In a pitiful whimper, she replied, ‘He’s gone, Clem.’

He eased her against him and wrapped her in his arms in the same way he did with Jessica when she was upset or in pain. ‘Who’s gone, my love?’

‘Oliver… he’s left me… and the children.’

Clem was relieved she couldn’t see the shock on his face. This was the last thing he had expected.

‘Left you? But surely not for good, Kerensa, he’d never leave you for good, he’ll be back. He’s probably gone away to one of his business meetings.’

‘No, he hasn’t, it’s not like that. I knew he’d been trying to tell me something just before I rode to Perranbarvah to see Bartholomew. He came back from Ker-an-Mor later in the day and found me lying abed and Ameline packing up to leave. He was very quiet and after the children were in bed he told me he was going away. He said he was sorry that we hadn’t spent the day together because it would be the last day for a long time. I pleaded with him to stay, at least not to go until we had worked things out between us, but he insisted he had to go away before he could do that. Far away from Cornwall. Far away from me! From everything until he’s sorted it all out in his mind about us and Samuel Drannock. He refused to tell me where he was going or when he’s coming back.’ She swung round and clung to Clem with considerable force, digging her nails into his neck. ‘What will I do, Clem? He might stay away for months, years. He might never come back! What will I do?’

He fought to control her clawing hands and held her tightly until her trembling ceased. She cried with her heart breaking and he whispered in her ear, ‘You’ve done the only thing you need to do. You’ve turned to me, my love. You’ll always have me, I’ll never let you down.’

She looked up with frightened eyes. ‘Oh, Clem, why didn’t I marry you when I should have done! I loved you and yet I treated you so badly. Now I’m paying for it.’

‘No, Kerensa, that’s not how I see it is. It cuts me to the quick to admit it but you love Pengarron more than you could ever love me and despite everything I’m sure he loves you very much too. I don’t want it to be that way… because I want you all to myself. I know it’s selfish of me but I can’t stop loving you.’