Kerensa went to a window and from the firelight cast on the glass she saw her woeful reflection. It was comforting to have the Reverend Ivey here. There were two other men she knew who would work just as hard to console her if they knew of her heartbreak. She had seen neither one for weeks but even so she could not seek solace in their company. Hezekiah Solomon could be kindness itself to her and right now she would have liked to be the recipient of his excellent wit and charm but he was more Oliver’s friend than hers and it would not be right to solicit his sympathy at the expense of Oliver. She thought of Clem Trenchard more often and needed him much more but it would be a dangerous road to walk to turn to him. If only she could meet him by chance when she was out alone.

Kerensa made herself smile at her image on the glass and forced herself to speak in a more cheerful tone. ‘My boys will be soaked if they’re still out there, not that they’ll care, they’ll run back inside with muddy feet.’

‘I always say that boys and mud go together,’ the Reverend grinned.

‘Mine certainly do. They do enjoy it when you’re here, and Olivia. I hope you don’t mind me saying so but I think they look on you as a grandfather.’

‘I’m delighted and proud to hear you say that.’ The Reverend beamed like the sun, his old heart warmed through.

‘Olivia is working on a painting for you,’ Kerensa said, in hushed tones. ‘The Lord Jesus as a little boy in the carpenter’s shop.’

‘Is she really? I shall be proud to hang it in a prominent place in the parsonage. Oliver had a love of painting as a boy, I recall, it’s a pity he hasn’t taken it up again, he would find it relaxing.’ The Reverend joined Kerensa at the window. ‘Goodness, it’s really pouring down. I expect Luke and Kane will be sheltering in the stables or the summer house.’

‘I hope they’re not bothering Jack, he’s so worried about Heather Bawden’s disappearance. I must have a talk with him later. Ameline is also out somewhere. She went riding hours ago, it’s quite a regular occurrence now. I hope she’s found some shelter.’

Always the little mother, the Reverend thought to himself. It was a pity the private side of her life was being slowly destroyed.

‘Oliver says I fuss over Jack unnecessarily and he’s accused me of trying to mother him,’ Kerensa said, as though she had read the Reverend’s thoughts. ‘Says I should let him grow up. I know Jack’s a grown man but he was only a twelve-year-old boy when I came here to live.’