Kate shook her head. ‘No. Well, yes, I suppose he has. Perry has twice asked me to marry him, the last time being a matter of minutes ago in the garden, although to be fair he only did it because he promised my father that he would take care of me.’

‘I assume you didn’t accept?’

‘I did not, but that doesn’t mean that he ought to fall in love with the first girl he sees.’

‘My dear, I do sympathise, but don’t take it to heart. Annie is a sweet child and she has that effect on some men. She brings out their protective nature.’

‘I suppose so, and I’m being mean,’ Kate said with a reluctant chuckle. ‘But it doesn’t say much for his feelings for me.’

‘Maybe you ought to have words with that young man, but don’t spoil Annie’s moment of happiness. The poor girl has had few enough of those since her parents died and her brother’s regiment was sent to India. I know she worries about him constantly.’

‘You’re right, of course,’ Kate said earnestly. ‘I think it was just my pride that was hurt. You’re very wise, Lady Lyndon.’

‘Not really, Kate. One good thing about growing older is that one has seen and experienced many things, although passing on that information is not always welcomed. You are a very sensible young woman. No wonder Harry chose you to support him.’

Kate eyed her warily. ‘He chose me? I don’t understand.’

‘I know very little about Harry’s business ventures, but I do know that he would have thought very hard before he allowed you to run the soup kitchen in that rough part of London. He’s quite shrewd when it comes to picking the people who work closely with him.’

‘But I did nothing, Lady Lyndon.’

‘Harry obviously trusts you and that encourages me to do the same. I know that you will do anything you can to see that justice is done, and I support you in every way.’ Lady Lyndon sat back in her chair, closing her eyes. ‘I think I’ll have a short nap before dinner.’

There was nothing left to say and Kate hurried from the room. At a guess, Annie would have led Perry through the house to the terrace overlooking the meadow that had once been a lawn. As she had suspected they were seated together on the balustrade, but the rapt look on Annie’s face made it impossible to interrupt their conversation and Kate retreated into the house before either of them noticed her.