A fire had been lit to dispel any hint of dampness, despite the fact that it was a reasonably warm night. Even in the flickering light from the flames and the glow from two candles on the mantelshelf, the corners of the room were lost in the gloom. The four-poster bed with its damask-covered tester and curtains stood like a welcoming island in a sea of shadows. Even so, the darkness seemed to wrap itself around Kate like a warm blanket and she felt completely at home. When she eventually climbed into bed the feather mattress was soft and she sank into it with a sigh of relief. They were as safe here as they could be anywhere, and Monks was unlikely to find them. She could hear Jenny snoring gently in the next room, and Kate closed her eyes, drifting off into a deep sleep.

She awakened next morning to the chorus of birdsong and the sound of a teacup rattling on its saucer. Kate opened her eyes to see Jenny standing at her bedside.

‘What time is it?’ Kate sat up to take the tea from Jenny’s hand.

Jenny chuckled. ‘Well, in London you’d think it early, but here in the country it seems they get up at the crack of dawn and they consider this mid-morning.’

‘I slept so well. I haven’t had a night’s sleep like that for goodness knows how long.’ Kate sipped the hot, sweet tea. ‘Is my mother up and about?’

‘I looked into her room before I went downstairs but she was still asleep. I left her because it will do her good. The poor lady is worn out with grief.’

Kate nodded. ‘Yes, I suppose you’re right. Anyway, I’ll get up as soon as I’ve drunk this and I’ll put on one of my old gowns. I dare say there’ll be plenty to do downstairs, and I’m more than happy to help.’

‘Your mama won’t like it, miss.’

‘I can’t laze about and I want to make sure that everything is running smoothly. Perhaps my mother will agree to stay if she finds the house comfortable and well run.’

‘Surely you won’t allow her to return to London? Not with that Mad Monks planning to kill us all.’

‘I don’t think he’d go that far, although I cannot be certain. The sooner he’s behind bars, the better.’ Kate handed her empty cup back to Jenny and swung her legs over the side of the bed. ‘Thank you for that. Now I’m ready for anything. I’ll dress and go downstairs to face Martha.’

‘She’s banned Ivy’s nippers from the kitchen. I think Martha and Lady Martin have got something in common, miss. They don’t like children.’