‘Robert, is that you?’ Ann croaked, holding the lamp in front of her as she peered into the gloom. She sat upright, the bedcovers pulled around her shoulders.

‘Good evening, Ann, forgive the intrusion.’

He approached the bed and sat down at the end. ‘How are you?’

Ann glared at him, taking in the unshaven face and gaunt body in the dim light. It was most definitely her husband; he had a rugged look, but still the haughty sneer.

‘Fine.’ She pulled her knees up to her chest. ‘But what on earth are you doing here in the middle of the night?’

He was staring at her and then looked all around the room. ‘I see nothing has changed apart from your apparel. Instead of frivolous lilac, you now wear black, even in bed. Is that a new nightgown?’

Ann looked down at her gown, flustered. She pulled the collar up higher. ‘No, it is not. Robert, tell me where you have been?’ She looked up at him, her eyes round. ‘We have been so worried. We have been grieving, mourning a husband and father who was lost in the Tay.’

He shook his head. ‘Ah, what a tragedy, so many lost. Up to fifty they think?’

‘Or more, the bodies are still being washed ashore.’ She tried to move her legs down the bed but his body blocked them. She must remain calm, considerate, attentive. She looked at him again and attempted a smile.

‘The children look well.’ He smiled as he shifted his weight further towards her.

‘When did you see them?’ she snapped.

‘I saw them last night in their beds and today on the Green.’

‘So you have been watching us. Why did you not make yourself known? Why are you resorting to subterfuge, visiting in the middle of the night?’

Robert shrugged and continued to stare at Ann, as if taking in every feature anew.

‘What happened to you, Robert?’ Her voice was almost a wail.

He tilted his head back and looked up at the ceiling. ‘Before I tell you, I must ask you something important.’

‘Yes, dear husband, ask.’ Contrite and humble, that is what she must be. But she must remain in control.

He turned back to her, his dull grey eyes looking into hers. ‘I sent a letter. I do not suppose it was delivered? I know the mailbags on the train must have been in the river so they would be sodden and…’

‘A letter? What letter?’

He sat up straight. ‘Nothing important, Ann. It was simply some financial matters I had to attend to. But it is not a problem if it is at the bottom of the Tay.’