‘Well, you’re right about me, although I hate to admit it. It is time I took stock of myself and looked after Mother and the young’uns. I was extremely rude to you and deserved what I received in return, but there must be another reason for you getting in such a rage.’

Kerensa did not speak, words would not form inside her head.

‘You can’t talk about it… I’m very sorry. If there’s anything I can do to help… You’ve been so good to me and my family.’

She managed a barely audible, ‘Thank you,’ then said, ‘You’re frightened, aren’t you, Bartholomew?’

He took a long time to answer. ‘Yes. My mother is dying before my eyes and I don’t know how I’m going to cope with Charles, Jack and Cordelia after she’s gone. I feel so helpless. You seem to know me so well, better than anyone apart from my mother and she can’t help me.’

‘Bartholomew.’ Kerensa reached out and slipped her small cold hand inside his and felt the gentle response of his warm calloused skin. ‘Would you let me help you? If you like we could do it secretly, no one need know except us. I have a bit of money put by and I will never need it. Forget your pride and let me help you for your own sake as much as for Jenifer and the children.’

He looked at her uncertainly and Kerensa went on quietly but earnestly, ‘I don’t believe any of us have the right to refuse help on behalf of others if it means only hardship, suffering and poverty for them. It’s the way I felt about Samuel all those years ago. Say yes, Bartholomew, I beg you. There, I haven’t so much pride that I can’t beg. Let me take away the worst of your worries for you.’ She handed him the piece of sailcloth. ‘What do you say?’

He tied back his hair, then said, ‘Thank you. There is nothing else I can say.’

Kerensa found herself in Marazion. After the emotional meeting with Bartholomew she could not bear to ride home. If Oliver was finished with the Reverend Ivey and had ridden after her he was more likely to seek her out on the cliff rides they used to enjoy together, or at Trelynne Cove. So she urged Kernick on to the market town hoping he would not turn up there.