‘You can have the room, Judy. I’ll get the landlord to provide some cushions and a blanket and I’ll sleep in here.’

‘I don’t know. It doesn’t seem fair.’

He shrugged. ‘It doesn’t look as though there’s much choice. I can bear it, if you can.’

They finished their meal not exactly in silence, but the pleasure had gone from the outing for Judy. She knew that Ma would be worried sick, and there was no way of contacting her to allay her fears. The sound of raucous laughter and loud voices filtered through from the taproom, and she found herself wishing that the Crooked Billet had as many customers, but the thought of spending the night in such a rowdy place was even less appealing. It was late afternoon and it was already dark outside. They had just finished their coffee when the landlord sidled into the parlour.

‘I have two gentlemen who would like to dine in private, so perhaps you would like to see your room, miss. I’m sure you wouldn’t mind retiring to the snug, sir? It’s very congenial.’

Judy shot a wary glance in Rob’s direction, hoping that he would refuse to budge, but he merely smiled and nodded.

‘Excellent idea,’ Rob said a little too heartily. ‘I’m sure you’d like to see where you’ll spend the night, Judy.’

Left with no alternative other than a point-blank refusal, Judy followed the landlord into the taproom, but she came to a sudden halt, staring at two men who were propping up the bar. She backed into the parlour and slammed the door.

‘What’s the matter?’ Rob rose to his feet. ‘You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.’

She attempted to speak but she seemed to have lost her voice and she was finding it hard to breathe. The landlord stood in the doorway, looking red in the face and flustered.

‘The young lady just bolted, sir. It wasn’t anything that I said or did.’

Rob guided Judy back to the settle and pressed her gently onto the seat. ‘I think the lady is unwell. A glass of brandy, if you please.’

The landlord disappeared again, closing the door quietly behind him.

‘What did you see that upset you?’ Rob demanded anxiously. ‘For heaven’s sake, speak to me, Judy.’

‘I saw a ghost from the past, or at least I think I did. I have to leave now. I won’t stay here another minute.’ She jumped up and made a grab for her cape and bonnet. ‘I’m going home even if I have to walk all the way.’ She opened the door almost bumping into the landlord, who was holding a glass of brandy in his hand. ‘Is there a way to the stables without going through the taproom? I’m leaving this instant.’

‘Turn right and straight ahead …’

Despite protests from both Rob and the landlord, Judy left the parlour and ran.

Chapter Sixteen

Judy had barely reached the back door when Rob caught up with her.