Annie’s pretty face puckered as if she were about to cry. ‘It’s true, and that’s why I came here today. I wasn’t going to say anything because I didn’t want to upset you, Aunt Margaret, but I must speak out.’

Lady Lyndon tugged at the bell pull. ‘We’ll have a nice cup of tea and some cake. You’ll feel better then, Annie.’

‘No, I’m afraid I won’t. These men are very dangerous and because of them I’ve had to leave my lodgings. You should listen to what Kate has to say.’ Annie turned her head so that she was facing Kate. ‘Is that what you were planning when I walked into the room?’

‘Harry wants his mama to leave Finsbury Circus immediately. He would feel much happier if both of you left London and went to stay in Warren House.’

‘Where is that?’

‘In a village called Walthamstow. It’s in Essex, on the other side of the River Lea. I went there yesterday and I think you would both find it very comfortable.’

‘And safe,’ Annie added fervently. ‘Aunt Margaret, you don’t know what the Monks gang are like.’

‘No, dear, I don’t.’ Lady Lyndon returned to her chair and sank down, sighing. ‘Surely an apology would suffice? Or perhaps a payment in compensation for whatever wrong they think has been committed against them.’

Kate could see that the time for tact had passed. Lady Lyndon was a stubborn woman and she needed to know the truth. ‘I’m sorry to be blunt, your ladyship, but they are vicious criminals. They won’t care that you and Annie are women, or that you are a titled lady. They would have no compunction in razing this house to the ground, or they might try to abduct you and hold you to ransom. Harry chose to plead guilty to save your family name being dragged through the courts, but he also knew the risks you were facing, which is why he wants you to leave London.’

‘Oh, my goodness!’ Lady Lyndon clasped her hands to her bosom. ‘Harry was always such a good boy.’

‘He’s a man now, Aunt Margaret.’ Annie said firmly. ‘And despite the fact that he’s been mixing with the wrong people, Harry is a good man and he loves his ma. I’m willing to go with you, if you’ll agree to do as he wishes.’

‘But if I leave they might still burn my house down.’ Lady Lyndon’s eyes filled with tears and her bottom lip trembled.

‘I think the building would be safer if you were not in it, ma’am,’ Kate said firmly. ‘I’m sorry to say these things to you, but Harry was very clear. He wants you to leave London, for the time being at any rate.’