At any rate Dipa’s knowledge of English was very limited. Sometimes he said the right word, but had no knowledge of its meaning. At other times he had no idea what something was called other than in his own language, which Carina could not understand.

Now after all she had told him, he seemed to be excited at their arrival.

“We’re here, we’re here!” he repeated like a small parrot, jumping up and down on the seat and standing at the window as the cab came to a standstill in front of the high stone steps leading up to an enormous nail-studded door.

The cabby climbed down slowly from the box and went up the steps. He pulled at the bell and, Carina letting down the window of the cab listened, hoping she would hear it ring.

But there was only silence and then to her surprise before a minute had passed the front door was opened and a warm glowing light streamed out onto the stone steps.

Carina could see that a footman in livery with silver-crested buttons was standing there and behind him there was another footman and yet another.

The cabby opened the door, she stepped out and, turning, lifted down Dipa who wanted to run ahead. She caught him by the hand.

“Wait for me,” she said. “Take off your cap when we go inside the door.”

They reached the top step and entered a huge baronial hall with a floor of black and white marble and great marble pillars supporting an arched roof.

The light came from dozens of candles in silver sconces and, as Carina moved into the light, holding Dipa by the hand, an elderly butler with white hair came forward to meet her.

“Is Lord Lynche at home?”

Carina was surprised to hear that her voice was clear and firm.

“Is his Lordship expecting you?”

Carina shook her head.

“No,” she replied, “but it is of great importance that I should see him immediately. Will you please inform him that I have come a long distance or I would not disturb him at this hour of the night.”

“I will inform his Lordship that you are here. Will you come this way, madam?”

His eyes had not once turned towards Dipa, but Carina had the uncomfortable feeling that, although his training prevented him from showing it, he was both astonished and curious.

They followed him down the great hall into another smaller one where there was a beautifully carved staircase winding upwards with newels on the banisters.

The butler seemed to hesitate for a moment and then turned towards a door on the right hand side of the staircase, but as he did so another door opened in front of them.

There was a sudden chatter of voices and a roar of laughter as a man came out into the hall.