‘Probably not, but Beatrice says the illness can lie low for a week or two before the spots appear. But don’t worry, Alice, she has plenty more of her coriander seed remedy all ready prepared in case it’s needed.’

‘Has she? Well, that’s a comfort,’ Alice said truthfully. She glanced around before she spoke next. ‘How is the old mare anyway? She’s teaching Rosie all sorts of things when she comes over here to help her with her herbal teas and ointments. Rosie’s learning really fast and it comes in very handy at times, both for us and the beasts. Clem doesn’t like it, as you can imagine.’

‘Beatrice is fine, a bit shaky on her legs these days but still as tough as old boots.’ Kerensa frowned. ‘Why doesn’t Clem like Rosie coming over here? I know he doesn’t think it right that our children mix. I suppose I can understand that although I don’t agree with it, but Rosie?’

‘Don’t be offended, Kerensa,’ Alice said, looking at her knitting. ‘He fears she may not be safe from Sir Oliver’s… how shall I put this?’

‘Charms?’ Kerensa suggested and laughed.

‘Yes, something like that,’ Alice replied, eyeing Kerensa curiously. ‘I thought that would upset you a bit.’

‘Half the men in the county are afraid their womenfolk will fall under Oliver’s charms, why should Clem be any different? And Oliver does turn the head of many a young girl.’ Kerensa leaned forward and whispered in a wicked tone, ‘Has it crossed your mind that you may not be safe when you come over here, Alice?’

Alice laughed heartily with her friend. ‘I suppose Clem takes me for granted. Perhaps I should hint that… No, I’d better not, he wouldn’t take it kindly, being Sir Oliver.’

‘He doesn’t mind you coming over here to see me, does he?’ Kerensa asked, concerned.

‘Not really, he knows it wouldn’t be fair to curb our friendship. He, um, likes to hear about you.’

‘Does he?’

There was an awkward moment of silence. Kerensa thought it best to get back to the measles. ‘I had a good look at my three for spots when I put them to bed last night. I saw no sign of any but as usual Kane and Luke were covered in scratches and bruises from the mischief they get up to.’

Alice retrieved two dropped stitches of her knitting, glad the conversation had turned back. ‘You mean from the mischief Luke gets Kane into.’

Kerensa chuckled, ‘Yes, and Luke was most put out by me looking for spots. He said he had no intention of catching the measles, that it was not dignified to have me fussing over him and he is far too old for that sort of thing. Can you imagine it, Alice? Luke saying things like that at six years old! Whatever will he be like at sixteen, or twenty-six?’