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inanely.
    ‘Afternoon, maid. It’s perishing out
here, can I come in?’
    ‘No. It’s not my home, you
see.’
    ‘So I gathered. I been told you’re
seeking a live-in position so happen this could be your lucky day. I farm lower down the moor.
Wife died before Christmas and I need someone to keep house. You’re not as scrawny as I
feared so if you play your cards right happen you could be the next missus. A fellow needs
someone to warm his bed of a night,’ he said, giving a raucous guffaw. His suggestive
remarks made her feel sick. Where was Duncan? Surely he hadn’t left whilst she was
asleep?
    ‘I think you must have heard wrong,’
she ventured.
    ‘Don’t think so, maid. The old woman
was quite certain, though I have to say her description didn’t do you justice,’ he
said, eyeing her up and down. Then he caught sight of the ugly black boot under her skirt and
his expression changed. ‘Seems like old Jed here will be doing you a favour, maid. Told
the woman I’d take you so never let it be said I don’t honour my word. Good job I
brought the harvest cart up, though,’ he said, gesturing to the gate where a grey pony was
stamping the frozen ground impatiently.
    Eliza looked at the long low wagon, with neatly
railed sides, and shuddered. He really expected her to go with him, she thought, taking a step
backwards.
    ‘Yer, ’tis cold,’ he said,
mistaking her movement. ‘So hurry up, get your things and we’ll be on our
way.’
    Eliza shook her head. She’d rather live
rough on the moors than go anywhere with this bumptious bumpkin.
    Frantically, she pushed the door shut but his foot shot out,
preventing it from closing, and he grabbed her arm.
    ‘I haven’t come all this way for
nothing, maid, and you ain’t in any position to be fussy, are you? Now be quick and get
your things,’ he hissed.
    Eliza shuddered. Although she was hurt that Fay
seemed so keen for her to move on, she had no intention of going anywhere with this obnoxious
creep. She’d rather starve than sink that low.

5
    ‘ Take your hands off her
this minute,’ a voice called. Seeing Duncan striding up the path, Eliza almost fainted
with relief.
    ‘No need to take that tone, I’m
sure,’ the man blustered. ‘The old woman told me the maid was looking for board and
bed so …’
    ‘I’m afraid you’re mistaken.
Eliza is a guest here so I’d be obliged if you would leave,’ Duncan insisted
firmly.
    The man spat in disgust, a globule of spittle
glistening on his lip.
    ‘Go inside, Eliza,’ Duncan ordered.
‘I’ll see our visitor safely on his way.’
    As Eliza hurried back to the warmth of the fire,
she could hear the sound of raised voices. Unwittingly, she’d caused trouble again, she
thought, stumbling across the room, fear and nerves making her limp more pronounced. She heard
the man shout to his horse as she collapsed weakly into the chair. Then Duncan appeared, pushing
the door firmly shut behind him. He looked furious.
    ‘I’m sorry …’ she
began.
    ‘Whatever for?’ he asked.
    ‘For causing trouble. I can see
you’re cross with me.’
    He shook his head, his expression softening.
‘I am cross but not with you, little un.’
    Eliza struggled to her feet. ‘I must go. I
won’t stay
where I’m not wanted,’
she muttered, but the room started spinning and she clutched at the arm of the chair for
support. In an instant, Duncan was by her side, gently settling her back down again.
    ‘You are in no fit state to go anywhere.
Close your eyes and get some rest,’ he ordered, drawing the cover over her.
    ‘But …’ she began weakly.
    ‘Hush, no arguing now,’ he soothed,
reaching into his capacious pocket and drawing out a wooden flute. As a lilting melody filled
the room Eliza felt her agitation easing. The mellow notes reminded her of a spring breeze
rustling leaves in the trees and she closed her eyes, dreaming again that she was a spirit
floating free.
    ‘Whatever were you thinking of, Fay? She
could