‘But if he went in search of Monks on his own – what then?’

Perry laid his hand on her arm. ‘If that’s so I’m afraid there’s nothing that you or I can do about it, especially now. It’s Christmas Eve and soon the roads will be all but impassable. I’m afraid we’re likely to be stuck here for a while.’

‘There’s one other thing, Perry,’ Kate said as they walked slowly towards the drawing room. ‘Joe is quite badly crippled. He’ll never be fully fit again, but he needs to find some sort of employment, and he knows nothing apart from soldiering. Can you help him without making him feel that he’s being treated like a charity?’

‘I’ll have a chat with him. I’ll do whatever I can for Annie’s brother, and that’s a promise.’

‘I knew I could rely on you. And if you hear anything concerning Monks, please tell me. I’m very worried for Harry’s safety.’

‘When I return to London I’ll speak to one of my contacts in the police force, and if Harry should get in touch with me I’ll let you know.’

‘Thank you, Perry.’ Kate squeezed his arm as they came to a halt outside the drawing room. ‘I’m going upstairs to change for dinner. I’ll leave the rest to you.’

Kate walked away, but before going to her room she made her way to the kitchen where the children were just finishing their evening meal. They left the table, despite instructions from their mother to remain seated, and they danced around Kate, demanding to know if she had brought them anything from India.

Four-year-old Emma was convinced that Kate had packed an elephant in her cabin trunk, much to the amusement of Frankie and May. Six-year-old Nellie asked shyly if Kate had brought them a monkey for them to play with, and was obviously disappointed by the answer she received. However, with the promise of telling them stories of her travels when they were in bed, and reminding them that next day was Christmas Day, Kate eventually managed to escape from their demands and she went straight to her room.

For a while she sat in the dressing room, amongst Harry’s belongings, watching the snowflakes fluttering against the cold glass windowpanes. She wondered where he was at this particular moment and she could only hope that he was safe and warm. She had become used to seeing him every day during their voyage home and it would be a strange Christmas without him.