She shook her head. ‘Don’t have anything to do with him. Let him go back to Australia where he belongs.’

‘I wish I was so forgiving, but I’m not.’ Rob rose to his feet. ‘I could kill him at this moment.’

‘Don’t do that – you’ll end up in prison.’ She met his angry gaze with a smile. ‘Your aunt is wonderful, Rob. I turned up on her doorstep and she took me in and treated me like a daughter.’

‘I don’t know where I would be if she hadn’t taken me in as a child.’

‘The cottage felt like a happy home.’ Judy hesitated. She could see that he was still tense and there was no point in going over the same subject again and again. ‘How is the building going on? Is there much progress?’

‘It’s coming along splendidly. The cellars weren’t touched by the fire, so it’s been easy to lay the foundations for the main part of the building, and that will be completed first. I want to move in as soon as possible, and then it will be time to start on the west wing. I’ve got fifty able men working long hours to make sure it happens.’

‘I can’t wait to see it,’ Judy said wistfully. ‘I hate being laid up like an invalid.’

‘It’s a lovely day, although it’s a bit chilly. If you wrap up warm I could take you in my chaise, and you could see the progress for yourself.’ He gave her a searching look. ‘Unless you’re too tired after your ordeal.’

‘I’ve got a sprained ankle, that’s all. I wish everyone would stop treating me as if I were an invalid.’

‘I’ll check with Hilda first, of course. She might have other ideas, but I think the fresh air will do you good.’

‘So do I,’ Judy said eagerly.

‘If your mother doesn’t object I’ll ask Nate to bring the chaise round to the front.’ Rob hesitated in the doorway. ‘I can’t tell you how relieved I am to see you relatively unhurt, Judy. I was out of my mind with worry.’ He left the room abruptly.

Judy’s heart was pounding as she struggled to her feet, but an agonising spasm in her ankle wiped all thoughts from her mind and she uttered a yelp of pain just as Molly appeared in the doorway.

‘What are you doing, Judy? You’re supposed to be resting.’

‘Rob is going to take me to Creek Manor to see the foundations for the new house.’

‘Is that wise? Ma won’t like it.’

‘I don’t care. I really want to go. Will you fetch my cape, bonnet and gloves from my room, please?’

Molly pursed her lips. ‘I don’t know, Judy. What if you catch a chill?’

‘I won’t. Please get my things.’

‘All right, but I’m not taking the blame if you die of lung fever.’ Molly tossed her head and flounced out of the room.

It was a pleasant drive to Creek Manor and Judy’s spirits rose. Rob seemed relaxed and they chatted about mundane things, mostly to do with his plans for the new house. When they approached the entrance to the estate Judy was quick to notice that the gatehouse seemed to be occupied. The front garden had been tended and a column of smoke curled up from the chimney. The tall wrought-iron gates had been newly painted, but they had been left open and Rob drove up the avenue, reining in the horse on the carriage sweep. Even though there was great deal of activity at the site, Judy was shocked to see the huge gap where once a fine mansion had stood.