‘Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.’ As his host on the isle, the factor took personal responsibility for the comfort of his guests. Effie watched with a barely disguised sneer as he bowed and scraped. ‘Is the bed lumpy? Or perhaps the room is too warm?’

‘No, no. It’s just . . . me.’ Sholto stared back at the factor, his mouth set in a flat line. He looked imprisoned by his own manners. Effie knew he didn’t want the factor here any more than she did but there was no reason either one of them could give to be alone. ‘And you, Mathieson?’

‘Why am I here?’ The factor shrugged easily. ‘I heard the door close behind you; at least I think it was that. I got up to check, and once I was up, I was awake.’ He talked casually, conversationally. ‘No matter. There’s much to be done before our departure this evening anyway.’

‘Indeed. Well, I’m sorry if I disturbed you. Please don’t let us stop you from getting on.’

It was a weak shot.

‘Not at all, not at all. Under the circumstances it’s all worked out for the best. I was able to check the featherstore and run an inventory while you swam.’

‘While I . . .? I hope you’re not spying on me, Mathieson?’

‘And why should I do that, sir?’ the factor asked with a hearty laugh. ‘No, your comfort is my only concern. Sir John specifically asked that I keep a close eye on your wants and needs. It is beautiful here but wild too – bitter, savage, merciless . . . I mean the place, not the people.’ It was a joke but only he laughed.

Sholto looked straight across at Effie, their eyes meeting in silent despair.

The factor looked at Effie too, with a cold expression that belied the lightness of his words. ‘And Miss Gillies, you’re not usually up at this hour?’

‘I’m going to help Flora and Mhairi with the sheep for a day or two. Mhairi’s not been feeling so well.’

His eyes narrowed. ‘Does she need medical attention?’ he frowned. ‘If Nurse MacDonald is . . .’

‘It’s not so bad as that. Just a few days’ rest, is what Flora said.’

‘I see,’ he said slowly. Effie swallowed, feeling her nerves pitch. If the factor believed she had arranged this dawn meeting with the earl’s son, if he believed she had gone behind his back after everything he’d said, the consequences would come straight back on her father. ‘So then we each have our reasons for being here for the sunrise.’ The factor’s words rang with a sardonic glint. ‘. . . It is bewitching, is it not?’