‘Thanks for listening,’ Isobel had said when she’d brought Louisa up to date. She felt better for pouring out all her anxieties and conflicting emotions to someone who knew the cast of characters concerned in the drama but was not immediately involved. ‘I’m afraid I’m turning into a real bore on the subject,’ she apologised, ‘but it’s so hard not to be obsessed about the whole Lorna thing at the moment. I have to ask myself awkward questions like whether a possible fight over Rory is as much about me wanting to hit back at Lorna as about his welfare. I know it’s not only that, but I can’t pretend it wouldn’t give me a lot of satisfaction to have a battle with Lorna – and win.’

‘You’re so honest, Izzy. But anyone could see how that little boy adored you and treated you like his surrogate mum, and that has to be a two-way thing. It wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t loved him too. If we only took action when our motives were entirely altruistic most of us would never take any action at all. Oh dear. Why does life have to be so bloody difficult?’

Isobel had given her a concerned look. She thought it was very unlike cheerful, optimistic Louisa to say such a thing. ‘Enough about me – what about you?’ she asked.

‘Me? I’m fine.’

‘I so wanted you to enjoy Glendrochatt – it’s such a treat for us to have you here – but I don’t feel we’re making you very happy.’

‘Of course you are! Everything here is wonderful,’ said Louisa brightly – too brightly – not meeting Isobel’s eye.

‘But you came in search of something extra when you signed on for the course . . . not to do with the actual writing, I mean . . . more a change of direction . . . a new goal in life . . . some fulfilment,’ persisted Isobel. ‘Don’t deny it because you told me so yourself. Not surprising after all you’ve been through and the break with Adam, but I know you haven’t found whatever it is you need yet. Giles was worried about you yesterday. He says you were as brittle as a bit of broken glass and so edgy with Marnie. I know she got off to a bad start with you and me, but I thought you’d really come round to her – as I have. Don’t tell me it’s entirely about Christopher because I wouldn’t believe you. I know we joked that he’s the answer to any maiden’s prayer – but I think he’s more like a red herring as far as you’re concerned. What’s wrong, Louisa?’