“That is what I said. Presumably she is your client'? Have you proceeded any further? You seemed to have had no success at all when I last saw you.”

“I have considerably more information,” he answered.

“In other words, no,” she interpreted.

“Do you really think you have time and talent enough to spare to do your own work and mine too?” he asked with a lift of sarcasm. “You rate yourself higher than the evidence supports.”

“If you want Genevieve,” she retorted, “you will have to wait. She cannot leave Lady Ravensbrook until I return.” And with that she brushed past him and strode towards the front door, yanking it open and leaving it swinging behind her for the footman to close.

“I came to see Lord Ravensbrook,” Monk said between his teeth. “You monumentally stupid woman!”

Nevertheless on the evening of the day after, tired as she was, Hester went to Monk's rooms in Fitzroy Street to give him the general information she had learned about Angus and Caleb Stonefield from her time in Ravensbrook House. It was not a great deal, but it might help. She was not concerned so much for him as for Genevieve.

It was a wintry night and she held the collar of her cloak up around her neck and chin as she crossed the pavement and mounted the step. She rapped smartly on the door, before she could change her mind.

She stepped back, and was about to decide that he was not in and she had done all duty demanded of her, when the latch turned and the door swung open. Monk stood just inside, outlined by the light behind him. From what she could see of his face he was tired and discouraged. He did not hide his surprise at seeing her.

She felt sorry for him, and was suddenly glad she had come.

“I thought I should tell you the little I have learned about Angus and Caleb,” she explained her presence.

“You've learned something?” he said quickly, stepping back for her to enter.

Perhaps she had overstated it and given him unjustified hope. She felt foolish.

“Only a few facts, or perhaps I should more correctly say a few people's opinions.”

“Whose opinions? For heaven's sake, come in! I don't want to stand here on the step, even if you don't mind.” He pulled the door wider, and then as she passed him, closed it behind her.

“Why are you so angry?” She decided to stop retreating and attack instead.

It was more in her nature. She should not allow him to make her feel as if she had to justify herself all the time. “If your case is going badly, that is unfortunate,” she continued, walking past him through the outer chamber to the inner one. “But being offensive will not help it, and it is very childish. You should learn to control yourself.”