My curiosity about William would not be quelled, and in spite of her manner, I tried my chances. ‘I was sad to learn of what happened to William. I have wondered what the accident was by which he died.’

Greer scowled and regarded me sullenly.

‘It’s getting colder,’ I said, determined to draw a response.

She leaned over, placing the empty crockery on to the tray, and I got a waft of cleaning soda and beeswax. She had short fingers with square, roughly cut nails. ‘They’re tying up the boats so they’re expecting a storm.’

Out of the window, fast-moving cloud skimmed the ridge. ‘I thought I saw a pretty glass pane at the back of the house as I was coming up the path with Mary earlier.’

‘That’ll be the little chapel. The minister used to come and give services here, but the staff is too small now. It’s past the library.’

After Greer had gone, I took to the corridor I believed led to the chapel. As I followed it, a low murmur of conversation seeped from one of the rooms and I stepped lightly, pausing outside.

‘It’s not for us to comment.’ I heard Mrs Lenister’s low, quick tone. ‘You should do well to remember that.’

I pressed my ear closer, intrigued by what I heard.

‘Miss Gillies has made it quite clear William is never to be talked of.’

‘She’s the sort of person who won’t let things be. Questions, questions.’ It was Greer’s voice.

Whatever was said next was drowned out by the clattering of a peat bucket, but my instinct was right and Greer clearly found something about me to dislike. I wondered what had so early drawn her displeasure, but perhaps it was just jealousy of my elevated status or the fact that my occupancy would cause extra work. How poor she was at hiding her feelings, I thought, but I had dealt with surliness before and was determined to turn her with kind words and grace. As I made my way to the chapel I was struck with the content of what I had heard and I paused, wondering why Miss Gillies might be so reluctant to talk of her nephew’s demise. But he was not long dead and grief must be the reason, I decided.

5

Later the household gathered in the hall for the journey to church. Greer had my coat ready and I took my place next to Mary who was wrapped in a muffler and hat. Greer, Mrs Lenister and Angus held lanterns by which we would make our way home. The servants left through the back entrance and met us outside.

The breeze had picked up, dislodging orchard leaves. Peat smoke sullied the air and the protesting sound of gulls cut through the rising wind, but I was glad of the wildness, loved how the island complained so loudly.