Dark circles ringed their eyes, and their snatched sleep had been filled with tormenting dreams and faces that they did not choose to recognise. Catheryn and Selwyn did not look their best that morning as the household came together to break their fast. “My word, Catheryn,” said her mother. “You do not look well at all.” “I had trouble sleeping,” Catheryn replied firmly. “I am quite well, thank you my lady mother.” Hilda looked as if she wanted to enquire further, but after a small shake of his head from her husband, she returned to her meal, turning her fretful mind instead to the coolness of the morning. As soon as it was polite to do so, Catheryn left the room. She had studiously ignored Selwyn, who merely strode into the room to pick up some bread, and then left almost immediately. In a way, she was glad of it. Catheryn needed to think. She needed to ponder over exactly what was going on – not only in the world, but in her own heart.
