I did read, but books are no consolation for company. I could not concentrate on words that danced across the page with my wayward thoughts, and I truly contemplated leaving that place and walking back to Edinburgh. One look outside persuaded me to stay, however, for the weather had closed in with the night, and sleeting rain hammered at the stone walls and clamoured at the small windows. I was all alone in a tiny cottage, trapped by weather and circumstances and feeling very sorry for myself.
With nothing better to do, I had a brief wash and went to bed. But not to sleep, for all I could hear was the howl of the wind around the eaves and the batter of rain on the tiny window. I lay there for much of the night, full of self-pity as I wept. I, who had so recently despised Louise for her te
