Luke was tying the last knot of string around his manuscript for the journey to London and had not heard Cordelia sweep into the tower room. He studied her. She looked very pretty and somehow taller than before, then he realized she was holding her shoulders back, her head up high.

‘You’re welcome any time, Cousin. You look happy. The married state obviously suits you. Have you come alone?’

‘Morgan’s waiting for me downstairs. I wasn’t sure how you would receive him. I’ll not have him subjected to your less agreeable moods.’

‘And I’d not expect you to.’

Luke came forward and enclosed her in a fond embrace. ‘I hope you both can stay. Bartholomew is due here at any moment, we could all dine together. It’s good having a baby in the house. It’s made it a home, like the manor.’

Cordelia stared at him. Since her return from her honeymoon yesterday, people were constantly exclaiming how she had changed. From all appearances so had Luke. He was particularly well groomed and had a glow of vigour about him. A glance round the room showed no evidence of the spirits and glasses that usually frequented the place. He was different. He actually seemed content. Over the years, she had witnessed him in acts of high jinks and merry-making and the ecstatic moments when her uncle had allowed him to leave the estate to write, but contentment had always eluded him.

‘I’m pleased to find you in such good health, and congratulations on finishing your play. As to whether Morgan and I should stay and see Barty, I’m worried my brother will be harsh with us. Hal said he’d threatened him with a pistol.’

‘My father has accepted your husband and therefore so will Bartholomew. He agrees with everything my father says and does, have you not noticed? He may be harsh with you, but pay no heed to it. He’ll feel easier when he sees you. He’s been waiting for your return before he goes back up to London. I’ll be going with him. Now, my dear, tell me where you’re going to live, what Morgan Kinver is going to do to provide for you.’

‘I’ve come to love Polgissey, Luke, and Morgan doesn’t want to leave the village. If you’ll allow us, we would like to build a house somewhere near here, up on the cliffs. Morgan will continue to work both the land and the sea. He hopes also to build a fleet of boats and to sell them or rent them, at a low affordable rate, to the local men. It will provide more work hereabouts.’