Everyone knew that the forthcoming publication of Christopher’s book Inside Knowledge was causing considerable interest in literary circles as there had been a good deal of media hype about it – entirely due, Christopher modestly claimed, to his criminal record – the publicist’s gift – rather than his writing talents; it had already earned its author a two-book deal with a well-known publishing firm.

‘How’s the new book coming along, Christopher?’ enquired John. ‘I’ve always heard that second novels are much harder to write than first ones. Is that true?’

Christopher groaned. ‘Bloody terrifying!’ he said. ‘That’s what second novels are.’

‘I take it you’re not using the same setting for this one?’ Isobel teased.

‘No chance! This one’s set in the world of high finance – still lots of scope for dirty dealings, though.’ Christopher grinned.

‘What’s the latest on Louisa?’ asked Morwenna. ‘John and I were so touched to get a card from her the other day.’

‘I’m hoping to visit her tomorrow if she’s up to it,’ said Isobel. ‘How did you find her this morning, Marnie?’

‘Fantastic as usual – unbelievably brave.’ But Marnie shook her head sadly. ‘She’s been allowed home from hospital for a few days, though she has to go back soon because they’re going to try out some new drug on her. Did you hear about the baby owl Adam’s found for her? Wasn’t that brilliant of him? It’s given her a tremendous boost – she’s absolutely mad about it.’ Marnie laughed. ‘I don’t think the hospital were quite so thrilled when they discovered Adam had smuggled it in to visit her. Don’t think they’d ever had an owl in the oncology unit before. It’s the cutest thing – absolutely hideous, but dead cute.’ ‘Adam’s opening a bottle of champagne with her tonight, and they’re going to drink to Glendrochatt and all of us here because Louisa’s so disappointed they can’t be with us too.’

There was a lot more news to exchange. Giles and Isobel had just heard that Amy had been awarded a major music scholarship and were also celebrating the end of a happy summer during which Edward and Rory had cemented their bond with each other; Rory’s growth in confidence since Isobel had returned home with a troubled, anxious little boy a few months earlier had been a joy to witness. He had ceased to be ‘difficult’, Isobel told them, and was now often delightfully naughty instead: not at all the same thing, as she proudly pointed out. Morwenna’s first ‘new-look’ gardening column had been voted a great success and she and John promised to come up to Eilean Dobhran so that she could advise Marnie about the garden.