Greatly disturbed, Luke made haste to his chamber, stripped, washed, shaved and dressed. Needs dictated he must keep on the highest alert. Was she Sophia Glanville, Alicia Rosevear or someone else? Who exactly had he and Jack brought back to Cornwall with them?

At the same time, Cordelia’s presence was being requested in the back courtyard.

‘Who is it, Mabena?’ she demanded crossly. Her hopes for a closer union with Luke having been dashed, she was in no mood to speak to anyone.

‘’Tes a gentleman,’ she was informed by the kitchen maid, a flippant sixteen-year-old, whom Cordelia suspected was with child. ‘Come ’n’ see. I’d be pleased to have he calling on me.’

A gentleman would not arrive at the back door, but curious, Cordelia followed Mabena outside, and found Morgan Kinver standing next to his delivery of goat’s milk and cheese and vegetables.

‘Is there something wrong, Mr Kinver? I’m sure I gave Mrs Curnow the right amount of money.’ She avoided looking into his face but knew he was looking at her.

‘That lot’s too heavy for me to carry indoors,’ Mabena cut in, winking insolently at Morgan.

‘I’d be pleased to do it, Miss Drannock,’ Morgan’s full soft tones brought Cordelia’s eyes to his face. What a quiet expression he always wore. He had a coat on and a neckcloth despite the morning heat – a man of standards.

‘Thank you, Mr Kinver. You may return to your work, Mabena.’ It was improper to remain alone with this man, but Cordelia did not want to be under Mabena’s impertinent eyes, and she was intrigued to know what Morgan Kinver’s business was with her.

When Mabena flounced off, Morgan took something out of his coat pocket. A small leather pouch.

‘This is for you, Miss Drannock.’ At her perplexed look he went on quickly, ‘Ashes from the bonfire, as I promised last night.’

‘Oh, really? Thank you very much. You took some for yourself?’

‘I did.’ He smiled. ‘I know we don’t really need a talisman, having the Almighty to watch over us.’

‘Yes, I agree, but I suppose we can’t help our nature.’

‘No.’ Another smile. ‘That we cannot.’

After luncheon, Cordelia and Alicia were out walking, with parasols and wide straw hats protecting them from the strong overhead sun, which burned periodically through the patchy clouds.

‘It’s good to get away from the house. The atmosphere is most disagreeable. Why was Jack so angry with Luke?’ Cordelia said.

‘It was something to do with Luke not informing Jack about a matter of the estate, I think.’ Alicia was not in the mood for conversation. ‘It’s not our concern, thankfully.’

‘But I’ve never known Jack to fly at anyone the way he did Luke. I was banished upstairs, but I listened from the top. Jack’s tone was explosive. He only became quiet when you went down to them.’