‘If I go out they’ll get me for sure.’

Kate could not argue with that, but an idea came to her and she smiled. ‘I want you to come back to Finsbury Square with me. A bath and a shave, clean clothes and a haircut will work wonders. Then I’ll send you to Wapping in a cab. Monks’ men won’t recognise you.’

Spears almost choked on a mouthful of pastry. ‘You want me to dress up like a toff?’

‘Something like that, but we must get word to Harry and I can’t think of any other way.’

‘This ain’t a ruse to get me arrested, is it? I done some things that the law don’t approve of in the past.’

‘The police aren’t interested in you, Spears – I have it from the highest authority – and if you do this and help to bring Monks and his gang to justice you’ll be free to live your life as you choose.’

‘That ain’t saying much, miss. I’ve been living like a hermit in this place. I don’t care if I never see Whitechapel again in me whole life.’

‘Perhaps there’s another way. Leave it to me, but will you do this? It’s very important.’

Spears puffed out his chest. ‘I never been that before.’ He reached for a slab of cake and took a massive bite. ‘I’d like to marry your cook. D’you think she’d have me?’

‘Not while you look and smell as you do at the moment. Do you agree to help us?’

Spears nodded. ‘If there’s more of this cake I’ll do almost anything.’

‘That’s good. I’ll go out and hail a cab. Wait in the doorway. The sooner we get away from here, the better.’

Lizzie almost fainted when she set eyes on Spears and Mrs Marsh stood arms akimbo in the entrance hall, glaring at him suspiciously.

‘Why have you brought this vagabond into the house, Miss Kate? Your mama won’t be too pleased.’

Kate drew her aside. ‘This is police business, Mrs Marsh. This man is a valuable witness in a case that is so important the chief inspector is handling it. I want a bath filled with hot water, with clean towels and soap ready. Are there any of my papa’s old clothes that have not been given to charity?’

‘There is a trunk filled with them in one of the attics, miss.’ Mrs Marsh pursed her lips, folding her arms across her chest. ‘But if you don’t mind me saying so, is it right to give them to someone like him? I’m sure there are more worthy people.’

‘Not in this case, Mrs Marsh. I’ll take Mr Spears to my father’s dressing room where he can wait while Lizzie fills the bathtub. I’ll go to the attic myself and search for the appropriate garments.’