‘Your father asked me to take care of you, Kate. I would try to be a good husband.’

She rose to her feet, eyeing him curiously. ‘I don’t want you to marry me because of a promise you made Papa.’

‘What I don’t understand is whether you are hankering after the ghost of a man you met in Delhi, or if you have genuine feelings for Harry Trader.’

She turned on him angrily. ‘You’ll just have to accept my decision, Perry. You might think you’re doing the honourable thing but there never was anything between us, and there never will be. If you can’t accept that then I think you’d better return to London as soon as your horse is rested.’ She was about to walk away when he caught her by the hand.

‘I’m sorry, Kate. I know you don’t have any feelings for me, but I would have honoured my promise. If you should change your mind I will be there for you.’

‘You simply don’t give up, do you?’

He gave her a rueful smile. ‘I wouldn’t have got so far in my profession if I were someone who gave up at the first hint of trouble.’

‘And an independently wealthy wife might prove a definite advantage.’

‘I suppose you’re right,’ Perry said with a wry smile.

‘Come in and make yourself pleasant to my mother, but if you even hint at any romantic attachment between us I will never speak to you again. Mama would love to have you as her son-in-law, but don’t let that go to your head.’

‘I promise not to say anything that might embarrass you.’

‘Then follow me. I’ll introduce you to Lady Lyndon. You’ve already met her companion, Annie.’ Kate crossed the terrace and opened the door leading into the rear of the house. She led the way to the drawing room where, as she had expected, Lady Lyndon was relaxing on the sofa listening to Annie playing a haunting melody.

Perry came to a standstill in the doorway, gazing in admiration at Annie, or maybe it was her playing that touched him. Kate was amazed to see tears in his eyes. She had never seen this side of Peregrine and it was as if he had lifted a curtain on his feelings and now they were there for all to see. She turned away, embarrassed for his sake, but Annie came to the end of the music and there was a sudden silence, broken by Perry clapping enthusiastically.

‘That was really beautiful, Annie.’

‘Who are you?’ Annie asked nervously. ‘Do I know you? Kate, are you there?’

‘Yes, of course. I’m sorry, Annie. It’s Perry, I’m sure you remember him.’

‘I do,’ Annie said, smiling. ‘You like my playing, Perry.’

‘That was wonderful,’ Perry said with a break in his voice. ‘Really beautiful, Annie.’