“Of course you may,” Mrs Parker said.
Alice blushed. “You are so kind to me, dear Mrs Parker. I know you are trying to help me, and I’m grateful.”
Mrs Parker smiled in an encouraging manner.
The next day Alice met Dottie on the stairs. “Mrs P. said we should have a word,” Dottie said. “Come into the salon for a moment. There’s no visitors just yet.”
The room was expensively furnished, with lots of red velvet. The leather armchairs were comfortable, and there were several settees. There was a faint smell of cigar smoke, which Alice did not find displeasing.
“Have a drink,” Dottie said. On the sideboard were decanters of sherry, port, whisky and brandy, and a rack of wine bottles. Alice was about to refuse, but then thought, why not? She didn’t have to worry about her father’s disapprov
