Someone tapped on the door. I cursed under my breath. Company was the last thing I needed right now. Still, it was probably only Sibeal come early for her turn with Finbar. She wouldn’t ask awkward questions if she found me in tears.

I opened the door and found myself face-to-face with the person I least wanted to see.

“You’re crying,” observed Cathal, brows up.

“Go away.” I began to close the door, but he stuck out his foot and stopped me.

“Clodagh. Tell me what’s wrong.”

“None of your business. What are you doing up here? I’m supposed to be looking after the baby.”

“You can look after him and talk to me. There’s no rule against that. It would be more civilized if you invited me in so we could sit down and talk in more comfort. These doorway trysts are so awkward.”

“Get your foot out of the door, Cathal.”

“Tell me what’s wrong and I will.”

“I told you, it’s none of your concern. What do you want, anyway?”

“Come out here and talk to me and then I’ll go away. I promise.”

“I doubt if your promises are worth much, Cathal.” How could I get rid of him without attracting attention? This hallway was a thoroughfare for serving people and family alike. “All right, I’ll talk, but only for a moment. I can’t leave Finbar.”

Cathal took a step back. I could have slammed the door in his face, but that did seem rather childish. I stepped out of the chamber to stand with one hand holding the door ajar, so I could still see the willow cradle with its small occupant drowsing in the firelight. “Why are you here?” I asked. Cathal was wearing his big cloak and his riding boots. I saw now that, despite his flippant manner, he looked pale and drawn. “What’s wrong?” I added despite myself. “You seem upset.”

He didn’t answer. He was leaning against the wall by the door now, shoulders hunched, eyes not on me but on a patch of flag-stoned floor.

“Cathal?”

“I might not see you for a while,” he said. “I don’t think it’s wise for me to be here.”

I had not expected this. “Is Johnny sending you north? Has there been news from Gareth?” The awkward conversation with Deirdre came sharply back, but I knew I was not going to discuss it with him. If it hadn’t been for his disturbing theory, I would have given my twin the family’s happy news and felt nothing but pleasure that Deirdre was prepared to talk to me again. It was entirely his fault that I was filled with wretched confusion. As for his leaving, I was not at all sure how I felt about that.