‘Yes,’ conceded the other, ‘he certainly was. But his triumph was short-lived. Less than a fortnight later, Sir Roger was shot dead.’

Paul detected the faintest note of approval in his voice.

Hannah Granville had adjusted quickly to the situation. Instead of being the centre of attention, she became a comforter, helping someone in distress to cope with her fear. It soon became clear that she didn’t need to tell the truth to Dorothea Glenn because the latter already knew it in her heart. Orsino Price was dead. No other explanation could account for the way he’d failed to turn up for a crucial meeting with her. Just when she was on the cusp of committing herself wholeheartedly to the man she loved, she’d lost him for ever.

‘You’re so kind to me, Miss Granville,’ she said.

‘I’m only doing what any friend would do.’

‘You and Mr Skillen are angels.’

‘I don’t think that everyone would view us in quite that light,’ said Hannah with mild amusement, ‘but we’ve chosen the life that we want and ignore any narrow-minded criticism. But that’s enough about us, Dorothea. Your plight is what concerns us most now.’

‘I’m so, so grateful.’

‘We couldn’t just leave you to suffer alone.’

‘I was beside myself with anxiety,’ said Dorothea. ‘I’ve never felt so alone and helpless in my whole life.’

‘You’re no longer alone and you’re certainly not without help now. While I look after you, Paul will be trying to find out what exactly happened to Orsino.’

‘I hope he doesn’t put himself in danger.’

‘He’s rather accustomed to doing that,’ said Hannah.

‘Doesn’t that worry you?’

‘It used to but I’ve come to accept it.’

Dorothea fell silent and turned away. Fatigue was clearly creeping up on her. Hannah hoped that her friend could get some much-needed sleep but there was no chance of that happening. Dorothea sat up and turned to her.

‘May I ask you a question, Miss Granville?’

‘Of course you may.’

‘You won’t keep the truth from me, will you?’ asked Dorothea. ‘I’m not a child. I’d rather know the worst than sit here brooding on it.’

‘We’re not keeping anything from you,’ said Hannah, soothingly.

‘Thank you … I’m afraid that Orsino is dead.’

‘We don’t know that.’

‘I do. I feel it. He’s gone. Oh, I do wish you’d met him. You’d have seen what a wonderful person he was. It’s unbearable,’ she cried, clinging to Hannah. ‘How could anyone want to hurt him?’