‘No, indeed. I could suggest we adjourn to an inn to raise a glass to the memory of the departed.’ Perry glanced round the mourners, who remained standing in groups, talking in low voices. ‘It’s all gentlemen, so I think it more appropriate, especially in the circumstances.’

‘Yes, you’re right. Please do that.’ Kate shot a sideways look at Fellowes, her father’s valet for more than twenty years. ‘Please take Fellowes with you. The poor man looks as though he’s been crying. He was devoted to Papa and now he’ll have to find work elsewhere.’

‘I’ll do all I can for him. I do know of someone who is looking for a gentleman’s gentleman. Anyway, you should go home, Kate. I’ll call to see you later, if I may.’

She eyed him uncertainly. Perry had not mentioned their last fateful meeting, and for that she was grateful. His support before and during the funeral had been invaluable, but she did not want to give him false hopes.

‘Might we leave it a day or two, Perry? My mother is obviously taking Papa’s death very hard, and I have to respect her wish for privacy, but thank you all the same. You’ve been such a great help during these past difficult days.’

‘Kate, you’ve done far more for my family. I can never thank you enough for taking care of Ivy and the children.’

‘They are safely away from London and won’t return until Monks and his gang are arrested and sent to prison. I won’t rest easy until that happens.’

‘You must allow me to contribute financially to their upkeep.’

‘I won’t hear of it. What are friends for if they cannot help each other in time of need?’ Kate glanced over her shoulder. ‘My carriage is waiting, Perry. If you’re certain you can deal with the gentleman without me, I’ll go home and see if I can comfort Mama.’

He took her hand and raised it to his lips. ‘Of course, you must. Just send word to my chambers if you need me, and I’ll come immediately.’

She smiled, acknowledging his words with a nod, and walked away, leaving the mourners to follow their own inclinations.

Kate arrived home but the moment she walked through the open front door she sensed that there was something wrong. There was no sign of Henry, and the house was even more silent than when she had left earlier. Her footsteps echoed eerily as she crossed the marble-tiled entrance hall. She went straight to the drawing room, where she expected to find her mother. The sight that met her eyes as she opened the door made her come to a sudden halt, and her hand flew to her mouth to stifle a cry of dismay.

Chapter Thirteen