It was a moment before Effie realized he had directed the question back to her, and not Flora. ‘Oh . . . aye . . . it’s the northern bay, not far from where we saw the petrels yesterday.’

‘We have not explored there yet. Perhaps that can be tomorrow’s excursion?’

Effie stared at him. He wanted to go to the bay, to see Flora? Her heart felt shrivelled to a nut. ‘I’m afraid I cannot, sir.’

‘Why not?’ he frowned.

For a moment the words wouldn’t come as she saw the confusion on his face. But she saw the factor’s face too, his hard eyes and hard words throwing shame upon her. ‘Now the men are back, the factor will continue guiding you—’ She looked away.

‘Mathieson?’ He sounded appalled. ‘Whilst I’m sure . . . I’m sure Mathieson would do a splendid job of guiding us . . . your rope skills . . . and the birds . . .’ His voice faltered as he tried to catch her eye.

‘The factor is proficient too. Or perhaps one of the other men could take you,’ she said, speaking to the ground. ‘Angus McKinnon’s a good climber. He’s Mhairi’s elder brother.’

She could feel him still staring at her, the silence becoming heavy, but she would not meet his gaze.

Sholto gave a small, embarrassed laugh. ‘Well, I see you cannot be persuaded, Miss Gillies. It is our loss indeed. I know my father will be terribly disappointed.’

‘I’m sorry, sir,’ she said awkwardly, but made no move to offer anything more.

There was another pause.

‘Well,’ he said finally, bringing his attention back to the others. ‘I really ought to get these back, before they start to turn. It’s been a pleasure meeting you ladies.’

‘Good evening, sir,’ Jayne nodded. Flora too.

‘Mrs Ferguson. Miss MacQueen.’ He looked back at Effie. ‘. . . Miss Gillies.’

She didn’t look up again till she saw his feet moving off. The others didn’t move at all. Only when he was back on the path and passing the manse did they stir.

‘We’ll be off too,’ Flora said firmly. ‘I’ve to get back to the other side or Mhairi’ll die of fright. At least I can tell her the McKinnons are safe, thank you, Jayne.’

‘See you anon, Jayne,’ Effie muttered as Flora marched off in a sudden rush towards the grass. She clambered over the rocks back to the narrow path and together they walked in silence for several moments. ‘Well, that’s good news about—’

But the words were torn from her.

‘What’s going on?’ Flora demanded, whirling on her heel as soon as they were out of earshot. ‘Tell me everything that’s happened with him.’

‘Nothing’s—’

‘Don’t lie to me, Eff! I know what I just saw. Has he kissed you?’

‘Of course not!’

‘Made any declarations?’

Effie shook her head. ‘N—’

‘But he’s going to.’