She found that a little annoying. He was not so old himself. Besides, look at the trouble he’d got into, with those bruises; it was hardly for him to give her advice as if she were a child. “I live here,” she told him. “This is my father’s land. I can wander where I like.”

“How did you get across to the island?”

“By boat.” Let him make what he wanted of that.

“Best if you don’t stay. Best if you go home. Best if you never see me again.”

Lily found a courage she had not known she had. “Nonsense!” she said briskly. “You’re hurt, you’re confused, you’re too weak to stand up. And you don’t seem to have any supplies here, not even water. I could turn my back and go away, but that would be irresponsible. Either let me fetch help, or let me bring you what you need. At least tell me where you came from, so I can send word to your family.”

“No! Please!”

Already sickly pale, he turned still whiter, and Lily wondered if he might faint away. “You should eat,” she said, trying to be practical. What would she do if he expired right here in front of her? Whom could she tell? She had no idea who he was or where he came from. “I have bread and cheese; here.” She divided the small supply she had brought with her and handed him half. “And an apple for later.” Gods, how silly she sounded! What would he think of her? “Try some, please. It will make you feel better.”

Ash nibbled at a corner of the bread. After a while he said, “You are a kind girl. Too kind for your own good.”

“What do you mean by that?”

He managed a smile; it made her heart skip a beat. “Truly, you would do better to leave me on my own. Forget you found me.”

“Why?”

His gaze dropped. “Because you can’t help. I thank you for the food and water, and your kind words, and . . . and your goodness. You are a lamp in the dark; a fair flower in the shadows. But this is no place for you, and if you wish to find a friend, or more than a friend, you should search anywhere but here.” His eyes gave his words the lie; he could not stop looking at her. And her eyes returned that look a hundredfold. Something had happened between them; it was already too late to stop it.

“More than a friend,” echoed Lily, feeling strangely bold. “What are you suggesting?”

“You are the daughter of a nobleman,” said Ash, “if what you told me is true. You are of an age to be wed, if not now, then surely soon. I suggest nothing improper, Lily. Only that your father must be looking about for a husband for you. Perhaps you are already promised.”

“Perhaps you are already promised,” she said, as quick as a flash. “In fact, I am not; my parents are not over-keen to see me leave home just yet.”