The wedding of Hedley and Jenny was a small affair performed by Hedley’s father, who had somehow persuaded his wife to attend, although Elaine made it abundantly clear that she disapproved of the match. Kate was happy for Jenny, who made a beautiful bride, although Kate knew she would miss her more as a friend than a servant. The wedding breakfast was a subdued affair in the vicarage dining room, with only Lady Lyndon, Arabella, Kate and Annie as guests. It was obvious that Elaine did not want her friends from the various committees involved, and Kate could only assume that the good ladies would look down on Jenny and feel sorry for Hedley. However, the newly-weds seemed oblivious to any undercurrents and were excited at the prospect of starting a new life together. The happy couple were due to sail on a troop ship the following day, and, after emotional goodbyes, they left to spend their wedding night in a coaching inn on the road to the East India docks.

Kate was happy to see her mother in a buoyant mood. Arabella’s relationship with Giles Pomeroy-Smith was progressing rapidly, although Kate knew that her mother was very conscious of the fact that she was still officially in mourning. However, Arabella had allowed herself to abandon the stark black widow’s weeds for a gown of pale grey tussore, and Kate had persuaded her to have a dinner dress made in mauve silk. Arabella had argued at first, but when Giles continued to press his suit she had agreed to break with tradition.

Kate’s liking for Giles deepened as the weeks turned into months and spring was in the air. Catkins shivered and danced on the hazel twigs and there were buds on the blackthorn bushes. The mists that had shrouded the marshes over the darkest days of winter were less frequent, and a faint haze of green on the trees that surrounded Warren House was enough to lift Kate’s spirits.

She had not heard from Harry since he left Walthamstow, and she was beginning to wonder if he intended to return home, or if he had decided to keep away until Monks was finally caught. When she asked Perry about the case he had little to say except that Monks was proving a much more slippery character than the police had anticipated, and he was lying low south of the river. Despite Monks’ apparent withdrawal from the criminal world, Perry thought that it was still too dangerous for Lady Lyndon, Kate and anyone who had connections to Harry to return to London. Perry’s advice was for them all to remain where they were and Kate was happy to comply with this.