‘I’ll have to write another bloody letter to Captain Pakenham now. Only this time I shall have to humbly ask the man to take his job back. I hope for both our sakes that he doesn’t go off in high dudgeon, broadcasting his shabby treatment to one and all.’ He leaned forward and wagged a finger at Arthur. ‘And I think that you can forget any notion that I will help you find another post in my government. Now get out of my sight,Wesley. I’ve got a letter to write.’

‘Yes, sir.’ Arthur snapped to attention, saluted and then turned and quickly marched out of the office as Lord Camden bellowed for his secretary.

Arthur hurried from the castle and made straight for Russell Square. There was no time to waste. He had to find Kitty and explain the situation before she heard the news from her uncle. When he reached the house Arthur bounded up the stairs, paused to catch his breath, remove his hat and straighten his jacket, and then rapped the gleaming knocker. An elderly servant answered the door, smiling when he recognised the caller, and Arthur felt his spirits rise as he realised that the staff could not have been instructed to cold-shoulder him yet.

‘Is Miss Pakenham at home?’

‘I’m afraid not, sir. She left over an hour ago.’

‘Do you know where she has gone?’

‘Shopping, I would imagine, sir. Miss Pakenham has most likely gone to buy some materials from Thorns, the haberdashers on Fitzroy Street.’

‘Are you sure?’

The servant smiled again. ‘Miss Pakenham is a creature of habit, sir.’

‘Thank you.’ Arthur turned away and descended two steps, then paused and turned back. ‘If she returns before I find her, please tell her that I have something very important to relate to her. I’d be obliged if she stayed here and I’ll come back once I’ve looked for her.’

‘Yes, sir. Any other words you wish me to convey to her?’

‘No. I’ll tell her everything.’

‘Yes, sir.’ The servant nodded and closed the door.

Arthur hurried back into the centre of the city, weaving through the morning shoppers and stepping nimbly round the beggars as he made for Fitzroy Street. He entered Thorns and scoured the store, with no luck. He returned to Russell Square, but she had not yet returned home. In exasperation Arthur left a message requesting Miss Pakenham to send word to his lodgings the moment she got back, so that he might come and speak to her on a matter of great urgency.