‘But why would he do such a thing?’ Judy slipped her arm around her mother’s shoulders. ‘There’s nothing of ours left there.’

‘Only memories,’ Hilda said, sighing. ‘We were happy there, you and I, Judy.’

‘Maybe that was his reason for burning the place to the ground,’ Constable Fowler said grimly. ‘He seems proud of what he’s done and he claims that it was he who started the blaze at the manor house.’

Hilda fanned herself with her hand. ‘Wilfred had worked there since he was a boy. I can’t think what would make him behave in this way.’

‘Who’s to say what goes on in a man’s head? He was caught red-handed by Farmer Johnson and Will. They said that Faulkner was laughing like a maniac. I’m sorry to be the bearer of such bad news, Hilda.’

‘He’s a violent man,’ Judy said quickly. ‘He threatened Ma, and he attacked me and then he threw me out of the house because I wouldn’t let him have his way with me. I hope the judge gives him the longest sentence possible. He deserves it.’

‘He seemed so nice and kind at the start.’ Hilda mopped her streaming eyes on her apron. She stood up, somewhat unsteadily. ‘But it’s over now and I’ve got work to do. Is that all, Constable?’

‘Why don’t you sit down a little longer, Ma?’ Judy reached out to steady her mother, but Hilda brushed her hand away.

‘I’m all right, ta. It was a bit of a shock, but I’m not really surprised. He couldn’t get what he wanted so he destroyed the one place where we were happy, and he knew I loved that little cottage.’

‘But it doesn’t explain why he wanted to burn the manor house to the ground,’ Rob said slowly. ‘It doesn’t make sense, Constable.’

‘He admitted it, but he wouldn’t say anything further.’ Constable Fowler backed towards the doorway. ‘I don’t need you to do anything, Hilda. I just wanted to tell you before it became public knowledge.’

‘Will I have to give evidence at his trial?’ Hilda asked nervously.

‘I doubt it. He’ll be brought up before the magistrate tomorrow and then it’s my guess he’ll be sent to the assizes in Chelmsford. I doubt if you’ll be seeing him again for a very long time. I’ll say good day to you all.’ He left the room, ramming his helmet on his head as he went. His footsteps echoed on the bare boards, leaving the air trembling with silence.

Judy was the first to speak and her voice shook with emotion. ‘Oh, Ma, I’m so sorry.’

‘It’s all right, dear. I knew something bad was going to happen. I’m just glad he took it out on the building and not on any of us. I’m just sorry that I brought that man into our family.’

‘No, you mustn’t think like that.’ Judy cast a desperate look in Rob’s direction and he nodded.

‘Judy’s right, Hilda,’ he said earnestly. ‘I didn’t know Faulkner personally, but I know his type. They can be very skilled at presenting a different face to the world. You weren’t to know.’