Sir Robert arrived home just in time for dinner. His surprise on being greeted by Kate and Annie was obvious, but he recovered quickly and his welcome was warm and sincere. He embraced Kate and sat down with them for a sherry before the meal. He listened patiently while Kate explained their presence in Bombay.

‘Well,’ he said when Kate came to the end of her narrative, ‘I must say I admire you young ladies for your courage and fortitude. Your brother should be very touched and proud of you, Annie. He’s a lucky fellow to have such a brave and devoted sister. As for Harry Trader, or Sir Harry Lyndon, whichever name he happens to be using, I am reserving judgement, Kate. Although it seems to me that you are quite fond of him.’

‘Yes, Sir Robert, I am,’ Kate said frankly. ‘I was devastated when they told me at the hospital that he had left, and apparently with no forwarding address. Joseph seems to think that Harry had something important to do, but that seems odd. As far as I know, Harry had never been to India before.’

‘I’m sorry, Kate.’ Annie reached out to touch Kate’s hand as they sat side by side on the sofa. ‘You’ve done so much for me and for Joseph. I only want you to be happy.’

‘Dinner is served, Sir Robert.’ Mrs Ogilvy appeared in the doorway, looking approvingly from one to the other. ‘I would like to say how good it is to see Miss Kate here, sir. We’ve been a quiet household for too long. I keep telling Sir Robert that he should entertain more.’

‘Agatha takes me in hand regularly.’ Sir Robert raised his glass to his housekeeper. ‘But I don’t know what I’d do without her.’

‘Your dinner will be spoiled if you don’t come now, sir,’ Mrs Ogilvy said sternly. ‘Sandeep announced the meal a good fifteen minutes ago. It’s always left to me to make sure things run smoothly.’

Sir Robert downed the last of his drink and rose to his feet. ‘I consider myself reproved, Agatha. We’re coming right away.’

Kate had to hide a smile at the sight of such a prominent man being browbeaten by his housekeeper. ‘I’m sorry, Mrs Ogilvy. It’s my fault. I was telling Sir Robert everything that has happened to my family since we left India. I’m sure the meal will be wonderful, as always.’

Mrs Ogilvy tossed her head and marched out of the room.

‘Oh dear,’ Annie said anxiously. ‘Have we upset her? She’s been so kind.’