But Agnes had persuaded herself that Will wanted to live on the island, and it was only the lack of work and opportunity which had prevented him. Sandy felt miserable. He wanted to see Will at home, but he did not feel ready to retire. He still had plans for Sandwick. He thought that Agnes was making a big mistake. The plane arrived almost immediately. Sandy watched as Agnes leaned out of the car window, trying to get the first glimpse of her son. Then she was out of the car and hurrying over the short grass to meet Will. Sadly, Sandy got out of the car and followed her.

The three of them stood making awkward conversation, stamping their feet because although the sun was shining it was very cold, while Alec helped to unload the plane. There was not enough room for all of them in the car, so Alec drove away with the Woollie Man and his wares, leaving them on the windswept sheep-grazed hill. Will slouched gracelessly, and scuffed the grass with his boots. He had intended, as soon as he arrived, telling Agnes that his stay would only be a short one, but the depth of feeling in her welcome had thrown him off balance.

“Shall we start walking?” he said. “ It’s cold hanging about.”

He wanted to ask them about Robert’s death, but he was afraid of a new rush of embarrassing emotion, and they walked in silence. They walked down the track and had almost reached the road by the time Alec met them.

Maggie was the first customer in the hall. She had come out to escape from Buness. The conversation with George and Sarah had worried her more than she would admit to herself and she felt unwell, with a piercing headache above one eye. At home she had felt restless and trapped. She was confused by this. Usually the house gave her power. It was her domain and she loved being there. Without the house and her role in the family she had no importance. She felt her confidence crumbling. She wondered what Alec was doing. He had been in a foul temper since coming home the afternoon before. She had asked him if he had seen George. Alec had sworn at her and accused her of sending folk to spy on him. She had wanted to discuss things calmly, so that at least they could agree on what they should say if there were any more questions, but he had refused to talk to her. She had remained silent at breakfast, because the boys were there, and immediately afterwards Alec had gone out without telling her how he was planning to spend the day. She was used to Alec’s bouts of childish temper and usually ignored them as she did her children’s tantrums, but now she wondered if his present mood had a more sinister significance.