‘This bun is terribly good, Ann. Tell that woman of yours, will you?’ Old Mrs Donaldson’s voice carried from the other side of the fireplace where she sat in a deep armchair.

‘Thank you, I shall,’ said Ann. This was the third time the old lady had told her this.

Archibald stepped away from the window and she noticed, not for the first time, how warm his brown eyes were, how kindly his expression. He must be such a wonderful doctor. She did not understand why Robert would not permit his family to attend his practice, right next door. Instead they had to go all the way up to Perth Road to ancient Dr Knox with his unpleasant bedside manner.

‘Ann, will you come with me next door?’

He gave her his arm and, as they left the room and walked along the corridor, Ann could hear the old lady talking to herself. ‘Terribly, terribly good. What a baker the woman is.’

Archibald unlocked the door to his medical practice and ushered Ann into the room.

‘Please, sit down.’

Ann smiled. ‘Am I to have a medical consultation?’

‘I said to Margaret I would ask you in private if there is anything else we can do for you. It continues to grieve me that I was not available on the night of the storm to offer assistance, that long walk to the station and…’

‘Please, Archibald, do not mention it again. You had to attend to that poor woman who lost those babies, how unpleasant that must have been.’

She looked around at the bookshelves, which were crammed full of medical texts. ‘You have enough to contend yourself with, Archibald, thank you.’

‘There is nothing pertaining to financial affairs for which you require my assistance?’

Ann shook her head. ‘No, not at the moment. I must await more news before I consider my options. Whatever happens, I shall somehow provide for the children and the house.’ She pursed her lips then leant forward to gaze into those kind eyes. ‘Thank you for asking.’

The doctor lowered his head.

‘Do you mind if I ask you something rather strange,’ Ann continued. ‘James was telling me Robert knew some people who had emigrated to Australia. Who could that have been?’

‘I have no knowledge of anyone departing to the dominions, apart from one of my patients, rather a scoundrel. He went to Australia, but not through his own volition.’

Archibald went behind his desk and removed a tiny key from his mustard-coloured waistcoat pocket. Keeping his dark eyes on her, he opened his drawer. ‘How are you sleeping, Ann?’

‘I must admit that I am not sleeping as well as usual, though I am fine for the present,’ said Ann, standing up as she heard noises on the stairs.