“Will you, Euan? When? It might be too late if he heads off and works somewhere else. Flynn has been trying to prove to his one surviving parent how good he is and you take it all for granted. And not only that but he has to live with small-town gossip. Stories of your exploits fly around every time you go off, even if it’s only for a weekend.”

“You know as well as I do it’s more fiction than fact.”

“Well, now you’ve presented the rumour-mongers with reality on a plate.” She waved a hand towards the kitchen door. “Peg that works for Mary has told the whole district about the young woman you’ve moved into the house. Hugh’s gone off to Perth and your workers have added their bit, including the part about Flynn moving out.”

“Hugh’s taken his family to Perth for wedding shopping. Nothing to do with us, and Flynn’s been on his high horse over nothing again.” Euan felt no need to explain but he knew Anna was right. The more he’d tried to keep his life private the more interesting he’d made it for the busybodies of the district. Maybe that’s what Hugh had been hinting at before he left the other day. Flynn could look after himself, he always had, but Euan didn’t like the idea of Keely being tainted by gossip.

There was a bang from the back of the house and Sean’s heavy steps echoed up the passage.

“Whatever possessed you to bring such a young woman home?” Anna lowered her voice.

“She had nowhere else to go. She’s a guest.” Euan paused and looked directly into Anna’s dark eyes. “That’s all.”

Sean reached them just as they opened the kitchen door. Anna bustled into the room ahead of the men.

“Sorry I’ve been so long, Keely,” she said. “Oh, you’ve finished your tea.”

Euan followed her into the kitchen. Keely was propped at the sink. She had the water running fast, rinsing her cup. She glanced back at them.

“Yes, thanks. It was just what I needed. I’m feeling much better now.”

Even though her hair formed a veil over her face, Euan noticed the red flush on her neck that he’d observed several times before. Damn it, he thought. Perhaps she’d heard some of his conversation with Anna. When he’d first met Keely he’d thought she was troubled by something. He was hoping she’d find some peace at the River, not add to her worries.

“Ready to go then?” he asked.

“Yes.”