‘Thank you, Hezekiah. I have no real worries over the estate. Adam and Matthias Renfree, Nathan O’Flynn and the others are more than able to run everything efficiently and they keep me well-informed. I’ve heard of no complaints from the tenants, although Adam is being overprotective. Oliver allowed me to get involved in some estate business but Adam won’t hear of it, he’s very set in his ways where women are concerned. It’s the children I’m worried about. They can’t understand their father going away so suddenly and I don’t know how to explain it to them. The boys, Luke in particular, are so restless…’ Kerensa picked at the material of the chair all the way along its top as she spoke, watching her taut fingers absentmindedly, then she looked up. ‘Hezekiah, there is one way you can be of help to me.’

This was perfect for Hezekiah’s seduction ploy. Kerensa would see him in a favourable light, a woman’s gratitude was of immense help in getting closer to her.

‘You only have to name it and it shall be done,’ he said huskily, with a flourish of beringed hands. ‘May I suggest we sit awhile and discuss it?’

Kerensa found herself relaxing. She enjoyed Hezekiah’s company and thought she understood him a little better than most other people did.

‘Forgive me my lack of manners. Please sit down, Hezekiah, I’m a poor hostess today, and I do hope you will stay for dinner.’

‘I shall be delighted to stay and dine with you, Kerensa.’

Hezekiah glanced from chair to chair to decide which one would give him the most advantageous position as Kerensa moved round the back of the chair to sit down. When his eyes alighted on her again he let out an involuntary gasp of horror.

‘You… you’re with child!’

His reaction shocked Kerensa and she instinctively wrapped her arms protectively round her swollen middle.

‘I had no idea!’ he uttered, feeling sick to the core. The sight of a pregnant woman filled him with revulsion and it took an immense effort to hide it from Kerensa.

‘What’s the matter, Hezekiah?’ she asked rather sharply.

‘It’s nothing… nothing, Kerensa… really, believe me. I’m just shocked… that Oliver could leave you in this way.’

The quickly thought-out excuse satisfied Kerensa and looking more at ease she lowered herself into the armchair.

Quietly, she said, ‘Oliver doesn’t know.’

‘About…?’ He couldn’t bring himself to mention her condition and pointed at her middle.

‘No, Hezekiah, Oliver doesn’t know we are to have another child.’

Kerensa sounded rather cold and Hezekiah knew she was finding his attitude distressing. Resolutely he told himself to be calm.