There were tears in my eyes. It was so good to talk to her again. Muirrin says the baby is strong and well even though he came early. And Mother seems to be recovering, though she’s tired. I can’t predict the future, Deirdre. Even a seer can’t do that accurately. But this is cause for happiness. You can forget all those terrible things you were saying before you left, about never coming back to Sevenwaters. You’ll want to see baby Finbar. He’s lovely. You must come and visit us. I glanced across at the basket, where all that was visible of my brother was a roll of woollen blanket with a tuft of dark hair sticking out the end.

Please tell Mother I’m very happy for her.

She seemed rather cool. Perhaps she was finding it hard to absorb the unexpected good news. I miss you, Deirdre.

A silence, then, I miss you too, Clodagh. More than I ever expected. Was she perhaps crying?

Oh, Deirdre. Is everything all right?

For a moment her presence wavered, as if she were about to withdraw beyond my reach, then she said, Of course it’s all right. Why wouldn’t it be? Only it’s . . . different. There’s so much to do, and . . . I didn’t realize how used I was to having you always there. You should come and visit me. There are lots of eligible men here. You might find a sweetheart, someone better than Aidan. He is only a younger son, after all.

It was just as well she couldn’t see my expression. I might visit some time, but you can forget about the sweetheart. Besides, there’s no shortage of young men at Sevenwaters while Johnny’s here.

He’s still with you, then?

For now, anyway.

He doesn’t mind about the baby being a boy? Won’t that cut him out of his inheritance?

Perhaps, I told her. But Finbar’s only a baby. Johnny doesn’t seem at all upset. Besides, he has other things on his mind.

Don’t tell me our cousin has finally become interested in a girl.

It’s nothing to do with women. Just an issue with one of the local chieftains, you know the kind of thing. Johnny’s a little edgy and so is Father. It’s nothing important.

One of the chieftains? Which one?

The hair stood up on the back of my neck. I could almost hear Cathal whispering in my ear, I told you.

I’m not sure, I lied. You know Father expected this. That the northern leaders might see your marriage to Illann as an affront, I mean.

You must be able to remember which chieftain it is.

I can’t, Deirdre. I really have no idea.

But you’re always so interested in these things, Clodagh.