‘You take no exception? You cannot even defend yourself? God in heaven, what has become of you, Oliver Pengarron? I am astounded. I don’t know what to say.’

‘Good.’ Oliver thrust the empty glass into William’s hand. Back in the ballroom, Oliver watched Kerensa dancing with George Spears.

William arrived at his side. ‘You can see the way the fellow’s looking at her. Do you find it so hard to believe this Clem Trenchard could ever forget her?’

‘It’s she who should have forgotten him!’

‘She did, you complete and utter fool! He might have retained a little tug on her heart, but you had the whole of it as tight as this.’ William held up his balled fist. He opened it out flat. ‘If it’s laid out like this now you are the one who made it so! Wake up, my friend, before it’s too late.’ Turning under George Spears’s raised arm, Kerensa caught Oliver’s eyes on her. They were so harsh, she snatched at her breath. Had he grown to loathe her?

When she repeated the full circle he was there, tapping on George Spears’s shoulder. ‘May I dance with my wife now, sir? I have neglected her for far too long.’ What did he mean exactly, and what was behind his grim smile?

Oliver bowed regally to her. When they joined hands and began stepping the way lightly down through the line-up of ladies and gentlemen, he said, ‘How goes it with Spears?’

‘He’s agreed to call at the parsonage next week.’

‘Excellent. Wonderful news about our next grandchild, is it not?’

‘The very best.’

He turned her slowly under his arm and she circled around him, then he brought her in closer to his body than the dance dictated. ‘We still have much to tie us together, Kerensa.’

She couldn’t tell if he meant it as a loving statement or as a threat. ‘We always shall, Oliver.’

He wasn’t sure how her response was meant. They needed to talk at length and alone.

‘Excuse me, ma’am, sir,’ George Spears cut in on them. ‘Sir John and I are about to take our leave. I would like to thank you for helping to make this a most entertaining evening.’

Oliver and Kerensa left the dance floor and, joined by Olivia and Timothy, entered into a round of extravagant farewells. George Spears lingered too long over Kerensa’s hand.

‘Hell’s teeth, what an obnoxious fellow,’ Oliver said as if he had something sour on his tongue.

‘That doesn’t matter.’ Kerensa embraced Olivia. ‘Not long for you to wait now, my love. You must be so excited.’

‘It’s like being in a wonderful dream. I’m so thankful and proud of you, Mama. It wouldn’t have happened without you here. Mr Spears was quite dazzled.’