Hilda wiped her hands on her apron. ‘I don’t blame her for being angry. Eli spends all his money on ale, when he should be taking it home for his family.’ She bustled over to the range and ladled soup into a bowl. ‘Here, Molly. Give him this, although he doesn’t deserve it.’

Molly cut a slice of bread from a loaf just taken from the oven and buttered it lavishly.

‘Poor old Eli, he’s always in trouble with his wife. I don’t blame him for coming here and enjoying a pint or two.’

Hilda resumed her attack on the dough. ‘You’d say differently if you were married to him.’

‘Jack would never behave like that,’ Molly said complacently.

‘You’ve only just got to know him again, girl.’ Hilda shook her head. ‘He’s a charmer like his brother. Don’t let him gammon you.’

‘Ma!’ Molly said, rolling her eyes. ‘I’ve had soft soap from the male servants at the Hall ever since I went there. I’m not likely to fall for anything like that from Jack.’ She flounced off with the food on a tray.

‘She would never be told.’ Hilda shrugged. ‘I just hope that Jack isn’t simply amusing himself with her. Molly thinks she knows it all, but she’s a child really.’

‘Not any more,’ Judy said, chuckling. ‘I think my little sister knows exactly what she’s doing, Ma. Molly is nobody’s fool, and Jack is good at heart. I love him like a brother.’

The sound of footsteps made Judy turn her head and Nate rushed into the kitchen. He glanced at Judy and grinned. ‘You gave us all a fright, Judy. I’m glad you’re back.’

‘Did you want something, dear?’ Hilda slapped the bread dough into a baking tin.

Nate snatched a hot roll from the cooling rack. ‘I’ll be back for my soup when I’ve seen to Rob’s horse. He’s just arrived.’ With a cheery wave he left the kitchen, slamming the back door behind him.

‘Rob was out all night looking for you, Judy. We were all frantic with worry.’ Hilda wiped her hands on her apron. ‘You’ll want to speak to him in private. Why don’t you go into the parlour and sit by the fire? I’ll send Rob in to see you. If that’s what you want, of course.’

‘Yes, Ma. I really do need to talk to him.’ Judy raised herself slowly from the chair and made her way to the parlour, each step an effort. She had just settled herself in a chair when Rob rushed into the room.

‘Judy, how are you?’ He shed his hat and riding cape as he crossed the room to kneel beside her. ‘You look pale. Are you feeling all right?’

She smiled. ‘I’m better for seeing you.’

‘I’m so sorry you were involved in this, Judy. If Jay’s hurt you he’ll answer to me.’

‘He tried to scare me, but I was more frightened than hurt.’

‘He’ll answer for that, Judy, I promise.’