Maria Felix’s POV
The train arrived in Southampton at half past three, and I sat in the ladies' waiting room until the London express's departure at a quarter past four. When it was time to leave, I had trouble finding a porter to assist me with my suitcase but finally attracted the attention of an elderly, stooping, knobbly-kneed specimen who looked as though he should have been safely retired some years previously. Because of this, we arrived on the platform in something of a rush and with less than two minutes before the train was due to depart.
'This way, madam,' he called over his shoulder, heading for a first-class carriage, which was an indulgence I had allowed myself, intending to arrive at the Empire's capital in style. The engine hissed and vented smoke and steam, whistles blew
