‘You’re a doctor?’ Judy stared at him in amazement. ‘How could you give that up when you could do so much good in the world?’

‘I’ve never been in general practice, and I’ve only worked in army hospitals.’

‘But you outbid Dr Godfrey and his associates. Did you know they intended to build a large hospital in place of the old manor house?’

‘Yes, I knew, but the estate meant more to me at the time, and I suppose I wanted to find my place in the world.’

‘So now you know who you are, why don’t you use your father’s name?’

‘To be honest I haven’t given it much thought, although I think it might hurt my aunt if I were to change my surname now.’

‘But you’re happy to take on the estate in spite of the fact that you’re ashamed of being a Tattersall.’

‘I’m ashamed of the way that man treated my mother,’ Rob said slowly. ‘But the Dornings are equally notorious. Respect has to be earned, and I’m prepared to work hard to prove myself worthy of the position I now hold, and perhaps to redress some of the wrongs my father and Jay have done to the village.’

‘But you gave up your career in medicine to become lord of the manor. That seems a terrible waste of your abilities.’

‘I’m a man, not a saint. I’m sorry if I disappoint you.’

She turned her head away. ‘I’ve no right to criticise you. Forget what I said.’

‘There’s McArthur now.’ Rob leaped to the ground. ‘I’ll only be a few minutes. Are you sure you don’t mind waiting?’

‘No, I’ll be quite all right.’

‘Thank you. You’re a woman in a million.’ Rob strode off to join McArthur in the tack room.

‘Judy.’ The sound of her younger brother’s voice made Judy turn her head and she saw Pip racing across the cobbled yard. He held the horse’s reins, grinning up at Judy. ‘Are you better? Nate said you was half dead when you came home, but you look fine to me. Trust him to exaggerate.’

‘I’ve sprained my ankle, but otherwise I’m perfectly well.’ Judy leaned closer, lowering her voice. ‘What are you doing here? Why aren’t you at Colneyhurst?’

‘Rob’s given me a job. I’m the head groom, at least that’s what I am until the new house is completed.’

‘I thought you were happy at Colneyhurst, Pip.’

‘I was, but it’s not the same without Nate. Anyway, Rob came to see me and explained that the stables needed someone to look after the horses while the workmen are here, so I jumped at the chance to come home.’

‘But it isn’t our home now.’

‘It will be. Don’t tell me you wouldn’t love to come back to Creek Manor, and Ma and Nate, too. Maybe not Molly because she’s sweet on Jack Fox, or perhaps I shouldn’t tell you that?’ Pip coloured up and looked away, biting his lip.

‘Jack and I are just friends, and if Molly is happy with him then that’s wonderful, but why did you think we’ll return here?’