‘No, a bit too ethereal for me. I like a woman who goes into battle. There are lots of warrior goddesses in Irish folklore: Badb, who took the form of a crow, Morrígan, the phantom queen, and their sister, Macha.’

‘I thought Irish folklore had fairies rather than goddesses.’

‘Not fairies originally. Irish mythology includes the Tuatha Dé Danann, supernatural beings who originally lived in the Otherworld but freely interacted with humans. They were eventually driven underground, and the survivors, the Sidhe, or fairies, now live in the mounds that you see all over Ireland. You have to take care that you don’t anger or insult them. They guard their abodes fiercely.’

‘Really?’ She raised sceptical eyebrows, amused by the seriousness of his expression.

‘Oh yes. There are certain places, fairy rings, mounds, particular trees or woods that you trespass upon at your peril.’

‘Trespass upon?’ she teased. ‘That sounds far too much like legal terminology.’

‘Or ancient terminology. They’re stories passed down.’ His face lightened. ‘We’re great ones for storytelling. My da had a wealth of old stories. They’re great tales of woe and suffering. You’ve heard of changelings stealing human children and replacing them with their own in retaliation against those who trespass on Sidhe land. We tease Fergus that he’s a changeling because of his computer skills and lack of interest in cooking.’

‘I’m not sure I buy that one. He looks just like Adrienne,’ said Hannah, amused.

‘Ha, but we tease her that she’s a descendent of Morrígan.’

‘I can see that. She’s pretty queen-like.’

Conor grinned. ‘So you’re another falling under her spell.’

For some reason Hannah felt the need to defend herself. She wasn’t the sort of person to be easily influenced or swayed by an argument, and she prided herself on always being able to see both sides of the story.

‘That’s very cynical for someone who’s been talking about fairies and folklore. She’s very inspirational and this is all new to me. There are lots of things she talks about that I’ve never considered before. She’s very passionate and that’s interesting.’

‘Hmm, she certainly is,’ he said with a wry smile.

‘Aren’t you proud of her?’

‘Of course I’m proud of her. She’s incredible.’ Conor straightened suddenly as if he’d received a sharp prod in the ribs. ‘What she’s achieved is brilliant. Killorgally is renowned the world over. She’s created a real legacy. I can’t complain. I’ve fame and fortune as a result.’

‘But…’ pressed Hannah.

Conor wrinkled his nose, patting the steering wheel before he finally spoke. ‘Being a Byrne comes with a price. Ma’s put her heart and soul into the place, but…’ He left the words hanging in the small space in the front of the car.