Seth took off his cap and tossed it across the kitchen so that it hung on a wall peg. ‘You can thank your horse, mate. A fine animal, if ever I seen one, but you was lucky he come here and didn’t make his way back to his own stable.’

‘Never mind all that.’ Mrs Trundle handed a steaming mug of tea to Rob. ‘You’d best sit down, too, mister. That gash on your brow needs attention.’ She turned to her husband. ‘You’d best see to him, Joe. I’ll go upstairs and make up two beds.’

Judy cast an anxious look in Rob’s direction. ‘No, really, we can’t put you to so much trouble, ma’am.’

‘It’s no bother, I can assure you, miss. You can’t go anywhere if your vehicle is damaged, and it’s no good trying to sort it out until morning.’

‘We’re very grateful, Mrs Trundle,’ Rob said hastily. ‘And we can pay for the night’s board.’

Mrs Trundle smiled and shook her head. ‘No call for that, sir. We’d do the same for any travellers in distress.’ She hurried from the kitchen.

Farmer Trundle knocked the dottle from his pipe into the fire. ‘Let me see that cut, son. It looks quite deep. It might need a stitch or two.’

‘It’ll be fine, sir,’ Rob said hastily. ‘No need to worry.’

‘Scared of the needle, are you, son? It’s better than having a scar or the wound turning nasty. Sit tight and Seth will fetch Mother’s sewing box. We’ll have you sorted in minutes.’

‘I told you that Pa would know what to do,’ Seth said triumphantly.

‘Stop talking, son, and fetch the sewing box, and some hot water from the kettle. I’ll have to wash the blood off first.’ Farmer Trundle turned to give Judy an appraising look. ‘If you’re squeamish best look away, miss. I’ll get to you and take a look at your ankle when I’m done here.’

‘You seem to know a lot about medical matters, Mr Trundle,’ Judy said nervously.

‘I tend my animals, miss. There ain’t much difference when it comes to fixing up injuries of any kind, although horses and cattle can’t talk.’

‘And they can’t complain either.’ Mrs Trundle bustled into the kitchen armed with a copper warming pan. ‘This belonged to my parents, but it still does the job.’ She scooped a few glowing coals from the fire and placed them in the pan. ‘This will make your bed nice and cosy, miss. If you’d follow me I’ll find some dry clothes for you and then you must join us for supper.’

Farmer Trundle selected a large needle and a spool of thread from the sewing box. ‘Best leave her here, Mother. I need to look at her injuries.’

‘I can tend a sprained ankle well enough, Joe. There’s no need to make a song and dance about it. Come with me, miss.’

Judy cast an anxious glance in Rob’s direction. He looked pale and the cut was still bleeding, although not as much as before. ‘Will you be all right, Rob?’