‘Let nature take its course. You always did have ants in your pants. Did you turn yon shirt I gave you? Seeing as his lordship here saw fit to avoid Wee Alec and stop the moths escaping from his wallet again. Shame on you, Angus Nichol, for going round looking like a tramp.’

‘I’ve got better things to spend my money on than parading about like a peacock. It gives folk the wrong idea. If I look like a dandy, they’ll think they can put their prices up. These shirts’ll see me out.’ He banged his spoon for more soup.

‘Out of where, tell me?’ snapped Peg, sloshing the ladle of broth in the general direction of his bowl. ‘You’re only fifty-five, man. You’ll wear out a few more shirt collars yet, God willing.’

‘I’ll no have Alec Kerr thinking I’m a soft touch.’

‘I’m sure he doesn’t, Father. I’ll turn the sleeves on your tweed jacket and put some patches on, if you like?’ offered Netta.

‘That won’t be necessary. I’ve ordered the old skinflint a new one. A ragged coat puts off a robber – but I’m no going round this district with this bag of rags on my arm and that’s my last word on the matter!’

At Peg’s words Angus rose abruptly from the table and stormed out of the door. Netta sat in silence, head bent, suddenly overcome with tiredness, aches and pains low in her back. Peg looked up and saw the grimace.

‘Don’t bother about him, he’ll come to by teatime. You look wabbit, my girl. Do me a bit of mending but put those puffy ankles up. I don’t like you running about up the hillside. You’re not a sheep. What if your waters had broken while you were out? Who would see to you then?’

‘They didn’t, more’s the pity. I feel so restless and can’t seem to settle to anything.’

‘Your father would say that was a good sign. Stay close by. Save your strength for when you’ll be needing it. Have you thought what you’ll do when all this lot is over?’

Don’t worry, Peg, I won’t burden you any longer than is necessary.’ Netta bristled at the hint. In truth she could think no further than the birthing.

‘I didna mean it that way…’

‘You did. I know I’m a nuisance and I can’t do much around the farm but I did want Bump born safely. Staying here seemed right at the time. I wanted to be close to… well, to have family around, just in case.’

Just in case? Is there anything you’re not telling me? Is there something amiss?’