Jack glanced anxiously at Luke, hoping he had not meant his temperamental declaration in the church vestry. His neckcloth pulled off and lying dirtied on the cobbles, an empty bottle of wine dangling in his hand, Luke was drunk. In danger of slipping off the bale of hay he was sharing with a dozing gentleman in regimentals, Colonel Martin Beswetherick, Sir William’s heir.

‘Congratulations on your marriage, Jack,’ Kane said. ‘If I may say, she’s a rare catch. Where did you meet her? Oh, come along, Jack, you can’t bring back such a sweeting and not expect people to be curious, especially as you showed little interest in the fair sex before.’

‘I met Alicia while waiting to escort Mr Luke from a house in St James’s Square.’ Jack hoped his flushed cheeks would be blamed on the stifling heat. ‘She was governess to a visiting family. Luck would have it we met again and then again and formed an attachment. She was unhappy in her post and longed to return to the country, but she had no one in all the world. I took courage and offered her marriage. Mr Luke approved of the match, and… well, here we are.’

Kane slapped the groom’s shoulder. ‘Good for you, Jack. I hope she makes you very happy.’ Then he looked sharply at his brother, whose dark face was now squashed against Colonel Beswetherick’s shoulder. Jack’s explanation sounded just a little too well articulated, as if it had come first from Luke’s mouth.

The colonel suddenly roused himself and pushed Luke upright. He had noticed Kane looking their way. Why was he acting so familiarly towards the groom, who should be sent about his business? It was curious, the Pengarrons’ penchant for closeness to their servants.

‘I say.’ He shook Luke to wakefulness and hissed into his ear. ‘I’ve noticed that your groom’s wife is a comely piece, quite a work of art. She’s a stranger, so I’m informed, and a cut above her husband. Brought back from the capital, I presume. What’s behind the story, eh?’

‘There is no story!’ Luke retorted, rubbing at his bleary eyes. ‘And I have no care for servants’ affairs.’

‘Hardly the truth, me dear,’ the colonel, of an amiable nature like his father, guffawed loudly. ‘You keep your groom always in close attendance.’

‘And what is that to you?’ Luke snarled with a few choice swear words, pushing the colonel away from him so violently that he hit the cobbles in an ungainly heap. ‘Mind your own damned business!’

The older men joined them at that moment.

‘Martin!’ Sir William hurried along on his short thin legs to help his son regain his dignity. ‘That was most uncivil of you, young Pengarron. Apologies are in order, methinks.’

Luke was up on his feet, staggering to keep his balance. Jack was there in an instant, supporting him.