‘Jane, you are right, I should before now have made provision for your and our children’s future security,’ I began. ‘Also, I realize that I have been taking your services too much for granted, the governess of a nursery such as Pembroke now boasts should command more recompense than you have received, for which I apologize. And aside from that, your extended absence from my bed has brought home to me how profoundly I would regret it should you wish to leave it permanently. With these factors in mind, I have had deeds to a house in Tenby drawn up in your name, to provide you with some independence.’ I pushed the document across the desk towards her. ‘Included in this deed is a pension for life from my Pembroke revenues, should you need or choose to take our children to live there.’

She made no move to take the document and I thought that she could not have heard me. I said, ‘Please do not think for a moment that I want you to leave.’

She looked up at me then and there was an expression of deep concern in her eyes. ‘I thought you were casting me off,’ she said. ‘I have been cursing my runaway tongue and now you confound me with this.’ She picked up the deed and stared down at it. ‘I have misjudged you. Forgive me.’

I stood up and pulled her to her feet to kiss her on her lips. ‘Do not ask my forgiveness, Jane,’ I begged. ‘What you said was right, I have for many years placed Margaret on a pedestal but at least her letter showed me that I have not afforded you enough credit for the skill and kindness you show in your role as Harri’s governess. And now that we have our own two children I realize that our love is worth more than any ideal, more than gold coin.’

Our visit to Tenby to view the house was the last day we spent together for several weeks. It was well furnished, tucked away in a quiet alley off the main thoroughfare and boasted two floors above a vaulted undercroft, which had previously been used as a workshop. There were even latrines on each of the upper floors, which made it one of the most luxurious houses in the town. I could see that Jane was impressed.

We climbed up onto the roof turret and took in the view across the harbour and the sweep of sand where the fishing boats were pulled up. With a sideways glance, Jane commented, ‘There would be plenty of room here for more than just our present two children,’ which was when I knew I was forgiven. Our lovemaking that night was poignant – gentle and memorable.