Careful to keep smiling, Catherine was comparing herself to her husband’s first love, his great love. Catherine accepted, in all grace, that she, herself, would only ever look nicely presentable in the finest apparel, while the other woman would look gorgeous in rags. Even though the baronet’s wife was seven years older than she was, she could be a sister to her two lovely daughters.

How did Clem find her? He had mentioned her only in regard to the baptism. Given her only a respectful bow when arriving at the church.

Her brother was intoning, ‘I name you Harry Oliver Clemow, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen.’

Clem turned straight to her and smiled affectionately, and she melted with happiness there on the spot. She had just received a public declaration of his love.

Cordelia had again taken charge of Samuel. Her aunt had objected at first, saying she wanted Samuel with her throughout the service, but Cordelia had pleaded the boy’s adventurousness. Her uncle had agreed with her, and she stood now, with Samuel wriggling and trying to free his hand from hers. A short time ago her aunt had changed position to comfort Luke. A strange affair. Luke was usually in total control. Why didn’t Luke want her own company any more? I don’t care, Cordelia tried to convince herself.

It had taken much persuasion on Jack’s part to get Alicia to attend the church today. She had argued that the parson and the Pengarrons wouldn’t want her there if they knew her true circumstances. That is was possible that someone among the gentry might recognize her.

‘But that’s all in the past. You’re my wife now, you’ve a new future,’ Jack had said. ‘’Tis not very likely anyone down here’s connected to the Society. ’Twas only Luke’s headstrong nature that got him involved in their clubs.’ His final inducement had been the suggestion that they remain in the church after the ceremony to say private prayers for Lord Alexander. Her constant lament was not having been able to attend his funeral.

Jack had wanted to show off his lovely bride, unconcerned now after his initial misgivings about her carrying another man’s baby. With Lord Longbourne dead there would be no complications. Only one thing could make him happier and that would happen in due time. Although he was thinking about this delicate matter in the church, of all places, he was confident that when the time arrived, he would take Alicia in mastery and sensitivity, thanks to his seduction by the Countess of Kilwarth, and their subsequent unions. Until London, his previous experience had amounted to one failed encounter with a whorish bal maiden.

When Luke started to cough he kept his eyes on him.