‘I suppose I’d better,’ the woman said, then blushed. ‘I’m sorry – that sounded rude, and I didn’t mean to be. It’s just that I was supposed to be staying at St Michael’s Mount tonight, but my train was delayed by the snow and I gather I’ve missed the last crossing.’

‘Mrs Carmichael?’

She hesitated. ‘What? Oh yes, that’s right. Carmichael.’

She said the name as if trying it out, and Violet wondered if she was newly married; she certainly couldn’t be much more than twenty. ‘Excellent,’ the hotelier said. ‘You’re in room three, Mrs Carmichael. I’ll get someone to show you up.’

‘Oh, please don’t bother. You’re busy enough as it is and I haven’t got much luggage. Just tell me where it is and I’ll find my own way.’ 131

He gave her a key and directed her to a room on the first floor. ‘Now – would you like something to eat? The kitchen’s closed, I’m afraid, but we could rustle up a sandwich or some soup.’

‘That would be lovely, if it’s not too much trouble.’

‘No trouble at all. In your room or in the bar?’

‘In my room, please.’ She picked up her case. ‘The station master told me that Miss St Aubyn has made arrangements for me to go over by boat in the morning?’

‘That’s right, Mrs Carmichael, if the weather allows it.’

‘Is it possible for me to get a message to the castle before that? I was supposed to be surprising someone for Christmas, you see, and it’s quite important.’

‘The wires are down at the moment, I’m afraid, but I can try again later. What’s the message?’

‘Just that I’ve arrived safely and I’ll be there as soon as I can.’

‘Right-o. I’ll do my best.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Now then,’ he said, turning back to Johnny, ‘by a process of elimination, you must be our final guest for the night. Mr Soper?’

‘That’s right.’

‘Emily’s son, if I’m not mistaken?’

Johnny smiled, and Violet’s heart sank; she had been hoping for at least one night of anonymity before the island closed in around them. ‘You know my mother?’

‘We often have a chat while she’s waiting for the boat. Nice woman. I haven’t been here long, but she’s made me very welcome. And she thinks a lot of you, I know that much. She’ll be pleased to have you home.’ 132

‘She doesn’t know yet. We thought we’d surprise her for Christmas. This is my fiancée, Violet.’

‘Lovely to meet you both. Now, if you could just sign the register, we’ll get you settled in. It’s not a night to be out and about. You’re in room number one. I would say nice view, but you might want to draw your curtains tonight.’

He pushed a single key across the desk, and Johnny looked at him in horror. ‘But I booked two rooms,’ he said, his face flushing scarlet as he glanced apologetically at Violet.

‘Did you?’

‘Yes, of course. You’ll have to find us another one.’