‘Wonderful.’ Kate patted Spears on the back. ‘Now both of you can do something for me and for Harry. I want you to attend the ball in Berkeley Square, which is being given to celebrate my mother’s engagement to Mr Pomeroy-Smith.’

Joe stared at her, shaking his head. ‘Why would I attend a ball, Kate? I can hardly walk, let alone dance.’

‘It’s going to be a trap to catch Monks and his gang and put them in prison where they belong. We think, or rather we hope, that the lure of expensive jewels and priceless artworks will be enough to tempt Monks out of hiding. I think Harry and the police will need all the help they can get.’

‘Look at me, Kate.’ Joe lifted one of his crutches. ‘I’m not much use with these things.’

‘I dunno, mate,’ Spears said, chuckling. ‘A hefty swipe with one of those would do the trick. You look as though you know how to handle yourself in a set-to.’

‘I haven’t any suitable clothes,’ Joe said stubbornly. ‘Unless you want me to wear my uniform.’

‘Me neither,’ Spears added. ‘I only got these duds because you gave them to me, miss.’

‘There’s a shop in Covent Garden where Mr Moss sells very good second-hand garments,’ Kate said firmly. ‘I want you both to come to London as soon as possible and we’ll get you kitted out.’

‘If you put it like that I suppose I can’t refuse,’ Joe said, grinning.

Kate smiled. ‘That’s settled then. Hopefully you won’t have to do anything but stand by, looking impressive.’

‘I want to see Monks get his comeuppance,’ Spears said grimly. ‘Nothing would please me more.’

‘I’ll leave you two to get acquainted, and in the meantime I’m going to see Ivy. She wasn’t at the big house so I expect I’ll find her at home. I think Ted would be a handy man to back you two soldiers up.’

‘Ted’s a good chap,’ Joe said earnestly. ‘We’ll be there, Kate. After everything you’ve done for Annie and me, I owe you my life.’

‘Nonsense,’ Kate said briskly. ‘We’re as good as family, and that means we stick together.’ She was about to walk away but she hesitated. ‘You’ll need a horse, Augustus. I’ll tell Goodfellow to find you a suitable mount.’ She did not wait for an answer and she set off again, this time heading for Ivy and Ted’s cottage at the edge of the spinney.

Ivy was in the garden hanging the washing on a clothes line, her breath curling round her head in the cold air. Kate called her name and Ivy took a peg from her mouth to answer with a cry of delight.