CHAPTER NINEThe night air was warm but clouds obscured any moonlight.
At the gate leading into the Park, Valeria paused, trying to adjust her eyes to the darkness.
She was aware of the tall pine trees and the rustle of their leaves but little else.
Then, as she stood by the open gate, she began to see figures, obviously tramps, lying on the grass, some on newspapers, others with cardboard laid over their bodies.
They all seemed to be asleep.
But where was Lord Waterford?
Had he walked across the Park and into Piccadilly? Had he been heading for Lady Mere’s house?
Then, suddenly, Valeria saw him.
Even through the murky gloom, the outline of his figure was unmistakeable.
Lord Waterford was no more than just a few dozen yards away from her and, instead of embracing Lady Mere, he see
