‘It’s not going to be a pleasant drive home,’ Judy said anxiously.

‘We can’t leave while it’s like this.’ Rob took his watch from his waistcoat pocket and frowned. ‘It will be dark soon and I wouldn’t want to risk the roads in this storm. We might have to put up here for the night if the weather doesn’t improve.’ He looked up as the landlord entered the room, bringing with him the aroma of roasting meat, wood smoke and a hint of hops.

‘Might I recommend the roast venison, sir? It’s a particularly fine joint, if I say so myself, and my good wife is an excellent cook.’

‘So I’ve heard,’ Rob said pleasantly. ‘I’m happy with that. What about you, Judy?’

‘Yes, indeed. I’m starving.’

The landlord’s flushed cheeks wobbled into a grin. ‘Then I suggest you start with the soup, miss. It’s chicken broth with barley. Very good.’

‘Yes, thank you,’ Judy said, smiling. ‘That sounds delicious.’

‘I’ll have the broth also, and I’ll have a pint of your best ale. What would you like to drink, Judy?’

‘I’d love some lemonade.’

‘Very well, miss.’

Judy waited until the landlord had left the parlour before turning to Rob. She leaned across the table, fixing him with a hard stare. ‘We can’t stay here tonight. Ma will be frantic with worry if I don’t get home.’

‘I think she’ll realise that we’ve been held up by the storm.’

Judy frowned. ‘But it won’t look good. I don’t normally care what people say, but even friends might jump to the wrong conclusion.’

‘I promise you that my intentions are honourable,’ Rob said, chuckling. ‘Don’t look so worried. No one will know apart from your mother and Nate, and I’m sure they would believe us.’

‘Perhaps it will clear,’ Judy said hopefully as she gazed out of the window.

Rob turned to look round as the landlord entered, bringing their drinks and two bowls of soup.

‘What do the locals say about this storm, Landlord? Do they think it will blow over soon?’

The landlord wiped his hands on a beer-stained apron. ‘No, sir. I’d say it’s going to get worse. The fishermen didn’t go out today and all the barges are alongside, although there’s one ship that’s just anchored and they’re having a struggle to row ashore in the jolly boat. I’d have stayed put if it were me.’

‘Even if the hail turns back to rain the roads are going to be treacherous, especially in the dark,’ Rob said thoughtfully. ‘Have you a couple of rooms vacant, Landlord?’

‘No, sir. There’s but one, and it’s not the best room. That was booked just now by the ship’s agent. I’m afraid it will be the same all over town.’

‘Then we’ll take the one room.’

‘Very good, sir.’ The landlord flicked a quick look at Judy and his lips twisted in a wry smile. ‘One room it is.’

Judy waited until he left the parlour. ‘We can’t stay here. We must try to get home.’