‘No, Kerensa will see to that as any good mother would. What I would like to know is what that was all about.’

‘I’m sorry if you don’t approve, Alice,’ he said stiffly, tightening his grip on the reins, ‘but I will not allow anyone to treat a child of mine in the manner your husband was employing.’

‘You know I’m not talking about the clash between you and Clem,’ Alice said stoutly. ‘That was only to be expected.’

Oliver jumped down beside her. ‘What are you talking about, woman?’

‘Don’t you “woman” me. We’re friends, you and I, Oliver Pengarron, and friends notice things others miss. I mean the way you spoke to Kerensa just then.’

Oliver folded his arms also. ‘God damn it, I simply asked her a question, Alice!’

‘There’s no need to blaspheme either. You spoke to her very harshly and it’s not the first time you’ve done so lately in my hearing. Kerensa is very unhappy, she’s tried to hide it from me but I know her too well. I was her maid at the beginning of your marriage, don’t forget, I know what you can be like. Please don’t get angry with me, but I have to know. Is there some sort of trouble between you and her?’

His sternness died away and he put out a hand and rubbed Alice’s arm. ‘I wish I could say you’re imagining it, Alice, but… I wish I could tell you.’

‘We’ve confided in each other before,’ she reminded him.

‘I know, but this is different, it’s something I have to work out by myself, in my own time. Believe me, it’s the best way. But I do value your friendship, Alice.’

Alice waited for Oliver to remount, then said, ‘Don’t be too hard on Kerensa, I beg you, Oliver. I have a feeling she’s far from well and couldn’t take a lot more upset. Whatever is wrong between you, don’t forget that she loves you.’

‘I know.’

She watched as he was quickly eaten up by the darkness. She was uneasy and her round face contorted into a deep frown. She had chewed over many times what the reason could be for Kerensa’s unhappiness. It was no good talking to Rosie. She was apparently suffering the emotional upheaval of a broken romance and had lost interest in everything, even refusing Beatrice’s requests to go over to the manor kitchens and help her with her herbs and potions.