‘I’ve taken great care to keep my other life a secret. Until now no one has linked Harry Trader with Harry Lyndon. How did you get my address, by the way?’

‘It’s best you don’t know, but I can tell you it wasn’t easy. You have no need to worry about the loyalty of your men.’

‘I know that, but even so, if you could make one of them talk without putting undue pressure on him, who knows what might happen if Monks got wind of my true identity?’

Kate shrugged. ‘I imagine that’s a risk you’ve been taking all along.’

‘You’re right, of course. I had planned to disband the gang when I had enough money to pay off a loan secured on the house, leaving enough to live on comfortably.’

‘It’s none of my business,’ Kate said hastily. ‘You don’t have to worry about me, but don’t think I approve of your deception or your criminal activities. I’ll keep your secret, if only for your mother’s sake. She is such a sweet lady.’

‘Thank you, Kate. But before you write me off as a complete villain, I want you to know that the end is in sight for my gang. I plan to close the gaming clubs and pay off all those who’ve been loyal to me, but not just yet. I cannot divulge the reason at the moment, but it will all become clear in time.’

Kate stood up, reaching for her shawl, which she had draped over the back of the chair. ‘I believe you have good intentions, but you’ll have to forgive me if I doubt your ability to simply walk away. I think you enjoy the excitement and the challenge of pitting your wits against Monks and those like him.’

‘Considering how little you know me, that’s quite astute.’

Kate wrapped her shawl around her shoulders. ‘I really must go.’

‘You have an urgent appointment?’

‘Not exactly, but I intend to walk to Lincoln’s Inn. I need to ask Perry for advice.’ She smiled as she noted a flicker of anxiety in Harry’s eyes. ‘Don’t worry, Harry. As I said just now, your secret is safe with me. I merely want some advice concerning setting myself up as an official charity. Then I might be able to raise funds for the soup kitchen.’

‘I happen to be going that way, so unless you have anything against travelling in my barouche bearing the family coat of arms, I could take you as far as Lincoln’s Inn.’

‘I’m not against your title, I just don’t approve of the way you’re going about restoring the family fortunes, and I’m sure your mother would agree with me.’

‘Heaven help me if you two were to get together.’ Harry held the door open. ‘If I promise to reform will you accept a lift in my carriage?’