‘Didn’t you see her? She’s helping Mór bring in some sheets. It’s going to rain later.’

So Emer was not far away; this was less improper than it had seemed at first. That didn’t mean I liked the fellow turning up here and, within a day, persuading this frail and damaged girl not only to marry him but to leave everything behind and head off with the travellers. Thanks to her father’s silver, Ness was a wealthy woman now. A good catch for a lad like this, even after what had been done to her.

Abhan was watching me, his expression as grave as if he could read my thoughts. ‘Mistress Blackthorn,’ he said, ‘might I speak with you alone?’

‘By all means. We’ll step outside a moment.’ Ness’s smile had faded. I owed her an explanation. ‘You have no kinsfolk,’ I said. ‘You’ve been through a dark time, Ness, very dark. You and Abhan – you’re young, both of you. Since your father cannot talk to him about this, I will do it. I need to make sure you’ll be properly looked after and well provided for. To put it bluntly, I need to be convinced your decisions are your own, and not those of a man who would exploit you.’

‘Mistress Blackthorn!’ exclaimed Ness. ‘How can you say that? Abhan is my sweetheart; he has been since I was young. I love him. He loves me. My father gave us his blessing; he only asked us to wait. Abhan wants only what is best for me.’

‘Then you have nothing to be concerned about,’ I said, ‘if he and I take a little walk and I ask him a few questions.’

It was darker outside; the clouds were building. I’d best be on my way soon. ‘Come, we’ll walk,’ I said, and the young man fell into step beside me, moderating his long strides. Once we were away from the house, I said, ‘I don’t have much time. Which is regrettable, since we’re talking about the rest of that young woman’s life. First tell me this: how do you propose to look after Ness, provide a safe home, keep a roof over her head and food on the table, and ensure she need not work herself half to death just to make ends meet?’ I made no mention of Ness’s inheritance.