‘Her ladyship is not at home to anyone today.’ The butler was about to close the door, but Kate put her foot over the threshold. ‘I think she will see me. Please tell her that I am here and it’s urgent.’

The butler glanced up and down the street, his brow knotted in a frown. ‘You’d best come inside, miss.’

‘Thank you.’ Kate marched past him. ‘I’ll wait here.’

He nodded wordlessly and closed the door just as a vivid flash of lightning lit up the entrance hall, followed by a loud crack of thunder. He headed for the wide staircase, mounting it with infuriating slowness, but Kate was prepared to wait. The news that Harry had been arrested had come as a shock, although perhaps it was to be expected. The law was bound to catch up on him sooner or later. As a judge’s daughter she should have been pleased, but somehow she had never really thought of Harry Trader as being a criminal.

The butler returned almost immediately. He paused, halfway down the sweeping staircase.

‘Her ladyship will see you now, miss. Follow me, if you please.’

Kate knew where to find the drawing room, but she followed the butler meekly and allowed him to announce her. As she had feared, Lady Lyndon must have received the news of Harry’s arrest and she was visibly upset. Her eyes were reddened by tears, and she rose shakily to her feet.

‘Miss Martin, it’s so good of you to come and see me, but it really is not a good time.’

‘I understand, my lady,’ Kate crossed the floor, her feet sinking into the thick pile of the Axminster carpet. ‘I am so sorry. I’ve only just heard the news.’

‘It will be common knowledge before nightfall.’ Lady Lyndon shuddered as a huge crash of thunder made the crystals on the chandeliers tinkle like tiny bells.

‘Not necessarily,’ Kate said with more confidence than she was feeling. ‘There must be something we can do.’

Lady Lyndon mopped her eyes with a tiny handkerchief, trimmed with lace. ‘It’s a mistake, of course. The police must have Harry muddled up with someone else.’

Kate moved to the sofa and sat down beside her. ‘Undoubtedly, ma’am. You must try not to worry.’

‘It’s easy to say that, but of course I’m anxious. Harry has always been such a good son, and it’s humiliating for him.’

‘I have a friend who is a barrister-at-law,’ Kate said recklessly. ‘I’ll ask his advice.’ Perry was probably the last person who would have sympathy with Harry Trader, and even less for Sir Harry Lyndon, but he was the only person she could think of who might be able to help.