He gave a short smile, but there was something unnatural in his manner. Was he here about the arrears again? Had he heard about those four sheep they’d lost? Or had she done something else wrong? ‘Miss Gillies, I’m aware we haven’t really had any time yet to speak.’

‘Really, sir? I thought we spoke well enough the other day.’ She stared back at him with her usual impassive look, but she hadn’t forgotten the way he’d castigated her by the jetty after the climbing display, as Sholto and his father had gone past. ‘Besides, I thought you were dining with your guests.’

‘Yes, well, Lord Sholto was weary from the day’s exercise, so he has decided to take his meal in his room.’

‘Oh.’ Effie couldn’t help feeling pleased to hear it; she knew how much it mattered to the factor to chalk up these social encounters with dignitaries and improve his familiarity with them. Sholto’s elusiveness would be a victory of sorts against this man’s snobbery, even if he didn’t know it.

There was a moment’s pause as the factor took in her reserved demeanour. Did he even remember his cutting words on the quayside? Or the snub on his own doorstep just an hour ago? Probably not, she knew. Tiny was lighter-footed than this man.

‘. . . Are you well?’

She was surprised by the enquiry. It wasn’t his usual form of conversation. ‘Yes, sir,’ she replied suspiciously.

‘You look . . . very well. I hope it hasn’t been too taxing for you, having to entertain his lordship’s friends the past few days?’

Her eyes had narrowed to slits as she talked. ‘Not at all. They have been kind to me and I’ve endeavoured to do my best for them and show them the birds they wish to see.’

‘Indeed, indeed.’ He was staring at her with a scrutinizing gaze, as though trying to read behind her eyes. Had Sholto betrayed something of their . . . it couldn’t be said to be intimacy, but familiarity, certainly? ‘His lordship has conveyed how pleased they’ve been with your efforts and wanted me to thank you for them.’

Effie felt herself grow cold, her heart giving a flutter of panic. ‘You make it sound like they don’t need me to help them anymore.’

‘Yes, that’s right.’

So that was why he was here. ‘But I was to guide them for as long as they’re still here . . .’ She was aware her voice had risen fractionally.

‘No. You were to guide them for as long as they’re still here and while we were away. But we’re back now, so I’ll pick it up for the rest of their stay.’

That strange, awkward smile sat upon his face again. ‘Miss Gillies, there’s no need to look so aghast. You’re quite busy enough with looking after your father, without having to add to your duties.’