‘That won’t happen, Arabella,’ Giles said firmly. ‘The police are here now, as is the chief inspector, who is an old friend. Everything is in place and all we have to do is to welcome our guests as they arrive, but Kate, if things get too hectic I want you to promise me you’ll see your mama to safety before anything else.’

‘Of course I will.’ Kate turned towards the stairs where Giles’s butler cleared his throat loudly before announcing the first arrivals.

Kate stood in line with her mother and her new stepfather to receive the guests, most of whom were unfamiliar to her, but she managed to smile and nod as if she did this every day of her life. Her hand was aching and her face felt as though it was set in a rictus grin when the last couple had been warmly welcomed, and she could only admire her mother for acting as though she were accustomed to entertaining on a grand scale. Even so, and although she had sent out the invitations herself, Kate was amazed to see so many people, and so much obvious wealth. If Monks missed this chance he would be either stupid or extremely clever. Kate tried to enjoy the evening but all the time she was waiting for something dire to happen.

Ivy was stationed in the small parlour adjoining the ballroom where the ladies’ capes and wraps were laid out, and Joe was in the next room attending to the gentlemen’s coats, hats and gloves. Ted and Augustus, looking very smart in their evening dress, stood to attention on either side of the door, apparently to prevent gate crashers, but Kate could tell by their rigid stance that they were prepared for trouble.

The orchestra struck up a grand march and couples paraded solemnly round the floor, the women’s jewels gleaming in the candlelight. The air was heavy with expensive perfume and pomade, and a hint of Havana cigar smoke wafted in from the terrace. Couples whirled around to the strain of waltzes and the more formal cotillion and quadrille. Kate was claimed by several good-looking, well-bred gentleman, whose names she had already forgotten. She danced and responded half-heartedly to their attempts at conversation but she was on edge all the time, waiting for something to happen. Champagne was flowing and as the evening progressed the guests wandered into the supper room to sample the sumptuous banquet spread out before them.