‘I lived in Delhi for several years,’ Kate said defensively. ‘It just so happens that I am looking for someone, or I would not have come to the station alone.’ She met his amused gaze with a frown. ‘Thank you, sir. But I’ll hail a tonga and be on my way.’

‘Where are you staying, Miss – er – I’m sorry we haven’t been formally introduced. My name is Francis Lambert.’

‘Kate Martin.’ Kate hoped he could not see that she was still trembling, although she forced herself to speak calmly. ‘I see by your uniform that you are Colonel Lambert.’

‘That’s correct, but might I ask why you are here on your own? If you’re familiar with India you must know that it’s inadvisable, especially now.’

‘You’re right, of course,’ Kate said coldly. ‘Thank you for stepping in, but I’d better return to Audley House before I’m missed.’

‘I have a carriage waiting. It would be my pleasure to see you safely home.’

‘I’m staying with Sir Robert Audley.’

‘I know him well.’ Colonel Lambert proffered his arm.

Kate had little alternative but to take him up on his offer. Glancing over her shoulder, she could see some of the older boys lurking behind an iron pillar, and she knew it was not safe to remain here on her own.

‘Thank you. I won’t make the same mistake again,’ she said as he handed her into his carriage.

‘Audley House. Drive on,’ Colonel Lambert said as he climbed in beside Kate. ‘Now, perhaps you’d like to tell me for whom you risked all? He must be someone special.’

Kate shot him a sideways glance. ‘It’s a long story, Colonel.’

‘I’m sure it will make the drive back to Audley House very interesting, but I don’t wish to pry.’

‘Are you married, Colonel?’

‘I am, as it happens,’ he said with a wry smile. ‘Does that have any bearing on what you might tell me?’

‘Not really, but if you have a wife and family you might understand why it’s important for me to find my friend. I sailed from London several months ago, accompanied by my friend Annie. Her brother was a soldier in the East India Company Bombay Army and we received a letter saying that he had been badly wounded and was in hospital.’

‘That must have been very upsetting.’

‘It was, sir. Annie is blind, although she is a very independent person, and she adores her brother. Her cousin, Harry, travelled to Bombay intending to bring Joe home, but apparently he was injured in a skirmish and was also suffering from malaria. He ended up in hospital with Joe and there seemed to be no answer other than for Annie and me to come to Bombay and bring them both home.’

‘Are they still in hospital?’