Kerensa stared blankly across the perfectly landscaped gardens, mentally imagining Oliver riding up the long gravelled carriageway that lay beyond the imposing granite manor house. She suddenly wanted to cry but shook herself and took a deep breath, forbidding the tears to appear. The children were becoming used to their new sister; would they get used to not having a father? They asked fewer questions about him now.

‘Anyway, Jack,’ she smiled bravely, ‘at least I have you home again.’

Since the attack on herself and Jack, Kerensa had forbidden the children to ride outside the manor grounds unescorted. Frustrated by his father’s prolonged disappearance which delayed the race for the black foal at the stud, Luke was angered by this restriction. He constantly picked away at Kane’s better judgement and urged him to ride further afield. That afternoon Kane finally gave way.

‘No one will know if we don’t go too far,’ Luke said perkily. ‘Just a mile or two, along the edge of Lancavel Downs where no one is likely to see us.’

‘I’m not sure about this, Luke,’ Kane argued, regretting his weakness at allowing his younger brother to get the upper hand once again. ‘I hope Mama doesn’t find out, it wouldn’t be fair to give her any more worry.’

‘Don’t be so soft!’ Luke scoffed, prodding Kane in the chest. ‘You’re no fun, you’re always round Mama’s skirts. Well, I want to be more like Father.’

‘But we’re riding over to Trecath-en Farm tomorrow with Mama and Olivia and Nat to play with Jessica, Philip and David again. That will get us out of the grounds and I’m sure Clem will organise a race for us. I bet he’s good at that sort of thing.’

Luke was wildly jealous of Kane’s fondness for Clem. ‘He’s only a farmer! The girl squeals if I just look at her and those twins can’t talk properly! I probably won’t even go.’

‘Oh, Luke. Mama will be so upset if you throw another one of your tantrums. You know she’s got her heart set on us going and getting on well with all the Trenchards. After all, it’s up to us to set a good example.’

They were in the hut set aside for injured and convalescing birds and animals. Luke kicked a crate in bad temper and frightened a jackdaw with a splint on its wing. He was immediately sorry about that but he pushed his brother out of the door. Kane stumbled down the steps and landed on his backside. Luke stood on the top step and scowled down at him.

‘If you don’t go with me right now, I swear I will never, ever go near that beastly farm again and the next time I see Ricketty Jim I’ll give him a good kicking!’