Judy crossed the hall but the sound of horses’ hoofs on the drive made her run to the window and she saw the carriage come to a halt outside. With her arms full of linen and no sign of the footman, she was at a loss until Molesworth appeared suddenly at her side.

‘Put that down and be ready to take Madam’s cape and bonnet. I’ll have words with James when I find the lazy layabout.’ Molesworth went to open the door and Judy placed the linen on a nearby chair.

Mary Tattersall was first to enter and she was clearly upset. She allowed Judy to take her outdoor things without seeming to notice that her footman and housemaid were not on duty.

‘Poor little Timmy has gone down with chickenpox. We stayed long enough to cut the birthday cake, but the boys were all out of sorts, so I decided it would be best if we came home.’ Mary shrugged off her cape and handed it to Judy. ‘You must tell Cook that there are two for dinner this evening, Judy. I’m going to the drawing room for a rest. It’s been a very trying day.’

‘Yes, madam.’ Judy was about to do as she was asked when Jack strode into the hall.

‘Judy. Where’ve you been hiding? I’ve been looking for you.’

She glanced anxiously at Molesworth, but he was otherwise occupied. ‘You’ve been busy, sir.’

Jack caught her by the arm. ‘Stop calling me “sir”. I won’t allow this offhand treatment to continue a minute longer. Put my mother’s things down and come into the morning parlour. We’ll sort this out for once and all.’

‘Really, Jack! Why won’t you listen to me?’ Judy protested as he closed the parlour door with unnecessary force.

‘Because you’re talking nonsense. I refuse to allow my mother to rule my life. I need you and I always have. We’re cut from the same cloth, Judy.’

She shook her head. ‘Oh, Jack! You know that’s not true. You’ve managed without me all the time you were at boarding school and university, and I doubt if you missed me at all.’

He grasped both her hands. ‘That’s not true. Your letters brightened up the most miserable days when I was first sent away and homesick, even if you can’t spell.’

‘That’s not fair. I was just a child,’ she said, chuckling. Jack always had the power to make her laugh, and it weakened her defences.

‘That’s better. That’s the Judy I know and love.’

She met his gaze with a startled gasp. ‘You’re fond of me. It’s not love.’

‘How do you know? Can you read my mind?’

‘I used to, especially when you were planning some mischief with Alfie and Danny.’

‘Don’t push me away. I can’t stand it.’

‘Your mother won’t allow us to be together in any way, friends or not. If I get the sack my mother will lose her cottage, and the boys will have to leave, too. I can’t put their future in jeopardy. You must understand that.’