‘Sholto?’ He seemed surprised by the question. ‘No, not yet. He’s been in France for the summer. He’s back now, living it up in London, though we’ve yet to see him. The countess keeps trying to get him over the border; he must have worn himself out with all those silly parties. Still, her birthday’s coming up, so he’ll have to be back for that, and I’ll tell him then. But I know he’ll be delighted. He’s very fond of you, told me on the journey home you’d become great chums.’

Chums? She’d never heard the word before, but it didn’t sound like what he’d been to her. She remembered how it had felt to rise on those mornings in that week in May, knowing he was down the street, that she would spend the day with him. The days had felt golden and for the only time in her life, she had understood what it meant to be rich, to have more than anyone else. But then he had gone – to France, and now London. While she’d cried and malingered for him on Hirta, he had been at parties, laughing and dancing . . .?

The earl replaced his hat and looked at her. ‘So that’s a yes, then – yes?’

Her mouth parted. She felt rushed. It was so much to take in – she suddenly had a solution to her one overwhelming problem, but it also created a problem with what had been a solution. Sholto’s enduring silence may have told her what she hadn’t wanted to hear, but at least it had been absolute. To come and live on his estate, when he had no knowledge of it; no say . . . She would be as welcome as the boiled fulmar on his plate. But what other choice did she have? They couldn’t stay in this place, and she couldn’t earn enough for the two of them on her woman’s wage here.

‘. . . So long as my father agrees, sir. I’ll need to discuss it with him first. It’s only right.’

‘Of course, of course, though I’m sure he’ll see the sense in it.’ His eyes flitted lightly around the damp room again. ‘I’ll wait for your answer, but please don’t delay. Preparations will need to get underway before you arrive and it’s probably best to give notice to your new employer sooner rather than later. Although they’ve only had you for a day, so they can’t be too disgruntled with me for stealing you away.’

‘They’re already sick of the sight of me,’ she said.

He laughed as though she’d told a joke. ‘I’m afraid I must dash, but I’m pleased to have taken the trouble in finding you here. Someone will be in touch in the next few days for your answer.’ He tipped his hat. ‘Mr Gillies. Miss Gillies.’