Mary drew a cross over her chest. ‘I swear, m’lady. On my mother’s life, I swear it.’

Lou winced. But she knew that such a vow meant she could put her trust in Mary. ‘The person I am talking about is George Caxton.’

She didn’t have time to think how Mary might react. But she wasn’t expecting her to nod, lean in conspiratorially and, without hesitation, say, ‘Mr Caxton’s fire is the only one I don’t make up. Mrs Moriarty says I’m never to go into his room alone. When I asked why not, she wouldn’t say.’ Mary looked around, checking to see that they were still alone. ‘Bertha, one of the maids from Caxton Hall, is sharing my bedroom. She told me that Mr Caxton says things – does things – to maids that he oughtn’t.’ She moved in closer still. ‘I heard something else last night when I was in the corridor outside the servants’ hall. I wasn’t eavesdropping, m’lady. I wouldn’t want you to think that.’

Remembering the gossipy girl she had encountered on her first day, Lou smiled. ‘I’m sure you weren’t.’

‘There were men talking,’ Mary continued. ‘I heard William saying how Mr Caxton had mistreated one of Captain Mandeville’s favourite horses. That’s when Reg said that Mr Caxton is well known for his brutal temper.’

‘Reg?’

‘He’s one of the footmen from Caxton Hall who’s come to help. He called Mr Caxton a … well, it’s a name I can’t repeat. Elliot – he’s the groom, and he never usually says much of anything, really – he burst out all of a sudden. He said that the kind of man who can beat a poor creature is the same kind of man who gambles in the back room of The White Lion with no intention of ever making good on what he owes to men who can ill afford to lose money. And he borrows from men that don’t take kindly to bad debts. Reg said that Lord Caxton would be furious if he finds out his son has been gambling. Apparently, Lord Caxton has been heard to say he’d rather see his son in prison than pay off his debts again.’

Lou slowly processed Mary’s words, and as each one sank in, the green shoots of a plan began to sprout.

‘I don’t think Mr Caxton is a very nice man, is he?’ Mary said. ‘He doesn’t seem to have many friends. Will I let you know if I hear anything else about him?

‘I don’t want you to raise suspicion amongst the other staff.’

‘Oh, it’s all right, m’lady. They’re always talking about what goes on upstairs. I’ll only be joining in the conversations that are already happening.’

Lou laughed internally at Mary’s innocence. She was completely oblivious to the fact that it was indiscreet to discuss one’s employers and even more indiscreet to confess to it. ‘Thank you,’ Lou said. ‘But don’t give yourself away to anyone. Now,’ she touched Mary’s hand, ‘you should go home. I’m sure your family are desperate to see you.’