I have two pieces of news. Firstly, Robert’s body came into the morgue late last night. It was instantly recognisable and so I took over the work. Dr Anderson had gone home for the night and my colleague, Dr Macdonald, does not know the connection. Even though it was obvious the body had only recently been in the water, I drew up all the necessary paperwork and the body is still there with his date of death certified as 28 December 1879.

There were lesions to the heart but these were not noted on the official records. Fortunately the thickness of his chest hair makes it less obvious to the eye. You will receive the official letter notifying you that the body lies at the morgue and the undertakers await instructions.

The second piece of news is not good. Margaret thinks she has evidence about us, my darling, and our love trysts. There is nothing she can prove and so I intend to stay away from home for now. Indeed, the morgue is busy, we now have thirty-seven bodies, many came ashore overnight.

But I cannot wait to lie in your arms once more.

With fondest love,

A

Ann looked out at the Tay, sparkling in the early morning sunlight. So, Archibald, dear sweet Archibald, had served his purpose well. What would happen with Margaret? Somehow she doubted it would blow over.

Now all Ann had to do was await the official letter telling of her poor husband’s death on that ill-fated train, then deal with the funeral arrangements.

What would she wear? She would need to have a new gown made, perhaps taffeta? Or would silk be best?

There was a noise on the gravel. It must be the courier with the letter from the morgue. She turned and saw two policemen crunching up the drive towards the front door.

Ann froze.

She had planted the needle on Alfred so that she would never be implicated. And Alfred would say nothing that might incriminate her, of that she was positive, even if he were to be arrested. Surely they couldn’t find anything from the handkerchiefs if Margaret had handed those in?

‘Mrs Craig, two gentlemen to see you.’ Jessie’s eyes were wide, as if she had never encountered a policeman at close quarters – and there were now two in her mistress’s house.

Ann took a deep breath to compose herself, then nodded as Jessie showed them in.

‘Sorry to disturb you, Mrs Craig,’ the older one said, as he nudged the younger one and whispered to him to remove his hat. ‘We have some questions to ask if you don’t mind.’

‘Of course, please be seated.’ Ann glanced up at the door. ‘Bring us some refreshments, Jessie, and ask Mrs Baxter for some yellow cake.’

The policemen smiled then the older one coughed. ‘Mrs Craig, we are here regarding a murder. Nasty business, sorry to bother you about it.’