Oliver gazed in wonderment into Kelynen’s clear dark eyes. His thoughts drifted to a foreign country and then nearer home to Marazion.

‘There are two particular names that come immediately to mind. Michelle and Jenifer – Kelynen Michelle Jenifer Ann,’ he said humbly. ‘What do you think, Kerensa. Are they acceptable to you?’

‘Yes, of course,’ Kerensa replied, marvelling that this moment had come at last, of Oliver being home and choosing their baby’s other names. ‘Jenifer after Jenifer Drannock, I presume,’ and it gave her a clue to the peace he had found. Then looking at him curiously, she added, ‘Michelle is a beautiful name, I’ve never heard it before.’

‘It’s foreign and the reason why I would like it comes from a long story.’ He smiled. ‘We must—’

Urgent noises at the double doors drew their attention away from their baby and a host of people rushed into the room. Polly was at the head of the group with Rosina Blake behind her and then came Olivia holding on to Simon Peter’s hand. The two sets of people stared at each other in surprise.

‘Father!’ Olivia rushed to her father and clung to his legs.

‘Sir!’ Polly dropped a rapid curtsy with her mouth agape.

Simon Peter walked further into the room and stood expectantly at Olivia’s side, rising up on his tiptoes to get a better view of the baby. Then Rosina came forward, her surprised expression fading at the seriousness of her errand here.

‘We’ve come about your son Luke,’ she spoke to both Kerensa and Oliver. ‘I’m afraid he’s had an accident, out on the edge of Lancavel Downs close to the meeting house. I believe he’s quite badly hurt. Master Kane has taken my husband back to the spot where it happened, they should not be long behind us.’

‘Oh no!’ Kerensa gasped. ‘They were told not to go out of the grounds.’

‘Polly, run and tell Jack to fetch Dr Crebo here without delay,’ Oliver ordered, handing Kelynen back to Kerensa. ‘I’ll go and meet Blake and my sons.’

‘Begging your pardon, sir,’ Polly said hastily, ‘but Jack was attacked back along, he won’t be fit to ride for weeks.’

‘What?’ Oliver snatched a worried look at Kerensa. He had a lot to catch up on. What other dreadful things had he left her to cope with alone? ‘Then get Michael or Conan to go instead.’ Turning to Rosina, he said, ‘I thank you for coming to tell us, Mistress Blake. Please, stay with my wife until your husband arrives.’

With a quick kiss on the top of Olivia’s head and a hug for Kerensa he darted after Polly out of the room.