‘You asked why we told you the truth,’ Mhairi said. ‘We thought you would find out, with your sharp eyes and your tricky questions. We thought you would tell other folk, and the story would be spread about, and the prince would be angry with Lady Flidais and punish her.’

Gods! This was all back to front and upside down, a woeful state of affairs. Flidais was choosing a future of abuse and fear, and I could think of no way to dissuade her. I had no alternative to offer her. ‘You’re quite sure you don’t want this made known? You really intend to go ahead with the hand-fasting?’

‘Yes,’ Flidais said. ‘I have no other choice.’

‘Then I don’t believe there’s any way I can help you.’

‘Oh, but there is,’ she said, sitting up again. ‘There might be. Do you remember when we asked about what you did as a wise woman, the potions and cures? If you could . . . Do you think you could . . .’

‘What Lady Flidais wants to ask,’ said Mhairi, ‘is whether you know how to make sure she conceives a son. As soon as possible.’ Whatever I might think of the woman, I could not fault her for plain speaking.

‘If anyone can tell me that, it will surely be you, Mistress Blackthorn,’ Flidais said. ‘Oran wants a child. It would be so much better if our firstborn was a boy. I have failed to please my betrothed in so many ways – you must have heard how sharply he spoke to me at supper time, not even pretending to be kind – but if I could do this, I know his attitude would soften.’

I hesitated. There was no way I knew of to be sure of a son. A woman could improve her chances of conceiving a babe by eating certain foods, taking a particular tonic, being mindful of the moon’s waxing and waning, and so on. But that child might be boy or girl; there was no telling until it was born. I did not want to give Flidais this bad news. She was distressed and weary, and it was growing late.

‘I’ll think about this awhile,’ I said. ‘You should sleep, Lady Flidais. And you, Mhairi. You are very loyal to your mistress.’

Mhairi gave me a tight nod.

‘How long do you need?’ Flidais asked. ‘Do you not know the answer?’

‘As I told you some time ago,’ I said, ‘it’s unwise to rush these things. They can be complicated, sometimes perilous. And far from clear-cut. I understand the urgency, my lady, and I ask only for a day or two. Now I will bid you good night. Make sure you take the sleeping draught; it should bring you rest without bad dreams.’