‘Aye, I did. He’s not near so quiet and moody when you get to know him and I was surprised at how close he and Alice are. They behaved more in the way you’d expect Rosie and Matthias Renfree to now they’re betrothed, and they can be some soppy, ’n’ all. Didn’t expect the Preacher to come out with all that romantic stuff. You never really know people, do you?’

‘No, you don’t.’ Kerensa felt a glow of warmth for Alice, pleased that her friend was receiving the love and affection she deserved. It seemed after all these years their situations were reversed: Alice had a loving husband now and she did not.

‘What I’m meaning is, m’lady, the Trenchards were good to me, but I’m glad to be home. Be even better if everyone was here.’

Kerensa sighed. ‘I know what you mean, Jack.’

‘I hope you don’t mind me saying, but I miss him too, Sir Oliver. I know it must be the hardest for you, but he wouldn’t have gone away… unless… unless…’ and Jack blushed and faltered.

‘Unless he had a good reason?’ Kerensa muttered. ‘Is that what you’re trying to say, Jack?’

‘Aye, yes… I mean…’

‘He did have a good reason, Jack.’ Then she spoke as if to herself. ‘But to stay away for so long, without any word…’

‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you, it’s just that Sir Oliver is a good man, he wouldn’t mean to hurt. I just wish there was some news of him.’

‘Don’t worry, Jack,’ Kerensa said wearily, ‘he’ll be back. Sir Martin has been making inquiries for me on both sides of the Channel to see if he can come up with anything. I’m sure we’ll hear something soon.’ Kerensa found it hard in her own heartbreak to have to comfort those around her. She had to display a constant bright outlook, when in fact she was beginning to share the private fears of others, that Oliver wouldn’t have stayed away for so long and without communication unless he was dead. Kerensa knew Jack had another fear – that she wouldn’t readily take Oliver back. But while she sometimes resented his actions, she thought of her part in what had provoked them, and her love was so deep she knew she’d have him back at any cost. She just wanted him to come home.

‘He’ll be surprised to see the little one when he does come home,’ Jack said, in a bid to be more cheerful.

‘Yes, he will.’