‘You don’t believe me, do you, Judy?’

The question took her by surprise. ‘What do you mean?’

‘I could see by the look on your face that you thought I was simply bragging.’

She turned away to replace the tankard on the shelf. ‘I never said anything of the sort.’

‘You didn’t have to.’ He reached across the counter and caught her by the hand. ‘Look at me. I’m not exaggerating and I’m not lying. I have the means and I have the determination to see this through. When the manor house is rebuilt it will give employment to all your friends who now face difficulties, and in the meantime it will bring business to you and to the village as a whole.’

She snatched her hand free. ‘But why would you act like a great benefactor? You don’t owe the people of Little Creek anything, and there’s no reason for you to bother about us. We’ve faced worse than this, and we’ll survive.’

‘I don’t doubt it,’ he said easily. ‘But you’re wrong about me. I’m not doing this for glory.’

‘Then why? I could understand why Ben wanted to do something good – he’s a dedicated doctor – but you are the son of a convicted criminal, and you’ve also profited from the money your predecessors made in a penal colony. Why would you wish to spend it all in Little Creek?’

‘I have my reasons, as I told you.’

‘I think there’s something more.’

Judy would have questioned him further, but the pub door opened and Constable Fowler strode into the taproom. She could tell by his expression that this was not a social visit. Mick Fowler was a popular member of the community and Judy had known him since she was a child. ‘Is there anything wrong, Constable?’

He took off his helmet and tucked it under his arm. ‘Is Mrs Faulkner at home, Judy?’

‘Yes, she’s in the kitchen. Shall I fetch her?’

Constable Fowler glanced at the group of fishermen who were taking a sudden interest in what was going on around them, whereas previously they had been laughing and joking amongst themselves.

‘It might be best if I spoke to her in private, Judy. You should be there, too.’

‘I’ll mind the bar,’ Rob said calmly.

‘No, Mr Dorning. You’d better come too. This concerns you as well. I’ll wait in the parlour if you’ll fetch your ma, Judy.’ He held up his hand. ‘Don’t worry, I know where it is. This isn’t the first time I’ve been here on police business. I’m afraid it’s not good news.’

Chapter Fifteen

Hilda sank down on the nearest chair, her hand clasped to her mouth. ‘No. He wouldn’t do such a thing.’

‘I’m sorry, Hilda,’ Constable Fowler allowed himself to bend a little. ‘Wilfred was caught in the act of setting fire to your old cottage on the Creek Manor estate, which I believe now belongs to you, Mr Dorning.’

‘The devil he did!’ Rob said, frowning. ‘You’re right, Constable. I am the landowner.’