‘But otherwise you’d have no objections?’ Kerensa ran a delicate finger along Oliver’s strong jaw, then down his throat and lower still.

He caught her finger. ‘I haven’t given it much thought.’

Kerensa smiled into his eyes. ‘But you will?’

‘I shall consider Shelley’s daydream. Now, let us speak of other things. I’ve just had strong words with Michael and Conan. They’ve allowed Jack’s high standard in the stable yard to slip disgracefully. I’ve given them until the end of the day to rectify matters. Thank goodness Jack will soon be back.’

‘You’re sure of that, Oliver? You’ve received word?’

‘No, but Luke had better not scorn his obligation to be at Harry’s ceremony or delay much longer in returning Jack to his duties.’

‘If only he’d kept in touch more,’ Kerensa lamented. ‘When, at last, he comes home I hope he’ll not be in an ill humour. I hate it when our children are on bad terms.’

‘Kane will not allow his brother’s churlishness to continue, but it is to be hoped Luke will have had a change of heart. In that, I mean, that he’ll have purged his restlessness and is ready to resume his duties.’

‘We can only wait and see, but let’s be hopeful. Beatrice implored me today not to fret so much over the children. I suppose she’s right.’

‘Is she? Should a woman not be concerned almost entirely with her family?’

Again there was that sharpness and Kerensa eyed him quizzically. What had happened to put him in a bad frame of mind? Oliver was a complicated man, given to rapid mood changes. He seemed always to have too much energy, which he channelled into hard work and advancement, or social activities, where he was happy to mix either with gentry or people of Kerensa’s own class. He ran the estate with precision, endurance, and a keen sense of duty, and expected everyone else, no matter how lowly their position, to do likewise. While he overlooked the occurrence of a poached rabbit to feed the empty bellies of a deserving family, he never ever suffered a fool, a liar or a lazy workman, but she thought the misdemeanour of the stable boys unlikely to be the cause of his present ill humour. He seemed cool towards her. So far he had offered none of his usual kisses and endearments.

‘Speaking of Beatrice, she slipped on the stairs today. She landed on her backside, and thankfully that’s well padded, but I think it’s time she had a room downstairs before she has a serious accident.’

‘Good idea.’

‘Oliver, are you tired?’

‘Not at all. Why do you ask?’

‘I just thought – it doesn’t matter.’ He seemed to be waiting… She asked, ‘Has anything of particular interest happened today?’