It was not until much later that she managed to speak to Perry on his own. Dinner was over and Arabella had pleaded a headache and retired to her room with Jenny in attendance. Lady Lyndon and Annie had gone to the drawing room and Perry was about to follow them when Kate laid a hand on his sleeve.

‘Don’t go yet, Perry. I want to ask you something.’

He came to a halt. ‘Have you changed your mind?’

‘No, but it appears that you have.’

‘I don’t know what you mean.’

‘Yes, you do. You’ve had eyes for no one but Annie ever since you met her again.’

‘She is a beautiful woman, and so sweet.’

‘Just a few hours ago you proposed to me.’

‘Kate, I have the highest regard for you and I would have made you a good husband, but you’ve turned me down twice.’

‘It doesn’t seem to have upset you.’

‘I was trying to do the right thing.’

‘So you were never in love with me?’

He smiled and raised her hand to his lips. ‘Of course I was – just a little, anyway. You are a beautiful, spirited woman with a mind of your own. I doubt if I could live up to your high ideals but I would have tried. I had no thought of looking for anyone else, and then I saw Annie. I’m sorry if it offends you, but I have to admit that everything changed at that moment.’

‘What are you going to do about it? Annie is living here; you are in London.’

‘I haven’t thought that far, Kate. All I know is that I want to see her as often as possible, but I’m truly sorry if I’ve hurt your feelings.’

She reached up and kissed his cheek. ‘I was a little piqued, I must admit, but I understand how you feel. It was the same for me when I first set eyes on Ashok, although that can never be.’ Kate took a deep breath. ‘However, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Annie is a lovely person, and if you win her heart you will be a very lucky man.’

‘You are a very special person, Kate. I would have counted myself a very lucky man had you accepted my offer of marriage.’

‘Fibber!’ Kate said, smiling. ‘I don’t feel so bad about refusing you now. Anyway, I’m sure you have better things to do this evening than stand here talking to me.’

He kissed her on the cheek. ‘I’m going to the kitchen to have a chat with Ivy. I have some news for her, as if happens.’

‘About her husband?’

‘Yes, I visited the prison and because I was Ted’s lawyer I was allowed to see him briefly. He’s surviving well and he’s determined to go straight. He might even be released a bit earlier for good behaviour.’