XXXIX.

The driver was concerned when Stuart told him to stop. They were in the middle of nowhere, a mile away from the farthest Edinburgh suburbs. Rare houses popped up among the hills. Between them, only forest. It was getting dark and the driver was hard to convince.“I´ll manage”, Stuart said. “You go home and tell my nephew that everything is great. Trust me, you won´t be lying.” At last the driver left Stuart alone. The carriage disappeared in the thickening darkness. Stuart shivered and pulled his jacket on. It was late and cold. The houses he saw a moment ago were vanishing in the dark as people turned off the kerosene lamps and candles. The sheep were bleating in the distance, but Stuart heard only echoes because in his head. He expected them to get louder when Regina gets close to him.