‘No, indeed it isn’t.’ Harry’s smiled faded. ‘I’m sorry but I can’t tell you more at present.’

Lady Lyndon shook her head. ‘I don’t understand any of this, Harry.’

He helped her to her feet. ‘Go with Kate, Mama. I’m afraid there might be more trouble if Monks gets wind of what is planned for him. I’ll feel much happier if I know you are safe, and Annie, too. I hope it won’t be for long, but I want you to go to Warren House and stay there until I leave prison.’

‘I might be dead in twelve years’ time,’ Lady Lyndon said plaintively.

‘I promise you it won’t be anywhere near that long, Mama. It will be a matter of a few weeks or even a couple of months, if I have anything to do with the matter.’

‘Are you sure about that?’ Kate said warily. ‘If what you say is correct, all of us who have had anything to do with you are in danger while this is going on.’

‘Yes, I’m afraid that’s true. Which is why I need you to be out of London as well, Kate. Warren House is large enough to give shelter to all of you.’ He grasped his mother’s hands. ‘Can I depend upon you to do as I ask, Mama?’

‘I suppose so, since you put it so strongly, Harry,’ Lady Lyndon said, drawing away from him with a sigh. ‘You were always such a good little boy. I don’t know what happened to you. I never imagined you would mix with villains.’ She walked to the door and banged on it with her fist. ‘Let me out. I want to go home.’

Chapter Twelve

Next morning Kate was about to leave for Nightingale Lane when Perry arrived, and it was obvious from his grim expression that this was not going to be a social call. He shook his head when Henry offered to take his hat and cane.

‘I’m not staying. I want a word with you, Kate.’

‘I have an urgent appointment. Can it wait until later?’

‘No, it cannot. You know very well why I’m here.’

‘Thank you, Henry. That will be all.’ Kate waited until the footman was out of earshot. ‘Well, what is it, Perry?’

‘Why didn’t you tell me about the fire? And why did you take Lady Lyndon to Newgate Prison without first asking my permission?’

‘I didn’t know you needed to be informed if Harry’s mother wanted to visit her son. As to the fire, I don’t see what it has to do with you.’