Kate waited until Lizzie had left the room. ‘He was the reason why we had to leave our home, Mama.’

‘I’m fully aware of that, Kate. It all happened because Harry Lyndon was involved with some gangsters, and we were supposed to be in danger. Margaret Lyndon believed it, but I always thought it was a ridiculous story.’

Giles went to sit beside Arabella, taking her hand in his. ‘Kate told me all about it, my dear. I believe that there was, and probably still is, very real danger. I’ve heard about Monks and his disreputable gang. They are not the sort of people to trifle with.’

‘Don’t tell me that you’re mixing with these people again, Kate,’ Arabella said, sighing.

‘Not exactly, Mama. Anyway, I think I have a way to end this whole business to everyone’s satisfaction.’ Kate moved to a chair by the fire, taking her tea with her. ‘Giles, I need your help.’

‘Of course, Kate. I’ll do anything to make you and your mother safe. How I can be of assistance?’

‘You know many wealthy people, don’t you? I mean, you have connections with the rich and famous.’

He smiled modestly. ‘I suppose so. I’ve never really thought about it in that light.’

‘Well, I was thinking of giving a grand ball. Only this house isn’t really large enough for what I had in mind, and it would be very costly.’

‘I don’t understand. What are you planning, Kate?’ Arabella clutched Giles’s hand. ‘Why would we want to hold a ball?’

‘To celebrate your engagement and to announce your forthcoming marriage,’ Kate said glibly. ‘It would be a way for Giles to introduce you to society. After all, I believe you wish to return to London to live, Mama. I’ve heard that you own a large town house, Giles.’

He chuckled. ‘Is this your way of suggesting that I throw the ball at my property in Berkeley Square, Kate? I’m staying there for a couple of days, but it is usually closed until the start of the London season. It’s a tradition started many years ago.’

‘But I’m sure you have kept staff on there, and I imagine you have a collection of valuables and fine paintings.’

‘I have a few. What’s this all about, Kate?’

‘I’ll be honest with you both. The police, together with Harry Lyndon, have been trying to catch Monks and his gang for a long time. They are ruthless jewel thieves and they also steal works of art. I want to set a trap for them by announcing a grand ball to be held in your mansion in Berkeley Square. I think the temptation would be too much for Monks. After all, he and his gang have been lying low for months, and they must be getting a bit short of money by now. What do you say?’