Jay thumped his fist down on the table. ‘No, I did not. Now stop asking bloody silly questions and clear this mess away. Then you can get to bed. I can’t stand the sight of you any longer.’

Judy rose to her feet, leaning her hands on the table. ‘If you feel like that why did you bring me here? What do you hope to gain by all this?’

‘Dorning has received a ransom note. If he doesn’t agree to let me buy back the land and the title at my price, he’ll never see you again.’

Judy stared at him aghast. ‘You plan to kill me for a stupid title?’

‘Nothing so dramatic. If he agrees to my terms you’ll go free, if not you’ll be coming with Jack and me to Australia.’

‘You can’t do that. I won’t go with you.’

‘You won’t have any choice. Jack isn’t in Southampton, he’s on board the Lazy Jane, just waiting for me to join him. He’s not party to this, by the way. Now do as I said and tidy up, then you can go to bed. There are plenty of rooms upstairs – take your pick.’

‘This is outrageous,’ Judy said angrily. ‘You can’t do this.’

Jay narrowed his eyes. ‘Dorning has taken a fancy to you, so I have a hold on him.’

‘I refuse to be a pawn in your devious plans, Jay Tattersall. Rob and I are friends, that’s all.’

‘I don’t believe you. Anyway, time will tell. If he doesn’t turn up at the meeting place tomorrow I’ll know you’re telling the truth.’

‘And you’ll let me go?’

‘Maybe. Or perhaps I’ll let Jack decide. If he still wants you then he can have you.’

Judy held her tongue with difficulty. It was obvious that arguing with Jay was a waste of time and she was in no position to bargain. She cleared the table and placed the dirty crockery in the stone sink.

‘You can leave that until morning.’

She spun round to find Jay standing behind her. Her heartbeat quickened and she was suddenly afraid, but she faced him with a defiant stare.

‘I’d prefer to leave everything tidy.’

He grabbed her by the arm. ‘And I’d prefer it if you were safely locked in your room. I’m not going to sit up all night keeping watch in case you try to make a run for it. Without you I haven’t any bargaining power, so come quietly or I’ll toss you over my shoulder and carry you.’

Judy shook free from his grasp. ‘There’s no need for that. I’ll follow you.’

Jay shook his head. ‘I’m not stupid, Judy Begg. You’ll go upstairs first. Take any room you like. They’re all much the same.’ He lit a candle from the one burning in the centre of the table and thrust it into her hand. ‘My patience is limited so don’t try me too far.’

There seemed little choice other than to humour him, and Judy climbed the stairs. She hesitated on the landing. There was a distinct smell of damp and it was bitterly cold away from the kitchen range.