Annie grasped his hand. ‘You’ll get all that when we arrive home, Joe. You’ll love Warren House. It’s warm and comfortable and the gardens are lovely. The scent of the roses in summer is quite wonderful.’

‘But what about Harry?’ Joe asked anxiously. ‘I don’t understand why he went off like that or why he hasn’t returned. Do you think he’s met with an accident?’

A cold hand of fear clutched at Kate’s heart. ‘Don’t say things like that, Joe. We think he might have gone to Thana.’

‘Why would he go there?’ Joe looked from one to the other. ‘What is there in Thana?’

‘It might have something to do with an Indian soldier I knew when I lived in Delhi with my parents,’ Kate said carefully. ‘I don’t know why Harry would want to contact Ashok, but that is the only reason I can think of that would explain why he went to Thana.’

‘He told me how he felt about you, Kate.’ Joe dropped his gaze. ‘I mean he told me how you two met and it was obvious that he’s in love with you, but you must know that.’

‘Joe, it’s none of our business,’ Annie said quickly. ‘Don’t embarrass Kate.’

‘It’s all right, Annie.’ Kate patted Annie’s hand as it rested on the starched white coverlet. ‘It’s true that Harry and I have grown to know each other in dire circumstances. I expect he told you about Mad Monks and everything that went on in Whitechapel.’

Joe nodded. ‘Yes, it was better than going to see a play in the theatre. I hung on his every word.’

‘Well, Harry knew how much you mean to Annie and I think he felt guilty for the way the family had treated you both. That’s why he came to your rescue. It had nothing to do with me.’

‘I don’t agree,’ Annie said firmly. ‘It was obvious that Harry wanted desperately to earn your good opinion, Kate. I think he fell in love with you from the start. I can understand why he wants to lay the ghost of your old love before he declares himself to you.’

Kate was conscious that she was blushing and she turned her head away. ‘I can’t speak for Harry, but whatever I felt for Ashok died in the flames of the rebellion. I did love him, but I knew it could never be. Harry had no need to go in search of the truth – if he’d asked me I would have told him.’

‘He’ll be back,’ Joe said eagerly. ‘You can tell him then.’