Mrs Villiers took a quick look around. She went to the window and closed it.

Then a voice said, ‘Mrs Villiers? Are you still up?’

She turned. ‘Oh, Captain. I was actually in my room but it’s so hot, and I was sure I heard a noise down here. A banging, like doors. Just as well, as someone seems to have left a candle alight. Goodness, how dangerous, with all these books.’ She blew it out quickly.

Captain Jones came in. He wore a dressing gown, too, and had a large book under his arm. ‘Well, there’s no one here now. Perhaps you should close the window, though, even though the night is so warm.’

‘I’ll do that. Better safe than sorry.’ She hurried over. ‘Strange. It’s already closed.’

Then she gave a gasp, and Seren knew she had seen the inky stains on the desk.

‘Oh heavens! Look at all this mess. A bird must have got in.’ She squinted at the inkwell, the scattered papers, the rigid Crow and the brass model of Llandaff Cathedral next to it. ‘And these ornaments really do need a dusting. Look at them!’ She wiped a smear of dust off the Crow’s head with one finger. ‘Disgusting. I shall certainly speak to Lily about it. That girl is shirking her duties!’

Seren kept perfectly still. She could see the Crow wobbling. He must be furious! What if he said something! She prayed he would keep his temper.

‘Yes, well. Good night.’ Captain Jones turned to the door. Then, a little doubtfully, he stopped and turned back. ‘Mrs Villiers, may I ask you a rather serious question. In confidence?’

Mrs Villiers straightened. ‘Of course, sir.’

‘What is your opinion – and I would like your honest opinion, if you please – of Seren?’

Seren’s eyes went wide with astonishment.

Mrs Villiers seemed startled too. ‘Seren! Goodness… Why she’s a dear. Though of course, when she first came … when things were so difficult, and dear Master Tomos was missing…’

Captain Jones nodded impatiently.

‘…well, I confess, I was rather unsure about her even being here. An orphan, you know. And she was so dirty and cheeky at first.’

‘I was not!’ Seren muttered, furious. Never mind the Crow, she wanted to burst out in temper. But Mrs Villiers hadn’t finished. ‘But now? Oh Captain Jones, she is so sensible and generous! A little wild at times, a little bold in her ideas. Far too many sensational books, of course. But well … such a sweet girl…’

Seren’s fury disappeared abruptly. Gosh. That was all right. Who would have thought stiff old Mrs V would say that.

But Captain Jones didn’t seem quite satisfied. ‘Yes, but … do you truly think she is a suitable companion for Tomos?’

Mrs Villiers folded her hands together. ‘Oh sir, that’s not for me to say. You and Lady Mair have been so kind that… There is nothing wrong about Seren, sir, I hope?’

‘Well, not quite wrong…’ Captain Jones shuffled awkwardly. ‘You see it’s just that…’