‘He was being very judgemental about Dr Godfrey.’

‘What has the doctor done?’

‘I’ll tell you later. I made the mistake of inviting Rob to eat with us in the parlour. Let’s get supper over and then we can relax.’

Hilda sliced the pie and put a large piece on a plate together with a generous helping of cabbage and a couple of boiled potatoes. She handed the plate to Judy. ‘Give him that to be going on with, and don’t forget the jug of gravy. In my experience all men love a good gravy.’

This made Judy laugh. ‘And most women, too, I suspect. You always put things in perspective, Ma. What would I do without you?’

‘You’ll have to one day, dear. When you get married you won’t need me.’

‘That won’t happen, Ma. You and I have been through so much together. Whoever marries me, if anyone ever does, he will have to take you on as well. I wouldn’t marry a man who didn’t get on with my mother.’

Hilda threw a drying cloth at her. ‘Take the food in while it’s hot.’

Judy knew better than to argue and she served the food, taking care to put the gravy within Rob’s reach. He was helping himself to a generous amount when Hilda entered the room, bringing two plates of food. She smiled and nodded approvingly and she set one in front of her daughter.

‘I said you’d appreciate a good gravy, Mr Dorning.’

He looked up and smiled. ‘Thank you, Mrs Begg. This looks and smells wonderful.’

‘Eat up, then.’ Hilda sat down and picked up her cutlery. ‘There’s more outside, sir. If you want it, that is.’

He swallowed a mouthful of food. ‘This rabbit pie is really delicious. When I rebuild Creek Manor I’ll need a good cook.’

Judy dropped her fork with a clatter. ‘You are going to rebuild the manor house?’

‘Of course. Why else would I buy the land?’

She shook her head. ‘I don’t know. Will it be like the old house?’

‘Not exactly. I fancy something in a more modern style. Perhaps in the Italianate design, but it will be about the same size.’

‘And you plan to live there?’

‘Maybe. I haven’t decided yet. My business takes me away for much of the time.’

‘You’ll need a small army of workmen to construct the building,’ Judy said thoughtfully.

He smiled. ‘You’re thinking about trade.’

‘Yes, it’s very important to us. If we don’t start making money we’ll have to leave here.’

‘That would be a shame,’ he said agreeably. ‘But you could find work elsewhere.’

‘I suppose you’ll be on the lookout for kitchen maids.’ Judy spoke more sharply than she had intended and she dropped her gaze.

‘I will, of course, but I wouldn’t insult a businesswoman like yourself by offering you such a menial position.’

‘Now you’re laughing at me.’

‘No, indeed I’m not.’

Hilda sent her daughter a warning glance. ‘Changing the subject, sir, you must have a fortune to spend so liberally.’