Matthias led the mare and foal into the warmth of their stall. Leaving the boys hanging over the stall door to talk knowledgeably about the foal’s many fine points, he and Jack strolled to the pump at the end of the stable yard.

‘You look worried, Jack,’ Matthias remarked. ‘Is there anything wrong? You missed the Bible class this week. Have you been ill? Is there anything I can help with?’

‘No, Preacher, I haven’t been ill and I’m still going to give you a hand to build the meeting house, but you’re right, I am worried about something.’

‘Would it have anything to do with Heather Bawden, by any chance? Or would you rather I didn’t ask?’

‘You know I’ve a liking for Heather, do ’ee?’ Jack got busy with the pump handle to cover his embarrassment. ‘I thought I’d kept that a secret. No, it’s not about her, though I admit things aren’t running too smoothly there.’ He gulped cold water from the ladle and handed it to Matthias. ‘Can I confide in you, Preacher?’

‘Yes, of course, please do.’

On the way home Jack rode behind Luke and Kane half-listening to their excited talk about the foal, his heart lighter now he had shared his worries about his master and mistress with Matthias. Matthias was a good listener, hardly saying a word until Jack had relayed the full story, as he and the manor staff knew it, of the blazing quarrel and now strained relationship between Kerensa and Oliver.

Matthias told Jack that he knew as much himself and he was not to worry. He was sure that in time, with prayer and the understanding of those about them, the couple would sort out their differences. Matthias firmly believed that two people so much in love would not allow even the most serious matter to come between them. And after all, no marriage had ever been known not to run into problems.

Jack had nearly asked Matthias for his advice on how to handle his proposed courtship of Heather Bawden. But he thought the Preacher, who never sought the company of women, was unlikely to know anything about them and their peculiar ways. His intellect, faith and compassion made Matthias a good comforter and counsellor. But it would take a different sort of man to advise on affairs of the heart – if Jack could ever pluck up the courage to ask.

Jack did not know that although he felt the burden he had shared had lifted, Matthias was left with a niggling worry. If the estrangement between the Pengarrons continued and became common knowledge, what might Clem Trenchard do?