She did not then mention the existence of Kate O'Hara.

But he knew well that she was thinking of the girl, and he knew also that the activity of Lady Mary Quin had not slackened.

But his aunt, he thought, was more afraid of him now that he was the Earl than she had been when he was only the heir; and it might be that this feeling would save him from the mention of Kate O'Hara's name.
To some extent the dowager was afraid of her nephew.

She knew at least that the young man was all-powerful and might act altogether as he listed.

In whatever she might say she could not now be supported by the authority of the Lord of Scroope.