‘He was as alert as this all the way here, enjoying the view of his grandfather’s land.’

Kerensa moved across to her husband and grandchild and took off Harry’s bonnet. She was so close to him that Oliver could smell her soft perfume, feel the warmth of her body. He had missed this more than he had admitted to himself. It made him agonizingly aware of the gaping chasm in his life, and having Harry here forced him to fight back a show of emotion.

Looking closely at Oliver’s face Kerensa saw his eyes misting over. ‘I’ll take my tea in the parlour and leave you alone with him. Where’s Kelynen?’

‘She’s at Rose Farm. Did you want her for anything particular?’

‘No. She left this morning without saying where she was going, but I took it for granted she’d come here.’

Kelynen had refused to divulge her plans but she had not been shy at using her direct tongue. ‘Mama, when are you going to forgive Father? I think you’re being too harsh with him. And please don’t tell me I don’t know what I’m talking about. Two people can’t be as much in love as you and he one minute and not the next. I won’t accept it.’

‘I haven’t fallen out of love with your father, Kelynen. I never will.’

‘So?’ the girl demanded in a rare show of adolescent impatience.

How to explain? Kerensa didn’t know herself. ‘Our situation is complicated.’

Kelynen studied her as if she were an ancient sage, her eyes at that moment as penetrating as Oliver’s. ‘Please, Mama, don’t let it become more complicated. You know what I’m referring to.’

Kerensa had baulked at being under her daughter’s disapproval, while she was sure Oliver was getting her wholehearted support.

‘Kerensa, could we talk afterwards?’ he said.

She nodded and left the room.

Oliver held Harry close. Not for a second had the impression of the accident or the shame of the aftermath left his mind. He might have too much pride, but he wasn’t heartless. This baby may not actually have his blood in him, and he was very much a Trenchard in looks, but he was Kane’s son and Oliver loved him for that. He wept softly so as not to disturb him.

Kerensa forgot the tea, preferring to avoid Rosie and the servants and the unasked questions they would have in their eyes. Rosie would also be concerned about Clem, wondering if, despite the fact that others were always about at Vellanoweth, they were meeting elsewhere. She had seen the same question in Oliver’s eyes.