‘I do hope so,’ she said fervently. ‘It feels as if this will be our last chance to live a normal life again.’

‘I plan to propose to Annie when this is all over.’ Perry glanced at her nervously, as if expecting her disapproval.

Kate flung her arms around him. ‘About time, too. It was obvious from the start that you two were a wonderful match.’

‘You don’t feel put out? I mean I know I led you to think that …’

‘Perry, it doesn’t matter. That is all in the past. You met and fell in love with Annie and that’s all that matters. I might have felt a little piqued at the start, but now I see it is the best thing that could have happened. You and I were not meant to be together.’

He raised her hand to his lips. ‘You are a very special person, Kate. Harry Lyndon will be a very lucky man if you decide to take him as your husband.’

Before Kate had a chance to respond the door opened and her mother walked into the room, coming to a sudden halt when she saw them. She threw up her hands. ‘Oh, how wonderful. Have you two come to your senses at last? Kate, I couldn’t be more pleased. Now we’ll have another announcement to celebrate at the ball.’

Chapter Twenty-Six

It took Kate and Perry some time to persuade Arabella that they were not romantically involved, and even then Kate doubted if her mother was entirely convinced. However, the subject of the ball was closer to Arabella’s heart and she was quite open about her wish to become a leader of fashion. Kate made an effort to sound encouraging, but entering society was the last thing on her mind.

After a brief meeting with Harry that evening, Kate was even more determined to see an end to the activities of Monks and his gang. Harry agreed that the ball was an excellent idea, but he insisted on returning to Wapping that night.

‘If I don’t go back to my room at the pub they will get the wrong idea. Some of Monks’ men are suspicious because I was released from prison so early. I’ve worked hard to get their trust, but it’s like walking a tightrope – one slip and it’s all over. If I return there now I can continue to spread the word about the valuables that will be there for the picking at the ball.’

‘Yes, Harry,’ Kate said. ‘But I think you’ve done enough. I’m planning to go to Warren House in the morning. Why don’t you stay here tonight and travel with me tomorrow? The people in Wapping won’t know where you are.’