‘They know Beatrix, the type of woman she is — the whole village does. She’s done this kind of thing before and, much to the reverend’s disgust, was cleared of charges. But the bailies — and God knows how many others — are under his thumb,’ said Nettie.

‘That,’ added Sorcha, ‘and they’re afraid of incurring his wrath.’

‘They’d be fools if they weren’t,’ said Nettie wryly. ‘As the reverend likes to remind us, he talks straight to God.’

How could Aidan caution these brave women they’d do well to be afraid too? ‘Aye, well…’ Aidan’s hands were suddenly useless and the fire in the hearth became fascinating.

Jumping to her feet, Sorcha crossed the floor until she stood so close to him, he could smell the sea upon her, the scent of roses, the coolness of the breezes that blew through the streets. The effect was heady, distracting.

‘Captain Ross,’ began Sorcha, regarding him earnestly, waiting until he met her eyes. ‘I fear you’re wrong about not holding authority. The people here respect you and, while you might not be the law, you are Her Majesty’s representative. You help keep the peace and, God knows, with Beatrix’s arrest and what she is accused of, that’s about to be disturbed in ways that make me quake in my very soul.’ She urged Nettie to support her. ‘It should make you quake, too — for yourself and your men.’

Nettie rose and joined them.

‘Sorcha is right, captain. We need you to come with us and appeal to the bailies and the reverend — if not to their sense of justice, then to their common sense. We’re afraid they’ll make an example of Beatrix, regardless of what she might have done — or not done. They’ve wanted to for a long time. At least, the reverend has. I think if the people see you, see that you understand what Beatrix really is, just a foolish auld gilly, you’ll bring some balance. Then she’ll at least get a fair hearing.’

‘If not fair, a hearing at least.’ Sorcha looked to Nettie for support. ‘We’re concerned —’ she gave a bark of laughter at how inadequate the word was, ‘that if something isn’t done, Beatrix will be tried and convicted before anyone can defend her, before the authorities in the city can act. For isn’t it true, Captain Ross, that in a case like this, Edinburgh should not only be involved, but have the final say?’

‘Aye, when it comes to witchcraft, that is so.’

‘Then please, at the very least, help us ensure that happens.’

He’d never noticed how pellucid her eyes, how smooth and pure her complexion, the way the light plucked out seams of fire in her hair.