Rising from her seat she crossed to where the young woman was standing with her back to Elinor. Softly she tapped her on her shoulder, a smile crossed her lips as the woman gasped and spun round.

"Oh Miss Wincham. You surprised me."

"My apologies, are you enjoying the nights festivities, Miss?"

"Simpson, Amy Simpson. Yes its a wonderful party. I can't believe I was so lucky to be invited. Thank you Miss Wincham."

"There's no need to thank me Amy and please call me Elinor. Tell me, would it interest you to take a tour of the house with me? We could chat just the two of us."

Amys eyes shone with happiness "Oh Miss - Elinor. That would be great thank you."

With that she walked beside Elinor and the two women left the conservatory.

Elinor smiled, "I think we'll start with the basement if thats ok with you? There are some quite beautiful antiques down there but I'd like another womans opinion as to whether they would be suitable to be brought into the main house."

"Fine by me. You're the guide. I'll just follow you."

"Good, then we'll start there and see where we end up."

-To be continued-