‘I’d have to consider it carefully,’ Giles said slowly. ‘It’s true that I have many wealthy friends and acquaintances, but I would be deliberately putting them in harm’s way. That simply isn’t on.’

‘In the usual way of things I’d have to agree with you,’ Kate said earnestly. ‘But Monks has to have a good reason to risk stealing jewels and works of art. He’s clever and he’s managed to evade the police for far too long. None of us is safe until he’s behind bars.’

Arabella paled alarmingly. ‘Oh, Giles. Say yes. We can warn your friends—’

‘No!’ Kate said firmly. ‘No one must know. Harry will inform the police and they will lie in wait for the gang. Your engagement ball will be the talk of the town for years to come.’

‘It’s a risk.’ Giles patted Arabella on the hand. ‘But I think Kate is right. If this is the only way to catch a villain like Monks, so be it.’

‘Then you agree?’ Kate could hardly contain her excitement.

‘In principle, I do, but I’ll have to give it a lot more thought. I don’t want to endanger anyone.’

‘I agree,’ Kate said fervently. ‘I suggest we ask Perry’s opinion. He’s been liaising between Harry and the police. They’ve been working hard to catch Monks and this seems too good an opportunity to miss.’

Giles nodded. ‘I’m returning to Berkeley Square after dinner. I suggest that you and I pay Perry a visit at his chambers tomorrow morning.’

‘What about me?’ Arabella demanded. ‘Am I to be left out of this?’

‘No, my love, of course not.’ Giles resumed his seat at her side. ‘I suggest that you make a list of all the rich and influential people you know, and even those you’ve never met. We’ll work out who to invite from that, and if Perry thinks it’s a sound idea I’ll have invitations printed. I imagine we need to work quickly from what you’ve said, Kate?’

‘Yes, the sooner we get this done the better.’

‘But we will still go ahead with arrangements for our wedding at Easter?’ Arabella said anxiously.

‘Of course, my dear. That’s another good reason for getting Monks and his men caught, tried and convicted as soon as possible. I don’t want anything to spoil our special day.’

Arabella smiled happily. ‘I’ll need a new ball gown, Kate. If the celebration is in my honour I need to be the best dressed woman present.’

‘Of course, Mama. You will eclipse them all.’