‘Would you, my dear? Our family lawyer died last year and I’ve had no need to seek a legal opinion, until now.’ Lady Lyndon clasped Kate’s hands. ‘Will you do something for me, Kate?’

‘Yes, of course. I’ll do anything I can.’

‘Will you go to this dreadful prison and ask to see Harry? I need to know that my boy is being well cared for, but I cannot face seeing him behind bars. I know it’s cowardly, but I would simply break down and sob, and that wouldn’t help him.’

‘What do you want me to say to him, ma’am?’

‘I don’t have to put words into your mouth, Kate. I just want to know that he’s all right. Tell him I’ll spare no expense to get him the best lawyer in London.’

‘Is there anything you wish to add?’

‘No, my dear. I’ll leave it to you. Now if you’ll get up and ring for a servant I’ll have my carriage sent round to take you to that dreadful place. I can’t have you going there on your own, especially in such a dreadful thunderstorm.’

‘That’s very kind of you, Lady Lyndon.’ Kate rose to her feet and went over to the mantelshelf to give the embroidered bell pull a gentle tug.

‘You’ll be safe with Warrender, my coachman, who’s been with me for thirty years or more.’

Coldbath Fields Prison was even worse than Kate could have imagined. Warrender insisted on accompanying her into the compound, having left a very nervous footman in charge of the carriage. Kate might have protested, as she wanted to see Harry on his own, but once inside the prison grounds she was only too glad of Warrender’s company. The rain had ceased, leaving the air damp and muggy. Kate had to step over deep puddles to get to the reception area of the grim-looking institution, and the oppressive atmosphere inside was not solely due to the passing storm. It took all the money she had in her purse to pay various bribes, but eventually she was shown to a small anteroom, leaving Warrender standing guard outside.

Minutes later Harry was thrust into the room and the door slammed shut behind him. They stood facing each other uncertainly. Kate was both relieved to see him and angry to find him in such circumstances.

He gave her a wary smile. ‘Well, say something, Kate.’

‘I came because your mother wished it.’

‘You went to see her?’

‘I knew that there was something wrong. Spears seems to have disappeared and the premises in Cable Street was broken into some time after we left yesterday.’

‘Spears wasn’t there this morning?’

‘There was no sign of him. There might have been a struggle – it was impossible to tell from the messy state of his rooms.’