Sir Henry raised an eyebrow. ‘Well, it seems female warriors are the theme,’ he went on, now admiring Rose’s costume: a pleated green gown with silver armoured breastplate and a half-visor helmet. ‘If your armour, shield, spear and red hair are anything to go by, I’m guessing you’re Boudicca, the Queen of the Celts.’

Rose curtseyed. ‘Full marks, Sir Henry.’

Beside her stood Signor Horatio, who’d chosen to come as a Roman emperor, resplendent in a white toga, a crown of golden laurel leaves on his head, and a decorative mask covering one side of his face. Unable to bear being parted from his cherished rapier, he still carried the weapon on his hip, its sheath slipped into the belt of his toga.

Meanwhile, Yori had opted for a simple costume made out of a bedsheet. He’d painted his face white and had somehow managed to find an old wig. He’d blackened it with soot and teased out the hairs, and now wore it in a long, dishevelled mess over his face instead of a mask. When Sir Henry enquired as to who he represented, Yori dangled his hands limply from his wrists and glided across the floor, moaning and groaning, ‘I’m a yūrei!’

Sir Henry looked bemused, and Akiko explained for him. ‘Your story of the servant girl inspired him to dress up as a Japanese ghost!’

‘Well, he frightens the wits out of me!’ replied their host, laughing. When a servant came up offering drinks to the group, Sir Henry pulled Jack to one side and whispered, ‘By chance, have you had any more thoughts about returning to the Japans? I’ve just been conversing with Sir Isaac and he’s decidedly keen to press on with the trading expedition, as am I.’

Jack was taken by surprise by his host’s question, particularly at that moment. ‘Not really …’ he admitted. ‘I’ve yet to find my sister.’

‘Of course, how insensitive of me,’ blustered Sir Henry, putting an arm round Jack’s shoulders. ‘I realize her welfare must be your first priority. However, whether you find her or not, you must have considered your future, no?’

‘My future depends on being reunited with Jess,’ explained Jack. ‘And I have no plans to leave so soon after my arrival.’

Sir Henry withdrew his arm. ‘I understand,’ he said. ‘You must do what you think is best.’

Grabbing a goblet of wine from a passing servant, Sir Henry downed the entire contents in one gulp. He suddenly seemed lost in deep thought and the conversation appeared to be over.

‘Do you know if Sir Toby’s here?’ asked Jack.