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Grace. I’ll call tomorrow to see how Gertie is doing.’ She walked away with as much dignity as she could muster.
    The cabby was about to drive off as they emerged from the house but he stopped when he spotted Jack, and drew the horses to a halt. ‘I thought you was never coming, guv.’
    Jack tossed him a coin. ‘Great Tower Hill, cabby.’ He opened the door for Mirabel and climbed in beside her. ‘Zilla’s a good woman but you don’t want to get on the wrong side of her. I’ve seen her throw grown men bodily from the premises if they misbehaved.’
    â€˜You were lovers?’
    â€˜What sort of question is that? I thought you were a well-brought-up young woman.’
    â€˜I was born in a warehouse loft in Shad Thames. My father wasn’t always in the position he is now.’
    â€˜And my past relationship with Zilla doesn’t please you?’
    â€˜You’re answering my question with questions.’
    â€˜All right. Although it’s really none of your business – Zilla and I were together for a long time.’
    â€˜What happened?’
    â€˜We grew apart. She didn’t like me being away at sea for months at a time, sometimes a year or more, and Zilla isn’t a woman who likes to be tied down.’
    â€˜But you’re still in love with her?’
    â€˜I’m still fond of her, but we strike sparks off each other and that’s not a comfortable relationship.’
    â€˜I see.’
    He turned his head to look into her eyes. ‘Do you? I wonder.’
    She looked away. ‘Thank you for helping me with Gertie. I don’t suppose we’ll meet again, unless you happen to be visiting Miss Grace’s establishment at the same time as me.’
    â€˜That’s a thought.’
    They lapsed into silence and Mirabel stared out of the window with unseeing eyes. She was exhausted both physically and mentally. The events of the evening seemed suddenly unreal, and at any moment she might wake up to find herself in the dreaming place. She hoped that Gertie would not be too scared when she opened her eyes to find Zilla Grace staring down at her, but for now at least there was nothing more that she could do for the girl.
    It seemed hardly any time at all before the cabby pulled up outside the entrance to Catherine Court. ‘Wait here,’ Jack said as he helped Mirabel alight. ‘I’ll be right back.’
    â€˜Yes, guv. You said that last time, but some of us has homes to go to.’
    â€˜I’ll just see the young lady to her front door and I’ll be back.’ Jack opened the gate and followed Mirabel into the court. ‘Will you be all right?’
    â€˜They were all asleep when I left. No one will be any the wiser.’ Mirabel opened her reticule and took out the key, but before she had a chance to put it in the lock the door opened and light flooded into the porch.
    â€˜What time do you call this?’ Jacob demanded angrily. ‘Where have you been?’
    â€˜Who’s that with you?’ Ernestine peered over her husband’s shoulder. ‘She’s been with a man, the little trollop. I told you she was up to no good, Jake my love. I think she’s had him in her room and that’s why it’s always locked. I heard moans coming from there. She’s been whoring in our home, my love. What do you say to that?’
    â€˜I don’t believe it. Not my little girl.’ Jacob stared at Mirabel with tears in his eyes, but his expression hardened when he saw Jack. ‘What’s the meaning of this? Who are you, sir?’
    â€˜It’s not what it looks like, Pa,’ Mirabel said hastily. ‘I can explain, if you’ll give me a chance.’
    â€˜Guilty,’ Ernestine cried, pointing a shaking finger at Mirabel. ‘She’s been playing you for a fool, Jacob.’
    He raised his hand as if to strike his daughter, but Jack stepped forward, catching