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Sebastian took a few deep, though not particularly cooling, breaths before following and they were on their way in a matter of minutes, Peter and Michael walking on either side of him, chattering excitedly, while Henrietta walked hand in hand with Oliver. It was a strange feeling, Sebastian thought, to be jealous of a five-year-old, but he was, especially when said five-year-old was also hugged and kissed on numerous occasions. Just one hug would have sufficed for him, he thought, watching covertly, although perhaps he was deluding himself and keeping his hands away from Henrietta was the wiser course of action... Truthfully, there was no perhaps about it.
* * *
He insisted on paying their entry to Sydney Gardens and led them inside, past the maze and faux castle to a secluded corner that was more woodland than manicured lawn. At this time of year there were hardly any people on the paths and none at all after the first few minutes, which was exactly what he wanted.
‘How are we going to train as sailors here?’ Peter looked confused. ‘The lake’s over that way.’
‘Yes, but the oak trees are here.’
‘What do oak trees have to do with ships?’
‘Aside from the fact that most ships are made from oak?’ Sebastian put his hands on his hips and craned his neck backwards. ‘Ever climbed a mast?’
‘Oh!’ Henrietta let out a worried exclamation. ‘That doesn’t sound very safe.’
‘Children ought to climb trees. I always did. So did Anna for that matter.’ He grinned as Peter and Michael’s faces lit up with excitement. ‘I’ll look after them, don’t worry. As a matter of fact...’ He tossed his hat carelessly to one side. ‘I think I’ll join in.’
* * *
‘I’m exhausted!’
Sebastian threw himself on to the ground beside Henrietta. Fortunately, she’d brought a blanket to sit on, although one corner of it was covered with a collection of pine cones that Oliver had obviously gathered for her. The young boy had tired of climbing after only a few minutes.
‘I’m not surprised.’ She smiled down at Sebastian, the winter sunshine catching the hair beneath her wide-brimmed bonnet so that it shone like spun gold. ‘I feel exhausted from just watching you. That was nerve-racking.’
‘I didn’t let them go so high, although they’re pretty good climbers already.’ He lifted his head and looked around. ‘Where’s Oliver?’
She gestured to a nearby shrub. ‘Building a den inside that. You’re invited to visit, but apparently girls are forbidden.’
‘How ungentlemanly.’
‘I thought so.’
‘That was fun!’ Michael and Peter came running over to join them. ‘What next?’
‘Next you need to give an old man a rest.’ Sebastian laid his head back down again.
‘You’re not old. Nancy says you’re younger than Papa.’ Michael dropped down on to the blanket and crossed his legs. ‘Where is Papa anyway?’
‘About that...’ Henrietta threw Sebastian a swift glance before continuing. ‘How would you feel about staying with me for a bit longer?’
‘Why?’ Peter sounded suspicious.
‘Well...the truth is that your father’s gone away for a little while.’
‘You mean, he’s left us?’ Peter’s voice hardened.
‘He doesn’t want us.’ It was Michael who spoke this time. ‘He loved Mama, but now she’s gone he doesn’t want us any more.’
‘No, it’s nothing like that.’ Henrietta put her arm around the little boy’s shoulders. ‘He loves you very much.’
‘He doesn’t if he’s left us.’ Peter answered belligerently, turning on his heel and stalking away.
‘Does he really love us, Aunt?’ Michael’s eyes were suspiciously bright.
‘Of course he does. I promise.’
Sebastian waited a few moments before giving her a single nod and getting up to follow Peter. The boy was standing off to one side, his back turned and shoulders hunched, obviously trying not to cry.
