‘You were taking a chance by coming here in broad daylight. You’d better come into the kitchen,’ Kate said hastily. ‘They’ve all gone to the sale so there won’t be anyone around.’ She led the way across the lawn to the back of the house, checking first that there was no one in the kitchen before she hustled Harry inside. She leaned against the table, looking him up and down. ‘You look terrible. I doubt if anyone would recognise you as Sir Harry Lyndon.’

He gave her a wry smile. ‘I know, and I probably smell dreadful.’

‘Are the police after you, Harry?’

‘I’m more worried that Monks will track me down. I have to lie low until he and all his gang are safely behind bars.’

‘But if words gets round that you’re here it won’t be a secret for long.’

‘You’ve learned that already. I’m impressed.’ Harry’s smiled faded. ‘I’ll leave now and head back to the house.’

‘You’ve been there already? How did you know where to find me?’

‘Morrison was burning dead leaves. I followed my nose and found him in the walled garden. Don’t worry, Kate. I’ve known him since I was a boy. He told me where you were and he also said how much you’d done for him. You’ve made a friend there.’

‘I only did what was necessary … But more importantly, what will you do now?’

‘I have a plan and it involves you, but we won’t go into that at the moment. I’d better make myself scarce before someone comes looking for you.’

‘Where will you stay? You wouldn’t be able to hide in a house filled with people.’

‘Morrison has a small cottage on the edge of the estate. I’ll stay there for a while and keep the old fellow company.’

Kate glanced out of the window. ‘Frankie is crossing the lawn.’ She snatched the kettle from the range and made a move towards the door. ‘I’ll see you later, unless Constable Middlemiss arrests you on the way home.’ She did not wait for his answer and she hurried from the house, meeting Frankie halfway. ‘Sorry I took so long. I had to wait for the water to heat up.’

Frankie took the kettle from her. ‘I got longer legs than you, miss. They’re crying out for more tea in there.’ He raced off, spilling water on the ground in his hurry.