‘I’m to receive one thousand pounds by the end of the week. I can’t imagine what so much money will look like, ’tis enough to set up several families for life. I’ve decided to buy Mother and the young’uns a house in Marazion. There’s one for sale close to Dr Crebo so he’ll be close at hand when he’s needed. Mrs Parkin, the woman I hired with the money you lent me to look after us and the cottage, has agreed to live in as housekeeper. Naomi and Hannah will leave the service of the Sarrisons at once. The old brothers have been good to them but there’s no need for them to skivvy for anyone any longer and Mother will be glad to have them with her to nurse her rather than strangers.’
‘I agree, Jenifer deserves the best of everything,’ Kerensa stated, becoming serious, ‘and thank God she will receive it in her present condition.’
‘Mother won’t last the year out, we’ve accepted that, but ’tis a blessing her last days will end in comfort and dignity. I thought it would be a devil of a job to get her to leave the cottage but she says as long as she can look out over the sea where Father died and rests, she’ll die content. I’ve made another decision too, to hand over my share of the Young Maid to the Kings. I haven’t really had the heart to fish from the boat that cost my father his life. The Kings can prosper from our good fortune too.’
Kerensa gave a satisfied smile. ‘You’ve matured a good deal in the last months, Bartholomew. You deserve your good fortune. I’m very proud of you.’
‘Thank you. The strange thing is, I can’t stop myself from wondering what Sir Oliver would think, though there’s no reason for him to take any interest in me.’
‘I think he would be very pleased for you and impressed by your good common sense at such a young age.’ A sudden strong thought made Kerensa doubt the existence of Bartholomew’s great-uncle Obadiah and caused her to swivel in her chair and look out of the window. For one terrified moment she feared Bartholomew would read her mind.
‘Are you all right?’ he asked, half rising from his chair. ‘Shall I ring for Polly?’
‘No, no,’ she stressed, turning back and waving a hand in front of her face to hide what she felt was glaringly displayed for him to see. ‘I was just wondering where the children have got to,’ she lied.
‘When I arrived, your two boys were sliding down the banister of the stairs. Your little maid was shouting at them to stop.’
‘That sounds very much as usual.’ Kerensa was glad she could smile.
‘It must be hard going for you. Three active children, another soon to bear, and Sir Oliver away,’ Bartholomew said slowly.
‘I am fine, Bartholomew. It’s near seven years since Luke was born, it’s a big gap, things are different this time, that’s all.’
‘How much longer till you expect the birthing? I know it’s indelicate to ask but I’m concerned for you.’
‘I confess I’m not sure. Dr Crebo reckons about ten weeks and Beatrice is in agreement.’
‘That settles it then,’ Bartholomew said knowledgeably. ‘When Beatrice says a baby’s due, that’s when it comes.’
Kerensa was amused. ‘I didn’t know you were such an expert on childbearing, Bartholomew.’
‘Well, I’m the eldest child of a family of six,’ he grinned at her. ‘I know a thing or two about it… I suppose Sir Oliver would like another son.’
‘I don’t expect him to mind either way.’ She wanted desperately to drop the subject. She was uneasy about Oliver not knowing about the baby and as each day passed she became a little more fearful about it. Every time there was a knock at the door, every time it was opened, at every sound of a horse or carriage approaching the house she desperately hoped it was Oliver come home in time for the birth of his child and a new beginning for all of them.
Bartholomew was as curious about Oliver’s sudden departure as was the rest of the parish. ‘Be back soon, will he?’
A shadow dulled Kerensa’s eyes. ‘I have no idea when he’s coming back.’
He saw the subtle change in her deep grey-green eyes. ‘I’m sorry, I had no right to ask such a personal question.’
‘It’s all right.’ Kerensa tried to sound cheerful. ‘Women in my condition are susceptible to sudden changes of mood, as you probably know. It’s been good to have someone to talk to, I haven’t had many visitors of late.’
‘May I call again, later in the week? I can repay the hundred pounds you lent me.’
‘There’s no need,’ Kerensa protested.
‘There’s every need,’ Bartholomew said darkly.
‘Yes, of course,’ she smiled knowingly, ‘you have your pride, I’m sorry.’
