His castle loomed in front of them, and Hugh was overjoyed to see it. Despite his years of neglect, his only occasional visits, when Mayberry allowed him a paltry week off for Christmas, it still seemed warm, almost glowing. The grey stone glowed softly in the setting autumn sun; the huge oaks with their golden leaves that were dotted around his small park were beautiful; the castle was small, rugged, hunkered into the landscape and doggedly prepared to repel all comers. In the past, men had died trying to take her. Today, the most protection it need provide would be against the odd impudent journalist.

“It’s rough,” he said. “But hard and reliable. I like the place. Still, it’s nothing like the château.”

“You’ve never been to the château.”

“True. But I’ve seen pictures. It’s a baroque masterpiece, smooth and ornate.This is much less ornamented—and much less luxurious.”

Sophie laughed. “Maybe castles are like dogs,” she said. “Adapting to their owners?”

He grinned back. “Maybe.”

Hugh parked the car on the gravel and stepped out; Sophie waited for him to open her door. Her hand was light in his as he helped her out of the car and took her little case.

The door opened and Mrs. O’Connor came out to greet them. Hugh made the introduction, Sophie smiled at her kindly.

“Nice to meet you, madam.”

Sophie shook her hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Mrs. O’Connor.”

“And I you, ma’am.” They were both lying, Hugh thought, and he liked them all the more for it; it showed such innate good manners to try to put others at their ease.

“Is everything ready, Mrs. O’C?” he asked.

“It is, Mr. Montfort, just as you asked. And there’s a nice fire in the drawing room and the sitting room. Shall I show Mrs. Massot to her room?”

Hugh nodded. “And then I’ll take her round the place, and perhaps we’ll have some tea, if that can be arranged.”

“Course it can, sir. Come this way, madam,” Mrs. O’Connor said, and she scooped up Sophie’s case and ushered her forward busily. Sophie raised a brow, but Hugh winked at her; he wanted her to feel comfortable, and uncrowded; he preferred a woman show her to her room.