Harry guided Kate down the gangplank. ‘I’m sorry to be the bearer of such bad news. But you can travel another time, perhaps when the political situation has settled down.’

Kate came to a halt. ‘Are you sure this isn’t a ploy to stop me going to India?’

‘No, on my honour. I was there, Kate. I saw the judge collapse and he was carried out of the courtroom by two attendants. I believe he was taken to the Charing Cross Hospital in Agar Street.’

‘Then that’s where we’ll go now,’ Kate said firmly.

Perry was already at the hospital when Kate finally arrived. He came to meet her, his expression serious.

‘How is my father?’ Kate demanded anxiously. ‘I want to see him.’

‘The doctors say he needs rest and must not be over-excited,’ Perry said gently. ‘I saw him for a couple of minutes, Kate. He was barely conscious, but not in pain.’

‘What happened? What is the matter with him?’

‘I believe they call it an apoplectic fit, but you should speak to Sir Bartholomew’s physician. He’ll be able to tell you more.’

‘Has anyone told my mother?’

‘I was about to leave for Finsbury Square when you arrived. Do you want to come with me?’

Harry had been standing at a tactful distance with Jenny but he stepped forward, eyeing Perry suspiciously. ‘Are you all right, Kate?’

‘I can’t see Papa yet, so I’m going home with Perry. I think I ought to be the one to tell my mother.’

‘I understand.’

‘Thank you for coming to fetch me. It was the right thing to do.’

‘If you need anything, you know where to find me.’ Harry shot a calculating look in Perry’s direction. ‘We haven’t met before, although I’ve seen you in court.’

‘I thought I recognised you, Trader. I can’t say I approve of the way you’re using Kate’s soup kitchen as a cover for your criminal activities, but I appreciate the fact that you’ve gone out of your way to help her.’

Harry faced him with a tight-lipped expression that did not bode well. Kate could see trouble brewing between them – one of them a man who upheld the law, and the other a privileged person who had chosen to become a criminal. It might have been laughable in different circumstances, but everything now took second place to her father’s condition.

‘If you don’t mind, I’d like to go home now, Perry,’ she said hastily.

‘My coachman will deliver your luggage to Finsbury Square.’ Harry stood aside to allow Kate and Perry to pass. ‘I have business to conduct near here, or I would take you home myself.’

‘You’ve done enough, Harry.’ Kate gave him a wan smile.