She was sitting by the fire with a book on her lap. ‘Hello, Jen.’

‘Oh, hello. Come and sit by the fire. It’s cold out there.’

‘Thanks.’ He sat down and held his hands out to the warmth. He had been rehearsing what to say all the way here, but now he was reluctant to speak. She looked so relaxed and content; he didn’t like to think that they might now be about to throw her life into turmoil again.

‘Would you like a cup of tea?’

He shook his head. ‘I’ve got something to tell you. There’s a Mr Dwight Roberts staying with us. He’s a lawyer from America who’s come over especially to see you.’

‘America? Did he know my father?’ Jenny frowned. ‘But why has he come to see me and not my mother? Or does he want to see both of us?’ The colour drained from her face. ‘Are there more debts we don’t know about?’

‘I’m sorry, Jen. He won’t say more than that he’s been looking for you ever since your father died. You, not your mother.’ Matt reached out and took hold of her hands as they twisted with anxiety. ‘We wouldn’t let him come here, but I said I’d come to tell you he’s waiting for you.’

She dipped her head, obviously trying to control her emotions, and when she didn’t speak, Matt said, ‘You don’t have to see him if you don’t want to.’

Taking a deep breath, she raised her head, wide-eyed with worry. ‘I must know what this is all about. Are you sure he never said anything?’

Matt shrugged helplessly. If only he could answer her question. ‘It must be something to do with your father.’

‘I can’t imagine what would bring him all this way. My father lost all his money in the crash and killed himself. End of story.’ She removed her hands from his and stood up. ‘However, I’d better see what he wants. If it’s more bad news, then I’d better face it. I’ll get my coat.’

Matt helped her on with her coat, wondering what Dwight Roberts was expecting to see when he met Cyrus Winford’s daughter. He doubted it was this shabbily dressed girl with calloused working hands.

The journey was made in silence and Matt didn’t try to talk, knowing that she was concerned about the meeting and probably wanted to stay quiet.

When they arrived at the house, Mrs Stannard was waiting for them in the hall. ‘My dear.’ She kissed Jenny’s cheek. ‘We’ve put Mr Roberts in the library. He has agreed to let Matthew and I be with you, but if you’d rather see him on your own …’