‘Is that acceptable to you, Miss Gillies, sharing an hour or two of your time and expertise before you leave?’ Sholto asked her.

She tried to stop her eyes from shining too brightly. She would take whatever she could get. Flora could hardly be cross with her if they had the factor as a chaperone! ‘Aye, sir. It’s the least I can do. I feel I’ve not earnt my two shillings . . .’

Sholto’s face changed as he remembered the matter of her payment. ‘My word, I’d quite forgotten. Here—’ and he reached into his pocket.

‘Oh – no sir, it’s already taken care of,’ she said quickly. She didn’t care for the money. She had only meant to corroborate his story to the factor.

He looked up. ‘Father’s paid you?’

‘Not the earl, sir. Mr Mathieson.’

Sholto looked back at the factor, whose face had flushed a deep red. ‘You paid Miss Gillies, Mathieson? When? . . . And why? It was not your responsibility. This was a private arrangement between us and Miss Gillies.’

There was a pause. How could the factor explain his generosity without conveying his desperation to corral the guests for himself? ‘It was after the excitement with Donald yesterday. I didn’t want you to be troubled after your exertions. Miss Gillies was asking after it . . .’

Effie startled at how he twisted the truth – he made it sound as though she had been chasing the money when in truth she had only wanted an excuse to remain in Sholto’s company – but she knew she couldn’t publicly defend herself. Sholto’s eyes flittered upon her momentarily, registering her silent protest.

‘. . . So it seemed best to settle up the arrangement myself, especially as she was due to be heading over here today and we would be leaving tonight.’

‘But did you know Miss Gillies would be coming over here today? She’s only just told you her plans this minute.’

‘Well, I’d heard the McKinnon girl was sick. It seemed likely help would be needed for a day or two.’

Effie stared at him, amazed he could tell such bold, outright lies and call himself a Christian.

Sholto simply smiled, his manner placid. ‘I see. Well, that was very good of you, Mathieson. I’ll be sure Sir John hears of it.’

The factor’s expression changed. It was clear he had been expecting to be reimbursed, that his token of largesse and professional efficiency would be settled up later between gentlemen.

Effie had to suppress a smirk as Sholto appeared to take his explanations at face value. His obsequiousness had cost him this time.

‘So, Miss Gillies, where shall we climb?’ Sholto asked, fixing her with a triumphant look.

She thought for a moment.