She should go, get away before Clem knocked on the door. It was madness to stay. Could she really turn away from Oliver so much and let the inevitable happen? She should not even be thinking about Clem. They were both married and loved their partners. But they loved each other too and always had. It was an inescapable fact and always, always, circumstances brought them back to it.

When he arrived she let him inside, cloaking her nervousness behind warm smiles. ‘You had no trouble finding the place, Clem?’

‘No, my love. Was quite easy, only had to follow the Withy river like you wrote.’

He took off his overcoat and hat and the dark blue scarf he had worn to hide his face.

He wanted so much to kiss Kerensa, but sensed she didn’t want to be rushed. He glanced about.

‘I was beginning to lose hope we’d ever be alone. What is this place, Kerensa?’

She told him about the cottage.

‘Does Lady Rachael know you’ve invited me here?’

‘I’m sure she suspects, but she’ll say nothing. Where does Jessica think you are tonight?’

‘Marazion. Said I wanted to see an old acquaintance.’

She was wearing a graceful dress with delicate trimmings, no jewels and nothing in her hair. She looked so much like the girl he had fallen in love with in Trelynne Cove.

‘I’ve never seen you looking so beautiful, Kerensa.’

‘Thank you. You are good to me, Clem.’

‘I mean more than that to you, I hope.’

‘Yes, you do, much more.’

He reached out to her.

She turned away. ‘I’m sorry, I’m feeling strangely shy. I’ve just spent the most nervous time of my whole life waiting for you. I… perhaps…’

‘Don’t, Kerensa.’

He came up behind her and put his arms around her waist. The instant she felt his warmth she leaned against his chest.

‘I might sound confident, but my insides are all knotted up,’ he said. ‘I was so afraid you’d change your mind. We were meant to be together. ’Tisn’t wrong. You don’t believe it is, do you?’

She shifted her head so she could look up at him. ‘No Clem. I want you here.’

‘Thank God! Please, Kerensa, turn round to me.’

Slowly, she did so. He moved his hands up over her arms. She reached up and touched his hair, so fair and silky, a lock of it was hidden in a quiet place in Trelynne Cove. His summer-blue eyes were hunting her face for signs that she loved him. He wanted her to say something tender to him, to say he could stay and love her all night.

‘It means more to me than anything in the world to be here like this with you,’ he said.