Clem and Catherine bowed and bobbed to the couple. Rachael took her time savouring Clem’s hard-set face. She knew all about Kerensa’s childhood sweetheart but had always expected him to be typically roughcast, of small intelligence, with a common weathered face. She was taken aback by the frank appraisal from his vibrant blue eyes. He knew Oliver’s game and he knew her own, and he was not about to be made a fool of. For once, brought to embarrassment, she said nothing, merely giving a slightly condescending smile to save face.

‘Likewise, Sir William, ma’am,’ Clem said, a shielding hand on a shoulder of each twin. He wished now he had agreed to Rosie’s suggestion, and Catherine’s plea, to allow John and Flora to go to Ker-an-Mor Farm after the church ceremony with Rosie and Matthias, to join their four young children for the celebration there. He’d never come to terms with the fact that Philip and David had been born in this house. He looked only briefly at Kerensa. There would be other times…

‘You have business interests hereabouts, Trenchard?’ William enquired, not astute enough to ascertain Clem’s position from the cut of his clothes, tanned skin and heavy, calloused hands.

Oliver was smiling derisively.

‘No, sir,’ Clem replied levelly. ‘Do you know of any I might speculate in?’

Touché, Oliver allowed him.

‘Well, the Roscawen Mine – I am its main owner – is yielding well presently. New investors are always welcome.’

‘Trenchard is a yeoman farmer, William. He deals with dirt of a different kind.’ Oliver caught sight of Cordelia walking close by, holding Samuel’s hand. ‘Ah, here comes my baby. Cordelia, my dear, bring Samuel here to me.’

Cordelia did so, while scanning the crowds for Luke. Oliver swept his son up into his arms. ‘What think you of the latest addition to my family, Trenchard?

‘He’s the dead spit of you, Sir Oliver,’ Clem replied, with an expression that told exactly what he thought of the black-haired, robust child.

‘I’ll take that as a compliment,’ Oliver mocked him. Then he handed Samuel over to Kerensa. ‘Well, my beloved, I think we gentlemen are done with family duties. William, shall we seek out our elder sons?’

‘Indeed, yes,’ William rejoined heartily, quite bored.

Oliver made to walk away, stopped, flashed his white teeth at Clem. ‘Care to join us, Trenchard? Perhaps our children could amuse themselves together on the lawn. I’m sure Miss Cordelia will supervise them. It will allow the ladies time for repose.’