Alone in his room, Luke covered his mouth to forestall a whoop of joy. He hadn’t felt like this, dizzy, kind of silly, ecstatically excited, since boyhood. So many years had passed since he’d had something to look forward to. Splashing his face with water from the pitcher on the washstand, he fell down on his bed laughing, bubbling over with sheer happiness, making his father smile as he left his door.

Jack was hovering further along the corridor, out of earshot. The instant he saw Sir Oliver emerge he marched straightway to rejoin his younger master.

Taking his arm in a firm grip, Oliver dragged him back to a discreet distance. ‘I now know the truth of what occurred in London. Explain to me why you saw fit to repeat the lie about a fire at an inn when we talked soon after your return?’

‘Mr Luke asked me to, sir.’

‘And that’s it, is it?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘I thought I would always have your first loyalty, Jack Rosevear. You’re a good few years older than my son, and there is none other I would trust with his welfare, perhaps even his life. I charge you to put him first from hence, even above this wife that you love. Do I have your oath on it?’

Jack was devoted to his wife, but he said, ‘I swear on God’s holy name, I’ll do what you ask of me, sir.’

Looking up from the rug where she was amusing Samuel with wooden building blocks, Cordelia watched as Luke and Kane, who was holding Harry, approached them. For once, Luke’s handsome face was a wreath of smiles. Hope pricked Cordelia’s heart, but she was wary. Quicker than the weather, his moods could change.

The men sat down beside her. ‘We thought we’d join you.’ Kane smiled. He greeted Catherine and Cherry, who were conversing nearby about the twins’ routine. Luke ignored them and built a brick tower with Samuel.

Cordelia looked at the two men inquisitively. Why was Luke suddenly so cheerful, so friendly, after the shameful goings-on in the stable yard? If she had not been given custody of Samuel again, she would have slipped away and spied on Luke and the young gentlemen, and witnessed the proceedings. Obviously, her uncle had worked some magic on Luke, but then, Uncle Oliver was capable of anything.

‘Yes, sweeting.’ Luke grinned. ‘I’ve made my peace with Kane and introduced myself properly to young Harry, and I’ve got something for you.’

Her small, dark face lit up at his longed-for renewed interest. ‘Have you brought me back a doll from London for my collection?’

‘No, it’s this.’ He kissed her cheeks and held her a long time in a warm embrace. ‘I’m sorry for being such a miserable crosspatch. Forgive me? Can we go back to the way things were before?’