Kane hobbled forward and clamped his hands on their shoulders. ‘This is the act of brave and honourable men. Well done.’ Not that he believed for an instant that either man was sincere. Aware of each other’s battle plan, they were merely shifting their defences. Pray God there would not be a fresh onslaught. Suggesting they drink to their public announcements would be going too far. He hoped Clem would not complicate the situation by lingering.

Turning to kiss Jessica and Harry goodbye, Clem strode away without another look at the baronet.

When he got to Kerensa, he bowed, ‘Goodbye, m’lady.’

There was no one close to overhear and he mouthed, ‘I love you.’

He swung up on to Tally’s back and Ben passed him his bags. He rode away.

Kerensa watched him for several stunned seconds. He was leaving and she had to tell him he was taking a part of her with him.

‘Clem!’ she called out from where she stood in the middle of the yard, alone.

Clem halted and brought the mare round. He took off his hat and waved it to her.

‘Have a safe journey, Clem. Goodbye.’ Kerensa was aware that Oliver was coming up fast behind her, but she stayed looking at the man on the horse.

Twenty-Seven

Alicia Rosevear had not been an early riser in her old life, but with Cordelia away she had taken over the responsibility of running Polgissey, and could now be found up and about before the tenth hour each day. Her easy manner, and her sympathetic concern for the pregnant kitchen maid, had quickly brought the servants to respond in kind.

Amy Curnow brought this to Luke’s attention during one of their bedroom unions.

‘Mrs Rosevear has made it clear she wants to concentrate on her child after her confinement,’ Luke muttered. His sexual energy satisfyingly used up, he had reached for a page of manuscript and was editing in a better phrase. Lia: Live, I cannot, without my dear Sasken. ‘My cousin will be home soon and the house will be run in her equally well-organized manner.’

‘Of course,’ Amy Curnow said quickly. As she always did after their vigorous couplings she was massaging his stiff shoulder, careful not to interfere with his jottings. ‘I weren’t saying nothing ’gainst the young lady. Though Miss Drannock do seem a little unsure of herself at times.’ And sanctimonious in the way of the nervously virginal, Amy Curnow thought spitefully. ‘I do miss her.’

‘So do I, very much,’ Luke said truthfully, although he was annoyed at Cordelia’s defection and the fact that she was delaying in answering his letter of repentance.

The massage done, he gave Mrs Curnow her shilling.

‘Thank you, Amy. You do better to ease my pain than any other.’

‘I’m some glad of that, sir. Mr Luke…’