‘I’m sure it will be wonderful.’ Judy tried to sound enthusiastic.

Rob gave her a sideways glance. ‘I have something that might be of more interest to you.’ He flicked the reins and urged the horse to a walk, heading towards the stables.

‘Where are we going?’

‘Wait and see.’ He gave her a mischievous smile. He drew the horse to a halt outside the tack room, where he alighted and lifted Judy to the ground. ‘Lean on me. It isn’t far to walk.’

He led her into the tack room, which had been turned into an office for the surveyor and the site manager. Plans of the new house were pinned to the wall and a draughtsman’s table had been set up in the middle of the room.

‘It all looks very impressive,’ Judy said dutifully.

Rob pulled up a chair. ‘Sit down and I’ll show you something that you might find more interesting. Your mother’s cottage was burned down by Faulkner. I plan to replace it with this.’ He opened a large portfolio and held up the contents for her to see.

Judy gazed at the architect’s drawing of the prettiest house she had ever seen. ‘It’s beautiful, but this is a grand house. We lived in a small cottage.’

‘I’m glad you approve.’ He showed her the plans for the ground floor. ‘You see, there will be a square entrance hall with a staircase rising in an elegant curve to the first floor. There are two reception rooms with elegant fireplaces and large windows to give the maximum amount of light. There’s a smaller parlour and a large kitchen with a cast-iron range, and a sink complete with a water pump.’

Judy’s eyes widened. ‘How Ma would love that. Just think, she’d never have to go outside in the cold and dark to fetch water. How wonderful.’

Rob laughed. ‘I didn’t think I ever see anyone excited about a sink with a pump.’

‘Perhaps you’ve never had to traipse through rain and snow to fetch water, Rob Dorning, but I have and so has Ma. I can tell you, this would be luxury.’

Rob pointed to the plan for the first floor. ‘There are four bedrooms on this floor,’ Rob said proudly. ‘And three attic room for servants, or,’ he added, chuckling, ‘as a nursery.’

Judy studied the plan, frowning. ‘What does that mean?’

‘It’s what they call a water closet. It’s an indoor privy or lavatory. All the best homes have them nowadays, and next to it is the bathroom.’

Judy stared at him in amazement. ‘This house has special rooms for the privy and the tin bath?’

‘I can’t promise that there will be running water, although that’s my plan eventually. But one day all homes will have such amazing facilities.’

‘How modern and very clever. But I’ll believe it when I see it.’

Rob laughed and their hands touched as he went to fold up the plans. Judy withdrew hers quickly, suddenly conscious of his nearness, and she moved away. ‘Thank you for showing this to me. It looks wonderful.’