Clem let out a puff of breath. ‘Oh, I’m not really bothered about that. I suppose I did overreact a little. The thing is he looks so much like his father. Alice tore me off a fair strip all the way home and so did Rosie and Father, and Kenver wholeheartedly agreed with them. I began to feel such a rat. They all pointed out if it had been Kane or some other boy rather than Luke I wouldn’t have got so angry. I suppose at six years old he’s not much more than a baby. I was thinking of riding over to the manor to apologise.’

Kerensa looked deep into his eyes. With a knowing smile, she said, ‘You weren’t really thinking of doing that, Clem.’

He admitted, with a sheepish grin, ‘No, I wasn’t.’

‘My dearest Clem, I’m surrounded everywhere by stupid male pride. Oliver, Luke, Bartholomew Drannock, and even you,’ she lovingly stroked his hair, ‘my dearest Clem.’

‘I still love you, Kerensa.’ There was no doubt of that in his eyes, his voice, his arms.

‘And I still love you.’ Her words caressed his heart.

‘I know you do and it’s wonderful to hear you say it. It’s what’s kept me going all these years, knowing you keep a part of your heart specially for me.’

The rain stopped suddenly, leaving a sulky yellow-grey sky. The wind dropped and the window stopped creaking. They were content for a while to be alone together again. She had grown pleasantly sleepy when he spoke again.

‘Kerensa, why did you mention Bartholomew Drannock just now? He doesn’t know yet about Sir Daniel being his grandfather so how are you involved with him? Something to do with his mother? I know you call regularly on her.’

Kerensa sighed wearily, reluctant to be reminded of her problems again. ‘It’s not that. Before I rode here today I first went over to Perranbarvah to give young Master Drannock a piece of my mind over a guest who’s staying at the manor, Miss Ameline Beswetherick.’

‘Oh, yes? I saw her once, looks as though a handful of dust would choke her.’

‘Ameline is rather delicate but she’s very sweet, very naive and innocent. I found out she and Bartholomew have been meeting in Trelynne Cove. I had reason to fear Bartholomew would try to seduce her and I had to put a stop to it.’

‘Bet he didn’t take kindly to that!’ Clem exclaimed. ‘You have had an awful time today, my love. What did he say? I hope he didn’t upset you.’

‘He didn’t like it at all,’ Kerensa replied calmly, ‘but I got the upper hand of him so I have no more worries on that score.’