The look of surprise that fell across the older woman’s face was priceless, but although I could see the questions in her eyes she kept them behind her teeth.

Because I’d taken Kitten’s hand at the other woman’s approach I felt the jolt of surprise that went through her as well, though I chose to ignore it for now.

We had plenty of time for her to come to terms with her new role in life. After she’d read the contract I’d had drawn up for her there would be no ...