‘I thought we were friends, Kate.’ He moderated his tone, sounding almost apologetic, but not quite. ‘Your wellbeing is important to me and it’s obvious that the fire was arson. Luckily the building wasn’t totally destroyed, but that’s not the point. I’ve seen the police report and I’m only too well aware of the rivalry between the Monks gang and Trader.’

‘Then you must know that Harry is working with the police to bring Monks to justice.’

‘Of course I do now, but if word of that gets out you will be in even more danger. Just think how it would suit Monks to abduct someone close to Trader, either his mother, Annie or yourself.’

‘I’ve thought of that, and it’s not only those closest to Harry. Ivy has had a brick thrown through her window. She and the children are an easy target for the Monks gang, and that’s where I’m going now. Don’t try to stop me, Perry. I’m going to get them to safety, and then I’ll make sure that Lady Lyndon and Annie are taken care of.’

‘But who will look after you? Your father is an invalid and he cannot protect you.’

‘What are you suggesting? What is your answer to the problem?’

He hesitated for a few seconds, meeting her angry gaze. ‘Marry me, Kate. Forget about Trader and his family; forget about soup kitchens. Marry me and let me take care of you.’

‘You are asking me to marry you?’ Kate stared at him in astonishment.

‘Don’t look so surprised. You must know that I have feelings for you.’

She shook her head. ‘No, it never occurred to me. We’ve known each other since I was little more than a child, but we were apart for three years.’

‘And when I saw you again I knew that you were the woman for me.’

‘I suppose a wealthy wife would be a definite advantage in your line of business.’

‘Kate! How could you think such a thing of me?’

‘I’m sorry if I’m doing you an injustice, but surely love ought to come into it somewhere? You’ve never demonstrated any particular fondness for me, so why would you want me to be your wife?’

‘Just because I haven’t showered you with flowers and compliments doesn’t mean that I don’t have deep feelings for you.’

Kate glanced at the towering grandfather clock that stood in the corner of the entrance hall. As a child it had always scared her, especially at night. The striking of the hour had sounded like the knell of doom, and she had imagined that the door might fly open and a hideous goblin-like figure would leap out to terrify her. But she was a grown woman now and all she saw was the clock face – she was going to be late.