‘I would,’ Clem said immediately. He was a guest at the manor today and he wasn’t going to allow Pengarron the joy of him declining his insincere invitation. Not that he had the intention of spending time in the direct company of the man he likened to the hated dark, bastard-crows. Looking at Kerensa, he said in a melodious tone, ‘I understand Jack’s with the young gentlemen. I’m curious to learn something about his bride.’

Left with the sight of the men’s retreating backs, and relinquishing Samuel again to Cordelia, who, for once, seemed disappointed at the idea, Kerensa prepared, while hiding her reluctance, to entertain Rachael and Catherine. The whole day was becoming increasingly trying, thanks to one member or another of her family or friends.

Rachael declared she was hungry and Kerensa led the way to the food tables. Catherine admired the enormous bowls of exotic imported fruits, and Kerensa thanked her. Polite, stiff talk.

Rachael, still thinking about the effect of Clem’s fine blue-eyed penetrating gaze, bit into a peach and piped up, ‘Heavens, Kerensa, now I understand just how distraught you were all that time ago when forced to give up your young farm boy. He’s simply divine, isn’t he? Don’t you keep just a tiny notion for him in your heart?’

Kerensa shot a look at Catherine, who had whipped her head round at once to do the same to her.

Ten

In the scrubbed-down stable yard, Luke and his male entourage were smoking their pipes and taking their snuff. The topic of the summer’s forthcoming country races had been exhausted, the wagers placed, the somewhat ludicrous amounts, encouraged by Luke’s frequent taunts, would be kept secret to the circle. A sense of sloth and dejection had set in, due to Luke’s impatience or indifference of anything anyone else had to say.

Kane had spoken occasionally to his brother, but receiving no positive response, had decided to confront Luke about his unwillingness to let bygones rest when next they were alone. Sweating under the raw sun, Kane waved away troublesome horse flies. He was chatting to Jack. The smell of horses, leather and fresh manure was overwhelmingly strong in the noses of the two men who usually did not notice it. Jack wished he could strip off his coat and cool down with Alicia in the apple orchard, where she was likely to be.

‘So London holds no appeal for a return visit for you, Jack?’

‘No, sir. I hope never to leave Mount’s Bay again, nor the estate come to that.’