‘My father was a humble clerk in the City. We had a maid of all work, which set us a cut above the rest of those living in our street in Clerkenwell, but my mother took in sewing in order to pay for my education. When I was fifteen I went into service with the Lyndon family, which is where I met Lionel, their only son. We fell in love, but the family would never have countenanced such a match so we eloped to Gretna Green. My husband was disowned by his father, but as he only had sisters, Lionel inherited the title and this house when his father died.’

Kate was saved from commenting by the reappearance of Agnes, bearing a tray of coffee and a plate of tiny cakes.

‘Will you pour the coffee, please, Kate? My hands are crippled with what my doctor calls rheumatics, although they are a little better with the warmer weather.’

Kate filled two cups and passed one to Lady Lyndon. She picked up the plate of cakes, but Lady Lyndon shook her head. ‘No, thank you, my dear. But do have as many as you like. They are Harry’s favourites.’

‘Thank you, my lady.’ Kate sipped the coffee and nibbled a cake, but all the time she was trying to think of an excuse to leave. Lady Lyndon seemed desperate for company and that made it all the more difficult to get away.

‘Tell me about your family, Kate.’ Lady Lyndon replaced her china cup on its saucer. ‘Have you any brothers and sisters?’

‘No, my lady. I’m an only child. My father was the chief magistrate in Delhi for three years. We returned from India in the spring.’

‘Were you caught up in the troubles there?’

‘Yes, my lady. We fled from Delhi at the outbreak of the uprising. We were lucky to escape with our lives.’

‘How dreadfully exciting. Although it must have been terrifying. You must tell me all about it.’

‘Maybe another time, my lady.’ Kate put her plate back on the tray. ‘I have things to do that cannot wait.’

‘And you haven’t seen Harry. May I pass on a message?’

‘No, it’s all right. Perhaps I’ll see him at the soup kitchen in the near future.’ Kate rose to her feet, but as she did so the door opened and Harry strolled into the morning room.

‘Agnes said you had a visitor, Mama.’

‘I believe you know Miss Martin.’ Lady Lyndon smiled fondly at her son. ‘She came to see you, Harry.’

‘Yes, we are acquainted. How may I be of service, Miss Martin?’ Harry pulled up a chair and sat down next to Kate.

‘You are full of surprises, Sir Harry Lyndon,’ Kate said sharply.

Lady Lyndon rose to her feet. ‘I was on my way out when Kate arrived, Harry. I wanted some fresh air.’

‘You aren’t planning to go out on your own again, I hope?’