When he left the manor house an hour later Bartholomew had a lot to think about. As his boots crunched over the gravelled carriageway he resolved that when he returned to give Kerensa her hundred pounds he would not be on foot, he would be on the back of one of the finest Pengarron stud horses. Kerensa remained the main subject of his thoughts. He longed to know why she was so unhappy, what had got into Sir Oliver to make him take off so suddenly and without saying when he intended to come back. It would be uncharacteristic of him to stay away for the birth of his child. Not every husband stayed at home for his wife’s confinement but Sir Oliver had defied convention and horrified Dr Crebo, Beatrice, and the local midwives by insisting on staying in the childbed room when Miss Olivia and Master Luke were born. Bartholomew suspected that Sir Oliver did not know another child was soon due to join the family. Why hadn’t he been told?
Another concern was over what would happen to Sir Oliver’s well-organised smuggling runs if his absence continued. The runs still took place regularly under the supervision of Daniel Berryman, the tenant farmer of Orchard Hill Farm, but Sir Oliver’s presence was required to ensure that the authorities continued to overlook the operations. If the men decided in his absence to arrange landings in the coves and creeks themselves, it would be a more risky business. The authorities could only be guaranteed to overlook Sir Oliver’s activities, and that was because of his position and well-known short temper as much as his generous bribes. An arrest was required every so often to satisfy higher-up officials and the more conscientious Revenue men stationed at Penzance. There had been good pickings recently from a wreck at Loe Bar and that might keep folk content for a while, but it would be a bad thing all round if the Lord of the Manor stayed away for too long.
* * *
In the following week Kerensa had another visitor. Hezekiah Solomon was shown into her empty sitting room while Polly sped off to fetch her mistress from the kitchens.
Hezekiah checked his appearance in the oval gilt-edged mirror above the mantelpiece. He took an ivory comb from a waistcoat pocket and drew it through his pure white hair, poking and fiddling with the fragrant arrangement until it suited his high standard of perfection. He had dressed with his usual fastidiousness and had been careful not to be over-liberal with cologne.
He wanted Kerensa very much, the desire irrevocably set in his mind from the moment he first saw her on her wedding day. Seducing a man’s wife was one of Hezekiah’s more pleasing pastimes. Few women had failed to succumb to his flattery and mysteriousness over the years and taking girls like Ameline Beswetherick was exquisite delight; virgins were hard to come by. But Kerensa was his greatest challenge, would be his greatest conquest.
Subtle enquiries at a high-class brothel brought Hezekiah up to date on the local speculation about Oliver’s long unexplained absence. It was said he had run off with a wanton female from his past, or he had gone insane. Others believed he was on the run after committing some terrible crime. As inaccurate and laughable as the gossip was, it pleased Hezekiah, especially the talk of Oliver running off with another woman. If he could artfully put the idea into Kerensa’s mind, it might well help his cause…
He would have to pursue his campaign with the utmost delicacy. Kerensa loved Oliver passionately and would not readily be unfaithful to him. Hezekiah would take his time, offer first a brotherly shoulder and gradually win he
r over. He licked his lips, his eyes glowed like a serpent’s as he dwelled on the prospect of lying with Kerensa. Oliver was a sensuous man, she would know how to please a man after nine years of marriage to him. Oliver, no doubt, employed a delicate touch; so did he. Even when he forced a woman he never hurt her in the intimate moments; that could come later…
‘It’s good to see you, Hezekiah.’
He had not heard her come into the room. Kerensa was standing behind an armchair, her hands resting on its back, the soft smooth hands he wanted to glide over his flesh lying one on top of the other. With irritation he saw Olivia was there too. He abhorred children.
‘I felt I could hardly not call upon you, Kerensa, even with Oliver still away,’ he said, his smile softening his hard white features.
‘I would be hurt if I thought you could not call on us at any time,’ Kerensa said.
She was as beautiful as ever but the sparkle, the exciting energy she had formerly exuded had left her. She was a lover without its mate. Hezekiah wanted to put that right.
She wore a dress of slate-blue and grey, the subdued colours adding to her paleness. Given the opportunity he would revive her youthful energy, her verve for life – for a short while anyway. He knew it would only be the one time with Kerensa; guilt or similar illogical feeling would overwhelm her, forbidding a repeat performance. But once would be sufficient…
‘Will you be staying for dinner, Captain Solomon?’
Olivia had asked the question but she instinctively backed away from him. Hezekiah was sure the child was afraid of him; he would play on her fear to rid her from the room. He advanced on her as he answered.
‘If I am invited I shall be honoured to stay, my dear.’
Staring back with her eyes doubled in size Olivia retreated to Kerensa’s side and clutched her skirt. ‘May… may I go and finish my painting for Father, please, Mama?’
‘Of course you can, cherub,’ Kerensa said. ‘I’m sure Captain Solomon will excuse you. Run along and ask Cherry to help you tie your apron.’
Olivia disappeared in a flash. Hezekiah looked into Kerensa’s eyes.
