Clem did not read out the rest of the letter. It confirmed Bartholomew Drannock’s news that Kerensa had returned the greater part of her love to her husband. He let out a howl of despair, a terribly savage sound. ‘Has my life come to this?’ he yelled, face contorted. For a second he almost went out of his mind.

Then he tore the letter into pieces and stuffed them into his pocket so Catherine would not chance upon them. There was no need to add to her grief and misery by allowing her to learn about his unfaithfulness. She had not questioned him about the reason for Drannock’s assault, and he prayed she never would.

Checking his emotions, he got up and stroked Philip’s cold brow. ‘You died a brave man, and all because of what I did. Forgive me, son. You worked hard on the farm, wanting to make it bigger and better. I promise you, from now on I’ll forget myself and what I’ve always wanted, and do everything I possibly can to carry out your wishes.

‘I’ve sent for David. He can say a prayer in the churchyard for you, you’d like that, my dear boy, I know you would. I’ll tell Rebekah all about you, how many prizes you won for wrestling, how you were the Mount’s Bay champion for a year, and the champion of the moor. I won’t let anyone forget you, Philip. You did wrong, that’s why Rebekah’s here, but we all do wrong. If only I hadn’t. It’s you who’s paid the price.’

If only he had not loved Kerensa so much, yet for all that had happened, he would give anything for her to be here right now. He would tell her he was glad she was happy with Pengarron and to get on with her life and forget him. He longed to hold her one more time. He had always longed for the impossible.

The door opened and he braced himself for the intrusion. He was petrified with astonishment when he saw who came in. To have Kerensa here, now, was too incredible.

‘Hello, Clem,’ she fought to keep her voice calm. Seeing him so stricken tore at her heart. ‘I’m so sorry about Philip.’

‘Kerensa, I don’t understand.’ His voice was hoarse, barely audible after so much weeping. ‘How? Why?’

‘Can I come in and pay my respects to him?’

‘Yes, I’d like to have you here.’

She closed the door and moved to Clem’s side. A few months ago they had held hands and looked down on their sleeping grandchild, now they did the same to his lifeless son.

‘What happened, Clem?’

‘Drannock tried to kill me. He shot Philip, then Philip managed to tip him into the bog. Philip died in my arms, peacefully. Drannock did not. You know why it happened, Kerensa?’