On tiptoe Clova walked across the room, blew out all the candles except one and then undressing quickly she climbed into bed.
Only when her head was on the pillow in the darkness was she aware of how desperately tired she was.
She did not want to think of what had occurred or her fear and horror at what Euan had said to her in such uncompromised terms.
She wanted to feel that Tarquil’s arms were still around her and she was safe, safe because he had saved her and because he loved her.
‘I love you! I love you!” she whispered into the darkness.
Then waves of exhaustion seemed to sweep over her and she knew no more –
*
Clova awoke and realised that the sun was shining into her bedroom through the sides of the curtains and she was alone.
Jeanne must have crept out without disturbing he
