and Miss Emily Barton. Greet them nicely, my love.’
    ‘ Bonjour , Mademoiselle Royston, bonjour , Mademoiselle Barton,’ Lisa said and dipped a curtsy. ‘I am pleased to meet you.’ She tipped her head and looked at Gerard. ‘Was that correct, Papa?’
    Her manner was that of a little coquette. She was pretty, an enchanting little doll dressed in satin and frills, her dark eyes bright and mischievous; ringlets the colour of hazelnuts covered her head and were tied with a pink ribbon. Amelia adored her at once, completely understanding why Gerard had fallen in love with his daughter. For although Lisa did not carry his blood, she was undoubtedly his in every other way and the affection between them was a joy to see.
    ‘It was charming, Mademoiselle Ravenshead.’ Amelia smiled at her and held out her hand. ‘Your English is very good. I see that you have been attending your lessons. Shall we go and see what Lady Pendleton has given us for tea?’
    ‘Papa always speaks to me in English.’ Lisa hesitated, then placed her tiny hand in Amelia’s. She looked at her in a confiding manner. ‘I am hungry, but Nanny said that I was not to eat anything. She says that the food is not suitable for me.’
    ‘Oh, I think it would be a shame if you were not to have any of it,’ Amelia replied. ‘Perhaps not toomuch chocolate cake, but I think a small piece and some bread and honey could not hurt anyone.’
    ‘We always had honey for tea in France,’ Lisa told her with a happy smile. ‘Nanny says a boiled egg is better, but I like honey for tea.’
    ‘Well, do you know, so