‘Please come back, sweeting, I miss you all of the time.’ He tried one of his old tricks to manipulate her, by looking up under her chin with puppy-dog eyes. ‘Don’t stay angry with me. I promise not to shout at you like that ever again. You can have anything, do anything you want. And the good folk of Polgissey are missing you too, they were all asking about you after church on Sunday. Surely you’ve not forgotten Little Min?’

‘Don’t look at me like that, Luke,’ she cried indignantly. ‘Do you think I am five years old?’

He straightened his back. ‘Sorry. Look I am really sorry for everything, Cordelia.’ He thumped his fist to his forehead, truly serious now. ‘I know I’ve got to rethink how I treat you. I will, I promise. Just please come back with me!’

Her small mouth pursed, she smoothed over her skirts and patted her hair, and Luke noticed how pretty she looked. She was wearing rose-pink, with gauzy trimmings, her black hair sparkling with diamond clips. Finally he realized she had grown up.

‘I’m missing some of the people of Polgissey too.’ Especially Morgan Kinver and his fine voice, the sensitive way he looked at her, their interesting conversations, and more. ‘But I’ve other things to consider.’

‘Such as?’

‘Well, I might want to get married one day and you would be reluctant to let me go. Bartholomew will be returning overseas soon and he’s asked me to take charge of Tamara while he’s away on his long journeys. Uncle Oliver wants her to stay here, but he’s said if I feel I’d like to strike out on my own, which is something I’m seriously considering, he’ll give me one of his houses in Marazion.’

‘You can’t really want to be a glorified nursemaid!’

‘It’s better than being an unappreciated housekeeper! Whatever I decide to do it will be my decision and mine alone.’

‘What’s happened to you, Cordelia? You’ve turned into a tough little madam. Did I upset you so very much?’

Tears sprang to her eyelashes. ‘More than you could ever know. I said I’m considering all my offers. One thing is certain though, Luke, if I was to return to Polgissey that dreadful Amy Curnow would have to go!’

‘I should think Olivia and Timothy will arrive soon, my dear,’ Oliver remarked casually to Kerensa, across the celebrator’s chair. He was in fact annoyed with Olivia for being so late. Beatrice’s party was in full swing, the classical musicians had been replaced by those suited for country dancing. Beatrice’s gin was being watered down but she was becoming inebriated nonetheless, clapping her hands, swinging her legs against the chair, singing rude ditties to the raucous tunes.