I grind my teeth, turn, and head back into the main house, slamming the door behind me, disgusted by the young woman’s behaviour.

Chapter 10

Present Day

Amelia

Snow swirls and twirls from the night sky, and I stick out my tongue. Try to catch flakes.

‘Are you a bit of a mummy’s boy, Finn?’ I’m clinging to his arm as he guides me through the snow, brandishing a torch to light our way. I’m regretting the amount of wine I’ve drunk, as I’m at that stage where crap falls from my mouth. I shouldn’t use alcohol to drown out real life, but sometimes it’s just too easy. ‘She’s ever so, ever so, much possessive of you.’

‘You think?’ He sounds amused by me.

‘Mmm.’ I screw up my nose, and stare up at him. ‘It’s kind of obvious.’

‘I guess she’s relied on me over the years. She means well.’ He shrugs and avoids my gaze. ‘Just cares a bit too much, I guess. She’s had a hard time of it over the years. What with …’

‘With?’

‘Oh nothing,’ he says, and despite my intoxicated state, something tells me not to pry.

‘Should we check Elise is OK, do you think?’ I say, as we pass Primrose Cottage where Rosamund and Elise are staying.

He shakes his head. ‘It’s in darkness. They’re probably asleep by now.’

‘But Elise saw a masked face peering in her window, Finn. That’s what she told Rosamund. And remember last time?’

‘It’s unlikely anyone peered in at her, Amelia. We’re miles from anywhere, and the weather is awful. Elise probably imagined it.’

‘She’s pretty imaginative,’ I agree, recalling her from the last time I was here.

‘And it’s quite creepy around here; can play tricks with your mind.’

I stop and look about me, my eyes falling on a set of footprints heading from Primrose Cottage towards the forest. ‘Oh God, who made those?’ I clench tighter onto Finn’s arm, my heartbeat picking up speed. ‘Someone else is here, Finn. Oh God, Elise was right.’ I sound a bit manic.

Finn is silent for a while, his eyes on the footprints. It appears that whoever made them walked to Primrose Cottage, and returned the way they came.

‘Do you think Rosamund has seen the footprints? Should we tell her?’ I say.

‘Tomorrow. Whoever it was has gone now.’

I shudder, unsure whether it’s from fear or the freezing conditions. ‘But—’

‘Amelia!’ It’s Dad, hurrying through the snow towards us in his long winter coat, his arms folded around his body.

‘You can head back now,’ I say to Finn, releasing him. ‘My dad will walk me the rest of the way.’

‘Oh. Right. OK.’

‘Thanks for bringing me this far – you’re very kind.’ I rise onto my toes, and kiss his cold cheek.