She found herself responding to his smile, but Monks’ visit to her home had left her on edge, and she must not forget the time. ‘I have to go now, Harry. If I’m to get Mama to Warren House before nightfall we must leave soon.’

He nodded. ‘Yes, of course. Reassure my mother when you see her, but don’t tell her anything. She could never keep a secret.’

Kate was about to reply when the door burst open.

‘Time’s up, miss.’ The warder ushered her from the room before she had a chance to speak.

It was early evening when Kate, her mother and Jenny set off for Warren House. Arabella had insisted on bringing almost her entire wardrobe and she clutched her jewel case, refusing to let anyone else touch it. Barnet had packed everything but her set expression made it clear that being left behind had offended her deeply. Mrs Marsh sent Jenny off with a basket of provisions that would have kept them well fed for a much longer journey, but eventually the trunks and boxes were strapped to the roof of the carriage and they were ready to leave.

It was getting dark when the carriage trundled along the road that crossed the marshes. Jenny gasped, pointing in wonder at the eerie lights of the will-o’-the-wisp, floating above the boggy ground, but Kate was too deep in her own thoughts to comment. She was as sure as she could be that whoever had followed her to the prison had given up by the time they left Finsbury Square, but she could not help wondering how long they would have to remain in virtual exile. There was no guarantee that Harry would manage to bring Monks to justice from his prison cell, and although Warren House might provide sanctuary for a while, they could not return home. Her mother had spent the first part of the journey complaining bitterly, and then she had fallen asleep. How she would react when she discovered that she was to share the mansion in Walthamstow with Lady Lyndon, Annie, Ivy and eight young children was another matter.

The first thing that Kate noticed when she alighted from the carriage, was the heady perfume of roses and night-scented stock, adding to the fruity aroma of damp earth and the slightly musty smell of the marshes. The air was cool and fresh and a breeze fanned her hot cheeks, but there was a hint of approaching autumn in the air and a warning that summer was almost over.

‘Where are we?’

Arabella’s querulous voice from the interior of the carriage brought Kate abruptly back to the present and she held out her hand. ‘We’re at our destination, Mama.’

‘Wherever that might be.’ Arabella yawned and stretched. ‘I’m so stiff.’

Aided by Jenny, Kate helped her mother from the carriage.