‘You must not tease Jack, he does not deserve it,’ Alicia reproached her benefactor. Then fear had returned as a companion, making her glance all around, as if Sir Decimus Soames, the acknowledged head of the shadowy Society, a ruthless, violent man, who must have ordered Alex’s assassination, might have spies in the place. ‘Jack’s right, I’ve left my old life behind and it must never be mentioned again. All our lives may depend on it.’

‘I agree we must be careful,’ Luke was suddenly impatient, ‘but on the other hand it was common knowledge that Jack and I were about to return home for my nephew’s baptism. My father’s reputation for family observances and loyalty is well known. The Society has no need to assume you went with us, Alicia. Indeed, they’ll think you perished along with Alexander. Remember that diamond necklace you were wearing the night of the fire? You think you lost it in the melee, but I took it off your neck and placed it on your maid’s. Her clothes will have been burnt off, no one will believe that you survived.’

‘Say no more.’ Alicia had rammed her hands over her ears. Jack had flown to her and she had turned to him, sobbing. ‘This is not a game. Alex is dead. The Society is extremely dangerous, they never forgive and they’ll do anything to protect their interests.’

‘Hush, now. Luke and I have vowed to protect you, Alicia.’ Jack held her close. ‘No one will hurt you, you can trust us.’

Alicia pulled away from him and faced Luke squarely. ‘I thank you for all your considerations, Luke, but I can’t accept them. To ensure that I and you and Jack are in the least possible danger, from now on I must live simply as a groom’s wife, as Mrs Jack.’

Since then she had lived in the tiny cottage with the extra comforts sent round by Lady Pengarron and the extravagant things Luke had provided under the guise of wedding presents. He’d had his way, after all.

A young child’s voice floated towards her on the warm, dry air. Master Samuel Pengarron was heading her way on his sturdy legs, and with him the one member of the genteel family who, after an initial mutual reserve, she had something of a friendship with. Miss Cordelia Drannock made a point of calling on her every day and Alicia looked forward to her visits.

‘Good morning, Mrs Jack,’ Cordelia hailed her in her unsure voice. ‘I went first to the cottage, but I should have known I’d find you here while the fine weather lasts.’

‘Oh?’ Alicia rose and dropped a perfect curtsey. Cordelia motioned for her to sit down again and joined her on the bench. ‘Are we to expect rain then, Miss Drannock?’