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time of year, late May, meant that the sea would be calm.  David had recovered from pneumonia – our doctor in America said that he was fit to travel.  But sadly he seems to have suffered a major relapse in the last few days.”
    She bent over her twin, trying to protect him from the worst of the rain.
    Her heavy coat had been left behind on the sinking yacht along with all their clothes and possessions, she now realised.
    But at least they were now safe and that was all that mattered.
    Five minutes later the rowing boat was grounding on the stony shore of a little cove.
    With the Duke on one side and Fergus on the other, David was helped from the boat and half-led, half-carried up the steep stone steps cut into the cliff face.
    Viola bent down and gathered up her soaking skirt, the heavy woollen fabric made much heavier by cold sea water, and followed behind them, fighting hard to keep her balance on the slippery surface.
    The Duke turned when they were halfway up.
    â€œCan you manage, Lady Viola?”
    â€œYes, certainly.  See to David, please.”
    Without another word, the Duke now reached down a tanned hand and pulled her up a particularly steep step.
    Then he returned his attention to the young Earl.
    As they reached the top of the steps, Viola looked up and gasped.
    There in front of her, the mist drifting around it like white chiffon scarves, stood Glentorran Castle, its pointed turrets, tall chimneys and wonderful deep windows giving it a magical appearance.
    â€œOh, how wonderful!”
    The words of delight fell from Viola’s lips before she could stop them.
    â€œHow incredibly beautiful!”
    The Duke’s stern face relaxed slightly.
    It was odd how happy her words made him.
    Â â€œAye – it’s a bonny place. And it will stay bonny for a good while yet!  There will be plenty of time for you to explore.  Ah, here comes my sister!”
    Lady Margaret Glentorran now came flying down the pathway that led from a rough shrubbery area, her long black hair loose around her shoulders.
    â€œI have alerted Mrs. Livesey – there are beds to be prepared – and – oh, my goodness!”
    She clasped her hands to her mouth.
    â€œI just cannot believe it.  It is David!  I mean it is Lord Powell and Lady Viola!”
    â€œIt most certainly is, Meg, but for now all questions and explanations must wait.  This young man is not well.  Please go back to the house and send Euan for the doctor immediately.”
    Lady Margaret hesitated for a moment, not wishing to leave David’s side, but then obedience to her brother’s order overcame her inclinations and so she turned and sped away, her tartan shawl flying behind her in the rain.
    The Duke and Fergus now bundled David through the grounds and into the Castle.
    A great arched stone corridor led past the kitchens, the staff quarters and the back staircases to the baize door that divided the two parts of the Castle.
    After another long passage, they reached the Great Hall of the Castle where Margaret was waiting with a grey-haired older woman dressed in black, a large cameo brooch fastening a piece of fine white lace to the neck of her dress.
    â€œOch, the poor young gentleman.  Fergus, take him up the stairs to the Green room at once.  Lady Margaret will show you the way.  I have rung for the doctor, Your Grace, and there is a warming pan in the bed and cook is sending up beef broth.”
    â€œThank you, Mrs. Livesey.  Fergus please carry him gently upstairs.  Lady Viola – this is Mrs. Dorcas Livesey, our housekeeper here at the Castle for many years.  As was her mother before her and her mother before that!  There have always been Liveseys at Glentorran.”
    â€œWelcome, my Lady.  I have a room ready for you as well, next door to your brother’s.  I have had a fire lit because even in early summer, Scotland can be very chilly in the evening.
    â€œI