‘I keep thinking if things were put right between us then the whole family would settle again, be like it was before. Everyone supporting everyone else. No spite, no malice, no lack of forgiveness. Oh, why did Livvy say all those things? It will be hard for Cordelia to forgive her.’

Kane couldn’t bring himself to condemn his father’s straying, not when he knew his mother had done likewise. If he told his father about his mother’s affair, his parents’ marriage might not survive the shame, the recriminations and the heartbreak, and within twenty hours Clem Trenchard would be sorely punished, at the least. It seemed cruel to let his father suffer his guilt while his mother clearly did not regret her illicit union. But it was the only course.

‘I don’t think Mama needs, indeed, I don’t think she’d want to know about your wandering. Is there any chance the lady in question would make it known?’

‘None at all, she’s as horrified as I am.’

‘Well then, why say anything to risk the chance that, judging by Mama’s manner towards you today, you clearly may have. You and Mama could have as many happy years together in the future as you have had in the past. Leave the past well alone, Father. That’s my advice, and you’d be a fool not to take it.’

‘I shall take it, son. Being a fool was what brought me down. I’ve never felt so lonely and bereft in all my life as I have since Harry’s baptism. I feel as if my soul has died, and it’s hard to put this into words without sending the chills riding up my back, but I’m scared. Scared to live without your mama, without her love and respect. I’d thank God a thousandfold if I could regain just a little of it back.’

‘But you have. I’ve already said that Mama has been more than friendly towards you today. She seemed happy when you danced together.’

‘That may only be because she was intent on making a happy day for Beatrice.’

Kane was perturbed at how much his father’s confidence had slipped. ‘It was more than that, believe me. Take heart, Mama still loves you. A little time and patience on your part and all will be well again.’

A dart of pain seared through Kane’s injured leg. He had been sitting too long and kneaded the stiffening of his flesh, flexing his foot to ease away the grumbling discomfort. Unable yet to sit astride his horse with ease on long journeys, he must, nevertheless, on some pretext ride to Greystone’s Farm and order Clem to never see his mother alone again, and tell him that he’d use any method necessary to prevent such a reoccurrence. And, somehow, he must face his mother with similar words.