Judy gave the boy a searching look. She was not sure if he was trying to be funny, but he appeared to be serious. ‘Dorning,’ she repeated dazedly. ‘Do you know the Dorning family?’

‘I should say I do, miss. Almost everyone in the village is related to them in one way or another.’

Pain and fatigue were getting the better of Judy. ‘What’s your name, boy?’

‘I’m Walter Dorning. What’s it to you?’

‘Would this be Crouch village?’

‘Not exactly, miss. It’s yonder.’ He pointed vaguely in the direction of a stand of trees.

Judy struggled to remember the name of Rob’s aunt. ‘Do you know Miss Dorning? Miss Adeline Dorning?’

‘I do. She’s my aunt.’

Judy could hardly believe that her luck had changed so suddenly. ‘Could you take me to her, Walter? I’d need you to help me because I don’t think I can walk.’

He put his head on one side. ‘I suppose I could let you ride.’

Judy attempted to rise, but fell back, stifling a sob. Walter grabbed her by the hand and looped her arm around his shoulders.

‘I’m stronger than I look. Up you get.’ He managed to heave her to a standing position, and they made their way slowly to where the donkey was munching grass. After pushing and heaving from Walter, and a determined effort by Judy, she was finally astride the animal, although completely exhausted. She clung to the donkey’s mane as Walter led the animal to the village, which seemed to be a collection of half-timbered cottages surrounding a small pond. Sheep grazed contentedly on the green, and hens wandered at will, pecking at the ground.

‘Here we are.’ Walter came to a halt outside a pretty thatched cottage on the edge of the village. He led the donkey up the garden path and rapped on the door. ‘Aunt Adeline, are you at home?’

The door opened and Judy knew instantly that this must be Rob’s aunt. The genuine smile that lit Adeline’s blue eyes, and the kindly expression on her weathered features were so reminiscent of Rob that Judy had to hold back tears of relief.

‘Who have you brought to see me, Walter?’

‘Her name is Judy – I can’t remember the rest. I found her in the graveyard. I thought at first she was a ghost. She’s hurt her ankle.’

‘I really don’t want to be any bother,’ Judy said hastily.

‘You’re more than welcome, Judy. Let’s get you into the house, preferably without the donkey. You’ll have to help me, Walter.’

Between them they managed to get Judy off the donkey and into the house. She cried out when she attempted to put her weight on the injured limb, but Adeline looped Judy’s arm around her shoulders.

‘It’s all right, my dear. Lean on me.’ She helped Judy into the parlour and set her down on a sofa upholstered in dark green velvet. ‘Let’s make you comfortable, and then I’ll take a look at that ankle.’