It was something of a relief to reach the normality of home, although there were explanations to be made as to why they found it necessary to stay away overnight. Hilda, being a Londoner born and bred, understood perfectly, but Nate had been too young to remember the peasouper fogs and he was openly hostile. Rob changed out of his city clothes into riding breeches and a tweed jacket and he set off for the building site, leaving Judy to go through every detail of their day out together in order to please her mother. Hilda drank several cups of tea while listening to Judy’s account of her exciting trip to London, although she was clearly worried about what people would make of the smart new outfit that Rob had bought Judy.

‘You know what people are like, dear,’ Hilda said, shaking her head. ‘The hat and the mantle are lovely, but I think they should be kept for special occasions only.’

Judy chuckled. ‘You mean I should put them away in the clothes press and forget about them.’

‘Not exactly, but let’s face it, Judy. We couldn’t afford to buy such things even if we saved up for a whole year. And then there’s the fact that you spent the night in Rob’s company – you know what people will say about that.’

‘But they would be wrong, Ma. I shared a bed with Clara, and Rob had to sleep with Henry, who apparently snored all night. The people round here won’t ever have experienced a London Particular, so they don’t know what it’s like.’

‘Very true, and the least said the better.’ Hilda finished her tea. ‘There’s something I must tell you before you hear it from anyone else.’

‘Really, Ma? What is it?’ Judy tried not to sound too relieved at the change of subject – the cross-examination about her time in London was getting a bit wearisome.

‘I heard last evening that Jack has left for Southampton. He didn’t call in or send a message, which I think was very wrong of him. You two were close at one time and he should have had the courtesy to come and say goodbye.’

‘Perhaps it’s for the best,’ Judy said cautiously. ‘Did Jay go with him?’

‘I’m not sure, dear. It was quite strange because he came into the bar last evening. I thought for a moment he was going to cause trouble, but he chatted quite normally and then he left. He did ask after you, though. I thought that demonstrated a certain degree of feeling on his part.’

Judy rose from the table. ‘I’ll go and change into my work clothes, Ma. I’m sure there’s a lot to do.’

‘I had plenty of help. Molly seemed to enjoy working here for a change, and it was lovely to have time to chat with Nell Pearce.’ Hilda smiled and the lines of worry on her face relaxed.

Judy went to her room and changed out of her travelling costume. Her work clothes felt even shabbier now than they had before she went away, but she tied on a clean apron and went downstairs to attack her tasks with renewed vigour. She had enjoyed her time with Rob, but she must put all that behind her and get on with the life that fate had handed out to her.