“No. Oh no, I live alone,” she said, swallowing hard, for a lump had risen in her throat. That couldn’t possibly be anything other than surprise in his voice, and the way he’d clung to her fingers could only be attributable to shock. He was older. There were more lines at the corners of his eyes and just a hint of grey at his temples; but he was still clean-shaven, still handsome in that plain, unassuming way of his, and the smile which was dawning on him still reached his eyes.

“Your wife,” Margaret said, taking an unnecessary step back. “I am looking forward to meeting her.”

“My wife?”

“Lochiel is not married, Margaret. Whatever gave you that idea?”

“Julia.” Margaret looked from Donald to Mama and then back to Donald. “Julia told me you were engaged. A Miss Helen Blair. She said . . .”

“In the end we agreed we did not suit.”

“Oh! I’m so sorry,” Margaret said, appalled and confused, staring at him helplessly. “I thought—I had no idea.”

“Why should you? It’s not as if—I mean—” Donald broke off, making a visible effort to smile at her mother. “You’ve had a long journey; you’ll be wanting to wash your hands. Your Grace, I have allotted you the state rooms. Margaret—Lady Margaret—you must have the Blue Room. When you are ready, perhaps you would like to join my cousins, Susan and Camilla, in the drawing-room for tea? Fortunately for me, they both live nearby. They arrived yesterday and have been working tirelessly with my housekeeper to prepare for every eventuality. I’m afraid I have no idea even of the time of day Her Majesty plans to arrive. She insists that the visit will be informal but . . .”

“I understand, but you should not worry. Your house is in a lovely setting, surrounded by exactly the kind of hills and lochs Her Majesty adores,” the duchess said. “And here is your good lady housekeeper come to show us to our rooms, if I am not mistaken. If you will excuse us.” She took Margaret’s arm again, saying softly, “I do hope that when you resolve whatever issue exists between you and Lochiel you will see fit to inform me what on earth is going on.”

DONALD LISTENED AS CAMILLA AND SUSAN explained the arrangements they had made for dinner that night and the many options they had prepared for tomorrow, though he didn’t actually hear a word of what they said.

Margaret was here.

Margaret was not in New York; she was here at Achnacarry.