She sat down at the chair he indicated and watched him go behind his desk. He took his seat slowly, all the while gazing at her. She had taken some time to do her hair and knew that it was attractive in this new bun, tucked neatly under her hat. The nape of her neck was shown to best effect. She knew that Johnston, with his piggy features and ruddy complexion, was taking her in, so she did not rush to speak.

‘Mr Johnston, or might I call you Alfred?’

He flushed a little and picked up a pencil, which he began to tap rhythmically on his desk.

‘You always used to call me that, Mrs Craig. Or shall I call you Annie?’

Ann took a deep breath and suppressed the urge to put him in his place. ‘Alfred, you and I go back a long way, meeting at the Alyth mill when we were twelve. And I have forever been grateful that you have been so loyal both to me and to my husband.’ She smiled at him. ‘My husband is, we now are sure, dead. Hence my mourning attire.’ She swept her hand slowly down her legs to her dainty black boots. She knew he was watching every movement. ‘And so I feel, even before we have had a funeral or spoken to the lawyers, that I must inform you of something. Something that is not entirely pleasant, but which I feel duty-bound to relay.’

Alfred Johnston held up his hand. ‘I just realised I don’t have any refreshments up here to offer you, Annie.’

Ann smiled graciously and shook her head. ‘This will not take long, Alfred.’

He sat back in his chair and gazed once more at her.

‘I believe you’re happy being manager of the mill and that your family is doing extremely well. I hear you have moved out of the tenement in Lochee and now live in a fine house in Mains Road. Your children will do well at the new school nearby.’

‘Aye, the wee one’s just five and he’ll be going next year. The other bairns all started last year.’

‘How many children do you have?’

‘Five and Bettie’s having another one next month.’

‘What wonderful news.’ Ann twiddled with a jet earring. ‘I am sure you should want to continue in this prestigious job for some time in order to support this growing family.’

Alfred Johnston grinned then stopped tapping his pencil. He moved forward on his chair. ‘Why? Why are you asking all this?’

Ann thrust her hand in her pocket. ‘Alfred, I’m so sorry, I seem to have misplaced my handkerchief. Could I bother you please?’