'I am fortunate that his twin is an angel. Joel will be leading Nathan and Rafe astray. How do you keep your children in order, Hannah?'

'Davey takes control.' Hannah's voice softened with her pride in her offspring. 'Their tasks on the farm and attending the school help to tire them. When yours are older there will be more to occupy them. Nathan is only four and the twins fifteen months younger.'

'I look forward to more tranquil days. Though when was life in a Loveday household peaceful?'

Hannah wandered into the panelled corridor leading to the stairs. It must once have been a gloomy place but Adam had enlarged a window above the entrance door and the oak panelling now glowed golden in the sunlight that was also reflected on the wooden floor.

Tamasine appeared at the head of the carved Elizabethan staircase and ran down the stairs. For a moment her lovely face looked sad until she saw Hannah waiting for her. Instantly she painted on a bright smile. Hannah was not deceived.

'What is amiss, Tam?'

The young woman shrugged. There were faint shadows under her eyes and her raven black curls were pulled high on her head in a Grecian style.

'Nothing.'

Hannah was not convinced. Something was clearly troubling her.

'And the plans for your wedding, are they going well?' Was that panic she saw in the younger woman's eyes? Hannah continued more gently. 'It is natural to have misgivings about marriage. Mr Deverell is a remarkable man.'

'Yes, he is. I cannot fault him.'

'But….' Hannah persisted.

Tamasine shook her head. 'There is no but. He is truly a wonderful man.'

'Indeed. The family all sing his praises.' She was concerned at Tamasine's pallor. 'Are you having second thoughts?'

'I have given my word. I respect Mr Deverell greatly. He is so like my father and Adam - both of whom I adore.'

'You talk of respect but not of love.'

The panic again flashed in Tamasine's eyes then she lowered her lashes. Hannah took her arm. 'A man like Max Deverell is easy to love. You have seen so little of him in recent months. His estate is in Dorset.'

'I thought I loved Rupert Carlton but he betrayed my love and trust. I have great affection for Max but I have known so little love in my life. I would marry for love or prefer to stay single.'

'That is not always a happy option within our society. These are just nerves talking. I saw you with Max - you made a perfect couple. He would never betray you. He is an honourable man.'

Tamasine did not argue. 'Yes, he is. I am being foolish. Marriage is a vast step. And I have spent so little time with my new-found family. I shall miss you all dreadfully.'

Even to Tamasine the words sounded hollow. There had been no time to get to know Max properly. She admired and respected him. Throughout her childhood when her mother's family had shut her away in a ladies' academy she had never known what it felt like to love and be loved by another in return. She was young, not yet seventeen, and her heart craved to find fulfilment within her marriage. Hannah squeezed her arm in reassurance.

'Max adores you. You will be happy. Has he not promised that you will visit your family regularly?'

Tamasine wished she could believe her cousin. There had been so many uncertainties in her life. Had she been too impulsive in agreeing to this marriage? Had she done it to please her family? She cared for Max. He was handsome, intelligent and brave. Had he not rescued her from abduction in the most romantic manner? But did she love him? That was the fear that haunted her most.

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