‘I’m not a child, Harry. I don’t think any harm will come to me in the gardens.’

‘Where is Hattersley? She should accompany you, Mama.’

‘The poor woman suffers from terrible headaches. I told her to lie down in a darkened room until she feels better. Now, don’t fuss, Harry. I’m going to take a turn around the gardens and you may watch from the window if you’re worried about me.’ Lady Lyndon bustled out of the room, allowing the door to swing shut behind her.

Harry half rose from his seat, but he sank down again, shaking his head. ‘My mother is a most determined woman.’

‘But you’re worried about her none the less.’ Kate watched him closely. She sensed that he was genuinely anxious for his mother’s wellbeing. ‘Are you afraid that Monks or one of his men might accost your mother, Harry?’

He met her questioning look with a slow smile. ‘You are very perceptive.’

‘After that fracas in the soup kitchen nothing would surprise me. You should have warned me that we might be a target for your rivals.’

‘That wasn’t planned,’ Harry said hastily. ‘As I see it, a fight between Monks’ men and mine got out of hand and it spilled into my premises. For that I’m truly sorry. Is that why you came here to find me?’

‘No, not really. I came because I might have to give up the soup kitchen. At least until I can find a way of funding it properly.’

‘Are you sure it wasn’t because of what happened?’

‘That didn’t help. There were small children in the kitchen, not to mention Jenny and Ivy, who were both terrified, as was I, if it comes to that. But it is mainly because I can’t afford to run it on my own.’

‘What would you say if I offered to help you?’

‘I can’t even begin to understand you, Harry. You lead a double life – you’re a gang leader in the East End, but you’re also wealthy and titled. Why would you risk all this?’ Kate encompassed the elegant room with a wave of her hands.

‘It’s not all it seems,’ Harry said slowly. ‘My mother doesn’t know, but there is no fortune. My late father was an astute businessman, but he was also a gambler.’

‘But you have this beautiful house, filled with expensive furniture.’

‘All of which I purchased myself through my illegal gambling clubs.’

‘Why don’t you simply tell her the truth? She seems to be a very resolute, strong-minded woman.’

‘She is, but I intend to keep it from her for as long as humanly possible.’

‘But what if she discovers the truth about you? Don’t you think that would break her heart?’