‘Wait until you see Cahercorcan,’ I said with a grimace. ‘You will get a taste of it when my parents and their attendants arrive in a few days. My advice is, enjoy the quiet while you can.’

In the endless time of waiting for Flidais’s arrival at Winterfalls, I had often pictured us out walking, just the two of us, hand in hand or arm in arm, sharing our delight in the plants and creatures that were abundant around Winterfalls, exchanging tales and tender words as we went. That could not happen until we were husband and wife. I had no qualms about going out unattended, but with Flidais’s reputation at stake, I had to be mindful of what was considered correct. I suggested that she bring Mhairi, who seemed to have taken Ciar’s place as her personal maid. And I asked Donagan to come with us. While the women went off to fetch cloaks and change their shoes, he and I waited in the garden.

‘But where is Bramble?’ I asked as Flidais and Mhairi came out to join us.

‘I thought it best not to bring her,’ said Flidais. ‘She seems to have taken against me; it’s all snarling and snapping now.’

I hesitated before speaking. If I challenged her handling of Bramble she might be offended. On the other hand, I was sure she was wrong. ‘My aunt, who is coming here to stay soon, is something of an expert on dogs. She’s of the opinion that if a good dog starts behaving badly, the best remedy is to keep her – or him – busy. She would recommend exercise, I’m certain.’

Flidais dropped her gaze as if I had chastised her. It seemed she was indeed offended.

‘My lord,’ put in Mhairi, ‘Bramble will very likely snap and bite all the way, or bark and howl. She’s been keeping Lady Flidais awake at night with her carry-on.’

I recalled the terrified little creature I had found at the burial ground. How she had crept close, nestling against me. How she had fallen asleep in my arms. I thought of the portrait, with mistress and pet depicted in a pose of deepest trust and affection. Whatever had gone wrong between them, it was important to remedy it quickly. No wonder my lady was in poor spirits. ‘Let’s try, shall we?’ I suggested. ‘Bramble can be kept on the leash, and if we happen to encounter the farm dogs, I will carry her.’

All three of them, Donagan included, stared at me as if I were out of my wits. Then Mhairi said, ‘Yes, my lord,’ and went back to fetch the dog. What ensued was a little awkward. When Mhairi re-emerged from the women’s quarters with Bramble on the leash, Flidais’s pet was struggling against the restraint. We had heard her yelps of complaint well before she appeared. When she saw us, Bramble stiffened, falling abruptly silent. Then she ran toward me, hauling Mhairi along behind her. I crouched to greet the dog. She put her forefeet up on my knee and tried to lick my face. No greeting for her beloved mistress; Flidais might as well not have been there.