‘I thought you said we would stay here,’ Nate said, scowling. ‘What changed your mind?’

‘I said we’d stay here for Christmas, but we can’t barricade ourselves in for long. This is an inn and it was our livelihood. I don’t know what we’ll do next, but let’s not think about that now. I’m looking forward to a splendid dinner, thanks to our kind friends.’

‘You’d better enjoy it,’ Hilda said gloomily. ‘It might be the last decent meal we ever have.’

They did justice to the goose and demolished the Christmas pudding. Nate even managed to eat three mince pies before finally admitting defeat. It was mid-afternoon and there had been no sign of Jay or his men. Judy was beginning to hope that Jack might have persuaded his brother to change his mind, but within the hour there was a loud thudding on the pub door. Judy raised herself from her chair in the parlour and went to stand by the door.

‘Go away.’

‘You leave me no choice other than to break the door down,’ Jay shouted angrily. ‘Don’t make this any harder than it need be.’

‘We will leave here, but only when we’ve found somewhere else to live.’

‘That’s not good enough. This place belongs to me and you are squatters. The law is on my side.’

‘Then get the law to throw us out. I don’t think you’ll find any constable willing to come out here on Christmas Day. Go back to your family, Jay, and leave us alone.’

‘You’ve been warned. Break the door down, men.’

His words were followed by a sickening thud on the door and the sound of splintering wood, but somehow the timbers remained intact. The first blow was followed by another and another, and then the final strike caused the wooden panels to splinter and collapse. Judy backed away with Hilda clutching her hand. Nate strode forward but was knocked to the ground by a burly man who barged in first, followed by Jay.

‘Steady, Gittins,’ Jay said sternly. ‘There’s no need for violence, providing the people here are willing to be reasonable.’

Hilda went down on her knees beside her prostrate son. Nate opened his eyes and attempted to sit up, but was obviously dazed by the sudden fall.

‘You brute,’ Hilda cried passionately. ‘He’s just a boy.’

‘He got in the way.’ Gittins glanced at Jay, who acknowledged his unspoken question with a nod. ‘That’s what happens to folk who take on the boss.’

‘Someone is talking sense at last.’ Jay slapped Gittins on the back. ‘Wait outside. I don’t think they’ll give me any more trouble.’

Gittins ambled towards the door, but was shoved aside by Rob, who entered, bringing with him a flurry of snow.

‘They might not give you trouble, Tattersall, but I will.’ Rob faced up to Jay. ‘Call your man off.’

Gittins grunted and made a move towards Rob, but Jay held up his hand.

‘It’s all right, Gittins. I can handle this fellow.’ Jay waited until his man was out of earshot. ‘What the hell d’you think you’re doing, Dorning? You aren’t welcome here.’