‘This isn’t something to laugh at, Harry. Your mother is distraught, and from what you told me before, you depend upon the money you make from your gaming clubs. Maybe the people who gamble away their fortunes deserve to lose everything, but what will Lady Lyndon do if you go to prison?’

‘I’m hoping to grease a few palms, as they say in the trade, and get off with a fine. I’ve made enough to pay off the debts accrued by my late father.’

‘What then? You still have to live. Will you seek honest employment?’

He threw back his head and laughed.

‘Who appointed you as my conscience, Kate? I know you’re right, but it seems as though you’ve taken on the task single-handed.’

She rose to her feet. ‘If you’re going to make fun of everything I say, it’s time for me to leave. I’ll tell your mother that you are an irredeemable sinner and you will probably spend the rest of your days picking oakum or whatever they do here.’

He caught her by the hand as she was about to walk past him. ‘I’m sorry. I’m really grateful for your concern for my mother, but I hope to be able to return home tomorrow.’

She gave him a searching look, and she could see that he was sincere. She relented, just a little. ‘You’ll need someone to represent you in court.’

‘Are you suggesting your lawyer friend?’

‘Perry might be persuaded to take your case. He’s very good at his job.’

‘I’m not sure I want to be beholden to a man who made no secret of the fact that he dislikes me.’

‘He doesn’t have to like his clients, but he is a very fair-minded man, and well thought of.’

Harry sat back in his chair. ‘How praiseworthy. Maybe I’ll follow his example and reform.’

‘Don’t you ever take anything seriously, Harry? Think of your poor mother – she doesn’t understand why you’re here. Maybe you ought to tell her.’

His smile faded. ‘You’re right, of course, but the truth is I don’t want either of you involved in my affairs.’

‘You allowed me to use your premises for the soup kitchen,’ Kate said reasonably. ‘You said yourself that it suited you to do so.’

‘I know, and I’m ashamed to admit it, which is why I want you to get away now. Forget about helping me – I can look after myself.’ Harry stood up, taking Kate’s hands in his. ‘You really shouldn’t be dragged into this, and neither should Annie and my mother.’

‘What are you saying?’ Kate met his earnest look with a frown. ‘Surely you must have considered this before you were caught?’