Judy said nothing as she climbed over splintered wood and the spokes of a shattered wheel, but there, beneath the driver’s seat, she spotted the basket containing her purchases and she reached in to retrieve it. ‘There it is.’ She opened the frozen paper with trembling fingers and sighed with relief. ‘All here and, as far as I can see, undamaged.’

Rob turned to Seth. ‘Is there anywhere we could hire any kind of vehicle that would get us home?’

‘No, mate. I said I’d take you back to Little Creek, but you’ll have to wait until I’ve finished my chores around the farm. Pa is very particular about that.’

Judy was about to walk back to the farm when the sound of muffled hoofs and the rumble of wheels made her hesitate. ‘Maybe we could beg a lift, Rob?’ She shielded her eyes against the white glare of the snow, but when she recognised the man driving the barouche, she knew that there was nowhere to hide. The pain and humiliation she thought she had conquered now came flooding back, but she braced herself for the inevitable encounter with the past.

Chapter Seventeen

‘Judy! Good God, so it was you I saw at the inn.’ Jack leaped down from the driver’s seat, leaving Jay holding the reins. He came towards her, smiling delightedly.

Judy struggled to maintain a calm exterior. ‘You can walk again, Jack.’

‘It was as your Dr God said. After a while I found I could stand, and then slowly I regained full movement, as you can see.’ He eyed her warily. ‘Aren’t you pleased to see me?’

‘You left without a word,’ Judy said in a low voice. ‘You didn’t tell me that you were going away with your brother. I had to hear it from someone else.’

‘I was a sick man, Judy. Surely you can understand that?’

‘Might I suggest we continue this touching reunion at a more appropriate time?’ Jay climbed down from the carriage. ‘Looks like you had a serious mishap,’ he said, turning to Rob.

‘Seems so, but we’ll manage.’ Rob met Jay’s amused glance with a straight look. ‘You don’t remember me?’

It was a statement as much as a question and for a moment Jay looked at a loss, but he recovered quickly. ‘No, you have the advantage.’

‘It will come back to you, I expect.’

‘Is this some sort of riddle?’ Jay demanded irritably. ‘You have a strange way with words.’

Judy shivered. ‘This is ridiculous. We don’t need your help, Jay. Why don’t you go on your way and leave us in peace?’

‘Now that’s not very nice, Judy,’ Jack said, chuckling. ‘I expected a warmer welcome from my girl.’

Judy was about to protest, but Rob placed a protective arm around her shoulders. ‘It’s too cold to stand about gossiping. There’s room enough for you to get past, if you’re careful.’

Jay nodded. ‘Yes, easily. I stopped in case you needed help, but clearly you prefer to suffer.’ He turned to Judy. ‘We could take you back to Little Creek. Are you still living in the cottage on the estate?’