‘Please, Oliver, you know what I’m talking about. Let’s not argue now. I want this to be a pleasant evening for Ameline’s sake. She’s going home soon and Martin’s sent word that James is coming to supper with him.’

‘James Mortreath, eh? This will be entertaining, and Hezekiah has just arrived too.’ He smiled without humour; to Kerensa, a dangerous sign.

‘What are you planning to do, Oliver?’ She scanned his face, afraid of what she would read there. ‘You won’t be unkind to James, will you?’ She wanted to remind him that James Mortreath was his kinsman, even if distantly related, but could say nothing while the existence and death of a much closer one still lay between them.

‘Only planning to entertain the fellow, my dear.’ There was a trace of maliciousness in his voice. He pulled her close to him. ‘Then later…’

Kerensa turned her head and his kiss landed on the side of her neck. Gripping her tighter he ran his lips down her neck and along her shoulder. Kerensa tried forcefully to get away. Oliver lifted his head and gave her a small humiliating shake.

‘Are you refusing me?’

Chills rose from the base of Kerensa’s spine. He was challenging her to say no to his lovemaking and she had sensed of late he was deliberately looking for this – something else to hold against her. It was the one thing she hoped would not change, their moments of the deepest intimacy that no one else could share. She tried to make light of it.

‘Of course not but it’s really time we were going down. I would like to have a few minutes with Hezekiah before Martin and James arrive.’

Hezekiah’s clothes were as sparkling as his conversation and Kerensa was warmed by his superb wit and interest in the children’s welfare. She had always liked Hezekiah. He had always treated her kindly. She found him an intriguing man. Small-boned, over-perfumed and rather effeminate, he appeared to be one of nature’s weaklings, but those who knew him sensed his strength and those who sailed with him appreciated his excellent seamanship. He could manoeuvre his ketch Free Spirit among the most dangerous rocks and outrun the most determined Revenue cutter.

No one knew much about Hezekiah, not even Oliver. He never talked of the past and skilfully warded off any query on the subject but Kerensa did manage to find out after many years that he was a partner in Oliver and Sir Martin’s smuggling enterprises. The evidence had been under her nose all the time but his flamboyant dress and manner were hardly those of an adventurous free-trader.

He cast his deep blue eyes appreciatively over Kerensa’s gown. ‘I see you have chosen to wear blue like Oliver tonight. How well you complement each other,’ he smiled.