Sir Bartholomew waved away Jenny’s offer of a glass of sherry. ‘Fetch the brandy decanter and a couple of glasses.’ He turned to Perry. ‘I’m sure you’d prefer a glass of cognac, Peregrine.’

‘Thank you, Sir Bartholomew, but I’m quite happy with sherry. Although perhaps we ought to be celebrating your undoubted achievement with champagne. Had I given it a thought I might have brought a magnum with me.’

Sir Bartholomew accepted a glass of brandy from Jenny and he slumped down on the sofa. ‘No need. A fine cognac beats all other tipples.’ He sipped his drink with an appreciative sigh. ‘But you’re right in one way, I do have cause to celebrate, and so do you.’

‘Me, sir? I’m not sure I understand.’

‘I can’t believe you haven’t considered the implications of my new appointment. I will be presiding at the Old Bailey, and you will be head of chambers, with all that goes with that somewhat dubious honour.’

‘I hadn’t considered it until this moment, sir.’

‘Then you must. Do you think you are ready to take the responsibility?’

‘I’ve been doing it with some success while you were in Delhi, Sir Bartholomew. I am more experienced now and much more confident in my own abilities.’

‘Splendid. Then there is just the question of the funds needed to buy me out, but we’ll discuss that privately. This evening we are simply celebrating.’

Kate stared at her father in dismay. ‘Did you say that Perry owes you money, Papa?’

‘Of course he does, my dear. This is business and it doesn’t concern you.’

‘But I thought that he would simply take over, Papa.’

‘That shows how little you know about anything in the world of commerce, my dear. I built up the practice and anyone taking over from me would have to pay for the goodwill. Isn’t that so, Peregrine, my boy?’

‘Of course, sir.’ Perry cleared his throat nervously. ‘But it might take me some time to raise the amount you might require.’

‘I’m sure you will find the way.’ Sir Bartholomew beckoned to Jenny. ‘Refill our glasses, and then you can go to the kitchen and find out how long dinner will be. I’m famished.’

Dinner that evening was a strained affair. Kate could see that in spite of what he said, Perry was shocked by her father’s assumption that he had been aware of the debt he was about to incur. She waited until Perry had taken his leave of her parents, and she followed him from the room.

‘You didn’t know about the money, did you?’

‘I must be very naïve,’ he said ruefully. ‘But all this has happened so quickly that I honestly hadn’t given it a thought. Although, of course, your father is well within his rights to ask for payment.’