‘A painting for Oliver? Let us hope it will not be too long before he is back at home to see and enjoy it.’ It was a good beginning to rub salt into her wounds, then he could offer the salve to soothe them.
‘The children miss him very much,’ she said sadly. ‘We all do. Have you any idea at all, Hezekiah, when he will be back?’
‘No, I’m sorry, none at all,’ Hezekiah answered, sounding wistful.
‘But he sailed with you, I know that much now. Did he say nothing to give you even the smallest clue?’
‘You know Oliver only too well. If he does not wish to disclose something, nothing will persuade him to do so.’ This was a truthful statement. Oliver had said nothing of his reasons for making the journey other than that he needed to get away from Cornwall, or of his intended destination or length of absence.
Kerensa sighed and smiled weakly. ‘I suppose he’ll come back when he’s done whatever it is he’s so set on doing. I just hope and pray it will not be much longer.’
‘It is a pity, my dear, that he left no word of his intentions. But how are you coping, Kerensa? The estate must be of great concern to you. There is no need for me to sail for a long while yet, in fact I am free to stay in Cornwall indefinitely, so if I can be of any assistance to you I offer it gladly.’
‘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.
‘Forgive me, Kerensa. I’ve been so concerned at Oliver’s behaviour towards you these past months,’ he lied, pulling and prodding at his elaborate clothes in an unconscious attempt to help himself into a calmer state of mind. ‘I have had to stand by helpless while your marriage has foundered like a hapless ship. I must ask you this, why did you not tell him he was to become a father again? It might well have brought him to his senses.’ Hezekiah was furious. With his plan of seduction foiled he felt no desire to be tactful. ‘I may as well tell you, I know all about the Drannock boy.’
‘I see. Oliver told you Samuel Drannock was his half-brother?’
‘Yes, I know the whole story.’
‘I didn’t tell Oliver about the baby because I hoped he’d get things clear in his mind first. I didn’t know he planned to go away and when I did find out I didn’t want him to feel trapped and resent me all the more. If I’d known he was intending to go off I would have told him a long time before.’ Tears filled Kerensa’s eyes and ran in tiny sparkling droplets down her pale cheeks. ‘Now when he comes back he’ll be able to accuse me rightfully of keeping another secret from him.’
And not the only one, Hezekiah thought. What would Oliver think of Clem Trenchard coming to see me about your eldest child’s real father trying to blackmail you?
He said, ‘It would have been better if you had told him, Kerensa. You need him now, don’t you?’
‘More than ever,’ she said from graven lips. ‘I only wish I knew where he was, then I’d beg him to come back to me.’
Hezekiah watched her cry softly. A short time before he would have hoped for this, then he could have put his arms about her, held her close, comforted her. Once a woman was in your arms the next step was so much easier, and she would have felt so good to hold. But all he could do now was to watch her shaking body and grow steadily more frustrated. He looked at her with cold detachment. What w
as this feeling, so strong and powerful, called love? It turned men and women into fools! Why did people desire it so much? It was as dangerous and destructive as it was supposed to be wonderful. Here, in this wretched, beautiful young woman was the clear evidence of it.
In a grim voice Hezekiah suggested she lie down and rest and he rang the bell for Polly to come to her. He left without enquiring what it was she had been about to ask his assistance for. He rode from the manor with a boiling rage seething inside him and his mind went straight to the cold shiny blade nestled inside his riding boot.
Chapter 24
Adam Renfree called at the manor each morning to advise Kerensa on the activities of the estate. He hovered over her like a worried maiden aunt, puzzled by the rift between the young woman he still looked on as a ‘dear little maid’ and his master, a man he admired and respected. To Adam it was all such a shame, such a great pity. What had got into the pair of them? What could have happened to turn their idyllic life together sour?
Before he began his latest visit Adam stopped in the stable yard to discuss with Nathan the increase in poaching on the estate since Oliver’s absence. He took no notice of Jack saddling Kernick outside the pony’s stall, thinking he was going to exercise it, but he stopped in mid-sentence when he saw Kerensa waddling across the yard. She was dressed for riding.
He stalked over to her. ‘You didn’t oughta be thinking of riding in your condition, ma’am.’
‘I’m not going far, Adam,’ Kerensa retorted, not looking at his severe face and hoping to get away without any fuss. ‘I feel restless today, I must get out for a while.’
She was almost pleading with him but Adam felt he had a duty to stop her. Jack fastened the last strap of the pony’s tack and looked up uncomfortably. It was obvious he had tried and failed to forestall his mistress.
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