He watched Herrick’s sturdy figure until he had vanished into a side street and then turned to stare at the busy scene around him.

He made to cross the road but paused to allow a fine pair of greys drawing an emerald green carriage to pass. But the coachman was reining them back and had his brightly polished boot hard on the brake.

Bolitho waited, still dazed by all that had happened and the speed of life in this great city.

The carriage window opened and a voice said, “I heard you were at the Admiralty, Captain.”

He looked at the elegant woman who was smiling down at him like a conspirator. It was Catherine Pareja.

He stammered, “Kate!” He could find no other words.

She rapped on the roof. “Robert! Help the captain in.” And as Bolitho sank on to the seat beside her she added, “We will dine together.” Her mouth lifted in that familiar smile. “And then . . .” Her laugh was lost in the rumble of wheels as the carriage moved rapidly into the throng of vehicles and horses.

From his lofty window Admiral Beauchamp watched them go and nodded thoughtfully. He had made a good choice, he decided. Definitely a man to be reckoned with.