‘In that case perhaps you do still love Jack. The only way you’ll find out is to talk to him.’

Judy was about to answer when the sound of men’s voices and loud footsteps announced the return of Rob and Seth. The door opened and a blast of cold air rushed round the warm kitchen, sending a gust of steam into the icy world outside.

‘Seth has agreed to take us back to Little Creek, Judy. Can you be ready in five minutes?’

It was Christmas Eve and Judy had seen nothing of Jack or Jay since their meeting in the country lane. Nate had come home armed with the latest gossip after a brief visit to see Pip at Colneyhurst. It turned out that Jack was staying with Nick and Dove at Creek Hall, while Jay had imposed on his sister Linnet and her husband. Jay was apparently making extensive enquiries as to the identity of the new owner of the Creek Manor estate, and it was only a matter of time before he discovered the truth. Although it was inevitable that his enquiries would lead him to the Crooked Billet, Judy was caught by surprise when he walked into the taproom at midday. She was about to serve Eli with a pint of ale.

Jay strode up to the bar, giving Eli a withering glance. ‘You smell a bit ripe, mate. I suggest you take your drink and move downwind of me.’

Eli shot him a baleful glance and shambled off to his usual seat in the corner.

‘That was mean, Jay,’ Judy said crossly. ‘He looks after Colonel Catchpole’s pigs. Eli can’t help it if the odour of the piggery clings to him.’

‘That’s his problem – I don’t want it thrust on me. Any chance of a hot rum punch? It’s freezing outside.’

Judy sighed. ‘Yes, of course, if that’s what you want.’ She lifted the hatch in the counter and went to the fireplace where she placed the poker amongst the red-hot coals. ‘It’ll take a few minutes to heat up.’ She returned to the bar, took a tankard from the shelf and began mixing rum with dark sugar and spices. ‘How long do you intend to stay in Little Creek?’

‘That’s a leading question, sweetheart. But as it’s you, I’ll admit that I plan to remain here until I have the deeds of the Creek Manor estate. I’ve been told that your friend Rob might have the answer to my problem. Is he here?’

‘He had business in London,’ Judy said carefully. ‘I don’t know when he’ll return. He comes and goes as he sees fit.’

‘What about the other chap? The architect who’s supposed to be designing the new house.’

‘He returned to London yesterday. What’s this all about? What do you hope to gain by staying in Little Creek when you know that the property belongs to someone else?’

‘I want my inheritance back. All right, I know I sold the estate in the first place, but now I have the money to buy it back and I have a newborn son who will inherit everything when I die. The name of Tattersall will go on.’