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disappointment, believing she had deliberately changed the subject. In fact Alice was thinking of the Factor. When he had heard Ross was married he was as surprised as she had been and he had asked to meet Rachel at the earliest opportunity. He was a shrewd man. He knew a good wife could do a lot to help a moderate tenant, but a bad wife could ruin the best of men. He knew she wanted Ross to be made a joint tenant with herself because she wanted to make sure he would stay at The Glens of Lochandee, but neither of them had known he had a wife. Mr Shaw had made it plain he would not recommend Ross as a possible tenant if he had made a hasty marriage with an unsuitable wife.
    Naturally Alice could not tell Ross this, and neither would she make any decisions. She knew the Laird would only act upon Mr Shaw’s advice concerning the tenancy. On every large estate the Factor’s authority and influence were far-reaching. She had a feeling there were changes afoot regarding the estate now that the Laird’s health was failing and his son still showed no interest in anything except pleasure. Mr Shaw had told her Lady Lindsay, the young Laird’s wife, showed more interest. He felt it was unfortunate that her husband had forbidden her to spend time in the estate office, if only for the sake of her two young sons and their future inheritance.

Chapter Six
    R ACHEL COULD NOT HIDE her low spirits when she had to say goodbye to Ross the following morning. She climbed into the car beside Mr Shaw, hugging an excited Conan on her knee while trying to brush aside her tears and wave goodbye, all at the same time.
    Mr Shaw gave her a few minutes to compose herself
    ‘All right now?’
    ‘Y-yes. Th-thank-you,’ Rachel stammered nervously. She had noticed Mistress Beattie afforded this man considerable respect and she realised he had influence on matters to do with the estate and its tenants. She gulped and took out a clean white handkerchief to blow her nose and banish the last of her tears. ‘You must think me very silly. I did not want to come to Lochandee, and now I do not want to leave.’
    ‘A beautiful place, friendly people with a warm welcome …they can have that effect, I’m sure,’ Mr Shaw said, surprising himself. ‘The Glens of Lochandee is one of the most pleasant places to live.’ He gave a wry smile, ‘But I’m sure it is not leaving Lochandee which distresses you, so much as leaving your husband?’
    Rachel was silent. Lochandee was a lovely place – both the village and the farm above it, but it was true, the thought of another parting with Ross was unbearable. He had loved her so tenderly. He had tried to take an interest in Conan too, but she wondered if there would ever be a bond between them as there was between herself and Conan.
    ‘It-it is very kind of you to take us to the station. We have never been in a motor car before.’ She stroked Conan’s head with a gentle finger and he cuddled against her breast, though his eyes were wide with curiosity.
    ‘He’s a fine boy,’ Mr Shaw complimented. ‘Ross must be very proud of him.’
    Rachel tensed. Had he read her thoughts? He glanced at her delicate profile, noting the slight droop of her mouth.
    ‘How long have you been married?’ The question was an innocent one, intended to put Rachel at ease, instead she shot him a startled look. She reminded him of a frightened fawn. He raised his bushy brows in silent question. Rachel bit her lip. Then she sat up straighter, took a deep breath and squared her shoulders.
    ‘Mr Shaw, I am not very good at deceiving people. I know Ross wants to keep our affairs private, but if you asked him a direct question I know he would answer truthfully. We were married last week, when Ross came to stay.’
    ‘Last week!’ The Factor was shaken out of his usual equanimity and the car swerved alarmingly. Rachel’s heart sank. Mr Shaw set the car back on course. His gaze fell to Conan. ‘I see …’
    ‘I don’t suppose you