‘Of course I did, Kate. Don’t forget I met that dreadful creature when he broke into our house, and I endured months and months in the country because of him. I even had to put up with Ivy’s brood of children, but that’s all in the past now. Giles and I plan to live part of the time in Pomeroy Park and we’ll spend the season here, in Berkeley Square.’

‘But first we’re going to have a honeymoon in Italy,’ Giles added, patting Arabella’s hand.

‘Although we’ll be home in time for your wedding at Easter,’ Arabella said happily.

‘My wedding?’ Kate turned to Harry, who had just joined them. ‘Do you know anything about this?’

‘I haven’t had a chance to propose yet,’ Harry said mildly.

‘But you will, of course.’ Arabella smiled benignly. ‘At one time I would have said that you could do better, Kate, but now I have to admit that Harry Lyndon might make a good husband, and as Giles and I are already wed, I suggest you take our place at St Mary’s for an Easter wedding. We’ve decided that you may use Pomeroy Park for the wedding breakfast.’

Kate held up her hand. ‘Mama, I’m very happy for you and Giles, but please will you allow me to run my own life? After tonight all I want to do is to go home to Warren House and enjoy a good night’s sleep.’

‘You still call Warren House home?’ Harry said softly.

‘I meant Finsbury Square, of course. I’m exhausted after all this excitement.’

‘The house in Finsbury Square belongs to you, Kate,’ Arabella said firmly. ‘After all, you inherited it from your uncle and I no longer need to live there. You are a woman of means, and won’t have any reason to return to Walthamstow.’

Kate was about to answer when Lady Lyndon bore down on them, holding Annie by the hand. ‘Harry, there you are. I want you to take us home. After all the excitement poor Annie is exhausted, and I don’t know where Perry has gone.’

Harry hesitated. ‘I should take Kate home first, Mama. Perry is probably dealing with the police but he’ll see you and Annie safely back to Finsbury Circus when he’s ready.’

‘I hope that young man isn’t simply amusing himself with you, Annie,’ Lady Lyndon said wearily. ‘The youth of today seem to think they can do what they please, and never mind the consequences.’

‘Aunt Margaret! How can you say such things about Perry?’ Annie’s cheeks reddened and her eyes flashed. ‘Perry has already proposed to me, but I said he must ask your permission first. He would have done so this evening if it hadn’t been for all the excitement.’