The first floor of the house seemed to be slumbering in peace. The door to Harry’s nursery was ajar, and mesmerized by the calm, Kerensa peeped through the space and listened. She could see her grandson’s fair silky hair above the light covers, the gentle rise and fall of his sturdy little body as he slept soundly. Harry’s watcher must be silently about her work, perhaps folding linen.

Kerensa called out softly, ‘Hello, it’s Harry’s grandmother. Can I came in?’

There came a careful tread from within the room and the door was opened wide. Illuminated in the delicate golden light streaming in through the lace-curtained window panes, a figure appeared. Tall, fair, blue-eyed, tanned, handsome. Smiling beguilingly.

‘Clem!’ she gasped, a hand automatically stretching out towards him. ‘You’re Harry’s watcher.’

‘Kerensa,’ he said. Just her name. He looked her over, looked into her, drank her in, breathed her into the substance of him, where she would always be. Could a woman become ever more beautiful? Grow more vital, youthful and divine with each passing year?

He claimed a hold over her reaching hand. Tenderly, he kissed her cheek.

‘My dear Clem, you look so well.’

‘And you, my precious love, look so beautiful.’

‘I can’t believe you’re actually here.’

‘Nor I you. I’ve dreamt of this moment, hoping and praying that when I saw you again we’d be alone. Two years is too long, far too long, to go without the sight of you and the sound of your voice.’

‘I’ve missed you, Clem.’

‘Life’s been empty without you, Kerensa.’

They could share sentiments like this, connected in the special bond of their old love.

To Clem, it was no liberty to place a delicate touch on her face. He did not have to tell her he loved her, and to his everlasting joy he was confident the love she had said she would always keep for him was still there.

He led her to the cradle. ‘Come, let us look at our grandchild.’

They knelt side by side and gazed down at the sleeping baby. Kerensa ran a finger along Harry’s brow. Strong, fair features were already set in the tiny contented face. ‘Isn’t he just gorgeous? And so much like you. We never thought we’d have a grandchild together, Clem.’

‘He’s got my blood in him, Kerensa. Your soul.’ Clem placed a loving hand on Harry, as if blessing him. ‘He’s the most precious child in all the world.’

‘Yes, he is.’

She looked into Clem’s face. Clem’s gaze came round to her. He was precious to her too. Her first love.

‘I’m so glad you’re here, Clem. Stay as long as you can in Mount’s Bay.’

Seven