Kerensa felt a lift to her heart. With an aching despair, she had been expecting Oliver to leave again soon. Was he coming home for Sam’s sake, or to reassert his claim on his property? Was she involved in his reason? Pray God, she was. Then there was a tightening in her chest as her thoughts flew to Clem. She was due at Rachael’s cottage tomorrow night for her last meeting with him, before he left for home the next day. She was missing him already.

She cleared her throat. ‘This is your house, Oliver. You may please yourself when you come and go. Sam has missed you, and Kelynen the constancy of your company.’

‘I’ve missed them both, and Beatrice. And I’ve missed you most of all, Kerensa.’

Their eyes met. Was he reaching out to her? Their love had once been so strong, she found herself wanting to give way to him, but there were many barriers between them.

‘I’ve missed you, Oliver, but we have – there’s a lot – we’ve both said things, and—’

‘I’ll sleep in the other room, of course.’

Their boundaries set, they talked more about Olivia and George Spears. Samuel was pushing on Oliver’s chest and he allowed him to ease him down flat on the rug. The little boy sat astride him and set about smacking his face and tugging his hair.

Kerensa knelt down and restrained him. ‘No, no, Sam, you’ll hurt Papa.’

Samuel giggled, then grabbing Kerensa in a stranglehold, he pulled her down with them. Wrestling with him brought her into contact with Oliver.

‘Now that’s what I like to see. A really happy family.’

Kerensa looked up at the source of the voice, a tall, dark-skinned young man. Beatrice was with him. Oliver lifted Sam’s sturdy body out of his line of vision.

‘See whom ’tes?’ Beatrice said, watchful of what had appeared a happy scene.

‘Bartholomew!’ Oliver bawled out jovially. He sat up, his face almost touched Kerensa’s and he had the overwhelming desire to kiss her.

She smiled at him, then got up and went towards the newcomer. ‘What brings you here, Bartholomew, after all this time? Welcome home. You look so well, I take it you’ve not brought bad news.’

‘Are you sure you don’t mean I look like a pirate, Aunt Kerensa?’ He flicked his earring and pointed to his tattoo, much amused. ‘It’s what Luke accused me of not too long ago. My sudden appearance to visit Cordelia frightened the other lady residing there, Jack’s wife, and Luke was absolutely furious with me. I’m happy to report I’ve done Mrs Rosevear and her child no lasting harm. Luke’s estate is well kept, is it not? I did not stop long, with the commotion over Mrs Rosevear. She was put to bed with such a fuss. I thought it very strange; a servant’s wife.