Kerensa’s hopes of an intimate family breakfast had been crushed. Oliver had risen before first light, declaring he had important business and would go straightway to Ker-an-Mor Farm and eat with the estate steward, Matthias Renfree. Luke bolted down his food, stating impatiently that he had no time to linger and answer more questions; apparently it was a matter of some urgency for him to see Jack and Mrs Rosevear settled into their cottage. Hearing her father was abroad, Kelynen immediately took off after him, rebelliously refusing to eat a morsel. Cordelia, uncommonly in a strop, had asked Esther King to take her breakfast up to the nursery, where she would eat with Samuel. Kerensa knew this was Luke’s doing. He had only given her passing attention since his return, even pushing her arm away when she sought to link it through his. Kerensa hoped Cordelia’s infatuation for Luke had not turned into something stronger. She had felt she had no other choice but to allow Cordelia to monopolize Samuel all day.

If everyone else was so intent on their own agenda then perhaps she should take Beatrice’s advice, even if Oliver did not approve, and think more about herself and not place all her hopes and dreams in others.

‘Mornin’ m’lady,’ Ben Penberthy, Kane’s amiable foreman, stocky and dark in the typical Cornish build, appeared from an outbuilding and took charge of her chestnut thoroughbred. ‘Cap’n and missus ’ave just gone out ridin’, lookin’ over the livestock.’

Kerensa was disappointed and kept a hand on Kernick’s bridle. ‘Have they taken the baby with them, Ben?’ Jessica’s marriage into the gentry had given her no pretensions and she usually took Harry with her everywhere, tied to her body with a shawl.

‘Not this time, m’lady. Young Master Harry’s tucked up in his cradle.’ Ben was all grins. ‘Got someone special watching over un t’ day.’

‘Oh? Someone I know?’

‘Aye, missus wouldn’t leave un with just anybody.’ Ben seemed intent on keeping his secret and, happy at not having a wasted journey, Kerensa left him to his private amusement.

Kerensa let herself in through the front door, tossing her feathered hat and kid gloves on the side table in the passage. Where was this someone special? She made quiet investigation. There was no one in the pleasantly furnished parlour or dining room, or Jessica’s cluttered sitting room or Kane’s spacious den. All the windows were open and Kerensa was heedful to close each door carefully to prevent a sudden bang and awakening Harry. The kitchen staff were busy baking bread and pies, and after bidding a friendly good morning to the cook and housemaids, red-faced and respectful in the heat, she withdrew and crept up the stairs.