He wanted Kerensa very much, the desire irrevocably set in his mind from the moment he first saw her on her wedding day. Seducing a man’s wife was one of Hezekiah’s more pleasing pastimes. Few women had failed to succumb to his flattery and mysteriousness over the years and taking girls like Ameline Beswetherick was exquisite delight; virgins were hard to come by. But Kerensa was his greatest challenge, would be his greatest conquest.

Subtle enquiries at a high-class brothel brought Hezekiah up to date on the local speculation about Oliver’s long unexplained absence. It was said he had run off with a wanton female from his past, or he had gone insane. Others believed he was on the run after committing some terrible crime. As inaccurate and laughable as the gossip was, it pleased Hezekiah, especially the talk of Oliver running off with another woman. If he could artfully put the idea into Kerensa’s mind, it might well help his cause…

He would have to pursue his campaign with the utmost delicacy. Kerensa loved Oliver passionately and would not readily be unfaithful to him. Hezekiah would take his time, offer first a brotherly shoulder and gradually win her over. He licked his lips, his eyes glowed like a serpent’s as he dwelled on the prospect of lying with Kerensa. Oliver was a sensuous man, she would know how to please a man after nine years of marriage to him. Oliver, no doubt, employed a delicate touch; so did he. Even when he forced a woman he never hurt her in the intimate moments; that could come later…

‘It’s good to see you, Hezekiah.’

He had not heard her come into the room. Kerensa was standing behind an armchair, her hands resting on its back, the soft smooth hands he wanted to glide over his flesh lying one on top of the other. With irritation he saw Olivia was there too. He abhorred children.

‘I felt I could hardly not call upon you, Kerensa, even with Oliver still away,’ he said, his smile softening his hard white features.

‘I would be hurt if I thought you could not call on us at any time,’ Kerensa said.

She was as beautiful as ever but the sparkle, the exciting energy she had formerly exuded had left her. She was a lover without its mate. Hezekiah wanted to put that right.

She wore a dress of slate-blue and grey, the subdued colours adding to her paleness. Given the opportunity he would revive her youthful energy, her verve for life – for a short while anyway. He knew it would only be the one time with Kerensa; guilt or similar illogical feeling would overwhelm her, forbidding a repeat performance. But once would be sufficient…

‘Will you be staying for dinner, Captain Solomon?’