I had no choice but to enter, the flame casting trembling shadows to the walls. I paused in the corridor where faint noises came from above. Passing William’s room, I came to the stairs and looked up; a sound came again – a whimper. Clutching the candle, I ran up the steps and to an attic – home to broken furniture, stacks of trunks and two large presses.

Mary sat in the centre with her back to me rocking on her knees. I sped forward and cast the light over her stricken features.

‘Mary,’ I whispered but she showed no sign that she was aware of me. ‘Mary,’ I tugged at her shoulder and placed my shawl about her. ‘We must get you back to bed.’ But then, as if someone was making an effort not to be heard, there was the distinctive timbre of a foot upon the staircase behind.

My heart began to bang and I stood tall although my legs felt boneless. ‘Who is it?’ My voice cracked and there, with her unhurried movements, loomed Greer.

Her eyes went from me to Mary and narrowed. ‘You should have called for help.’ Her voice was low and full of distrust. And in that moment I recognized that she truly scared me.

‘Did you open the wing?’ she said, coming closer. ‘I know it’s not the first time that you’ve been to see these rooms.’ Her eyes darted to the furthest corner of the attic as if she might find evidence of what we had been doing there. I swivelled to see what she was looking at but was presented only with more disorder. When I turned again her look blazed with fury.

‘I have no interest in this place, Greer. Mary had a nightmare. I found her here.’ And was chagrined by the fact that I had explained myself when there was no need.

‘Mary,’ I said, putting a hand on her arm, ‘come, it is time for bed,’ and I took her hand and pulled her to me.

Greer’s gaze raked my body. ‘Give me the key,’ she hissed.

Mary’s feet were glued to the boards and her lips faintly blue. ‘Get a hot drink and heat the pan for Mary’s bed immediately. She will catch her death.’

‘The key.’

Anger and frustration rose in my chest. ‘That will do, Greer. I do not have it. Now go, before I wake Miss Gillies whose only concern will be for the welfare of her niece.’

‘If you say so,’ she said, so quietly that I nearly did not hear it, and left.

Mary had not moved; her scrutiny remained fixed to the window where the panes were black but for the dusting of a moon.