Page 52 of The Midnight Secret

The housekeeper couldn’t hide her surprise, although she looked like a woman not often startled. ‘...Of course. The – the blue room, sir?’

‘Yes, why not? Everyone says it has the prettiest view.’ He glanced at Effie. ‘And draw a bath too, and get the fire going in there, won’t you? Miss Gillies has caught a chill, I fear.’

‘I’m sure,’ Mrs Robertson said disapprovingly.

‘It’s a long story,’ was all Archie said over his shoulder as he led the way into the library.

It was dark and moody in there, with ochre-coloured walls and oak bookshelves, several balding leather armchairs setbefore the fire. A writing desk stood behind a sagging linen sofa and a tiger-skin rug was spread on the floor.

Effie stared at it, riveted and horrified all at once. It still had teeth! Unpleasant memories of Lady Sibyl’s pet cheetah surfaced in her mind; that had had sharp teeth too. What was it about the upper classes and their need for predators at hand?

‘One of Uncle Bertie’s trophies from India,’ Archie explained. ‘His father was Viceroy. Quite the hunter, I’m given to believe. Rather like you, I imagine?’

She looked at him as she settled herself in the armchair opposite him. A pot of tea and some scones spread with jam had been left on a tray on the small ottoman between them.

‘Weren’t you St Kildans renowned hunters?’ he persisted as he began to pour. ‘Wasn’t the last Great Auk killed by one of your lot?’

‘...How do you know I’m from St Kilda?’

He laughed out loud at her joke – the last time they’d referenced her heritage hadn’t ended well for Edward Rushton. Effie couldn’t help but grin at his infectious sense of humour.

‘You know, you’ve had theton, as they say, in more of a buzz than when Lord Tansey’s wife was impregnated by their chauffeur. I shall be feted for thiscoup de grâce, hosting you here like this. Now I can get all the news.’ His eyes danced with merriment as he passed her a cup and saucer. She wondered how he would react if she told him she had only just come into the full facts of her own situation herself. ‘Of course, they’ll all think I did this deliberately. Don’t be surprised if they start a rumour saying I kidnapped you.’ He sat back in his chair. ‘I’m afraid I have a terribly low reputation. People always want to believe the worst.’

‘So you’re saying it’s not deserved?’ she asked, remembering Bitsy’s warning.

‘Oh, I wouldn’t say that. But it’s always more interesting playing along.’

Effie was growing used to his teasing. She wrapped her hand around the teacup, grateful for the immediate warmth. Tea and a fire suddenly felt like the greatest luxuries; she was delirious with exhaustion. A night spent dancing without sleep and a December sea crossing in little more than a nightie were taking their toll. ‘Well, once I make that telephone call, all kidnapping stories can be laid to rest.’

‘What a pity,’ he tutted.

‘May I?’ she asked, her eyes falling to the telephone on the desk.

Archie looked back at her, smiling, but there was something else in his eyes too; a shadow of disappointment? ‘Of course. Skye 2598.’

She got up and lifted the handset from its cradle. ‘...Hello?’ she asked after a moment. She frowned, turning back towards him. ‘There’s no connection.’

He looked bemused, getting up and putting the handset to his ear as he pressed on the cradle.

There was a pause. ‘...Robertson?’ he called.

The housekeeper was there within moments. ‘Sir?’

‘What’s wrong with the phone?’

‘Oh, yes, that. One of the telegraph poles came down yesterday morning. Cal Murdock skidded on ice in the tractor and hit it square on. Almost electrocuted half his flock.’

‘Oh dear.’

‘Aye, he was in a fair muddle. He’s got an egg-sized lump on his head and was seeing double—’

‘Yes, yes. When can they make the repairs?’

‘Not until next week now. There’s no more ferries before Monday on account of the winds.’

Today was Thursday. Effie felt her stomach dive as Archie looked back at her apologetically. Sholto had no idea where she was – and now it would be another four days before she could enlighten him?

‘I’m afraid we’re not exactly a priority for the telephone board,’ he explained, replacing the receiver.

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