‘I’ll try to remember that the next time I ask my wife to give heed to her priorities.’

‘Could you not have a word with Sir Oliver? Olivia’s attitudes reflect the nature of his indulgences on the upbringing of his children, but he is strict about the observances of one’s duties.’

It would suit Catherine’s mood if the haughty, crass-mouthed baronet was given a morsel of contention to chew over. He thought his family so perfect.

‘My dear, I wouldn’t ever dare utter a word of the kind to him. And what advice or understanding could be gleaned from a man who spends days at a time, quite unnecessarily, away from wife and home. I can’t go into the details of my recent interview with Miss Kelynen, of course, but he’s refused all her pleadings to him. I’m afraid Sir Oliver follows no one’s direction but his own.’ He sighed in dejection. ‘Olivia does too for that matter. Who is your letter from?’

‘I cannot say, it bids me to secrecy. Timothy, I’m afraid it means that I’ll have to go home, today.’ She gave a sigh similar to his. ‘I must not delay, and I may not be able to return before Clem will leave here.’

She picked up her dish of tea, sipped but didn’t taste it. She kept her gaze low over its delicate gold-trimmed rim. ‘Would you keep an eye on Clem for me? I mean, it will be all right if he stays on here after I’m gone?’

‘Of course it is, Catherine, but I think you meant the implications of your first question.’

Catherine glided over his remark. ‘My presence here has meant Sir Oliver has been keeping away, preferring to see Olivia elsewhere. The instant I leave, I fancy his lordship will order Clem out of your house, perhaps in person, and there will be another terrible clash. I fear that one day he will physically harm Clem.’

‘And you have no other fears about Clem, Catherine?’

‘No. What could there be?’

‘My dear, do you not think Clem will move into Vellanoweth anyway? Jessica will be glad to have more of his company.’

‘Yes, of course.’ Catherine looked down. ‘It will be more convenient.’

Timothy knew what Catherine was thinking: that his deserted mother-in-law might now turn to Clem, and without herself and the twins to come back to every night, Clem would not tarry in seeking her exclusive company. However, Lady Pengarron never went to Vellanoweth without the company of Miss Kelynen or a female servant nowadays, and Clem had taken Catherine there himself, not the act of a man intent on an illicit affair.

He said suddenly, ‘Take heart, Catherine. I have observed Clem’s affection for you. Out of the two of us, it is not you who has made the wrong marriage.’