‘How did this happen?’ Judy asked suspiciously. ‘You treated me abominably the last time I saw you.’

‘I know I did, and I’m sorry. I was determined to get the estate back at any cost, and I went up to London to seek legal advice, but the solicitor was not encouraging. I was furious and I walked until I could go no further. I found myself standing in a graveyard surrounded by headstones and marble statues, and I saw myself for the sorry fellow I am.’

Judy was not convinced. ‘Don’t tell me you had an epiphany.’

‘I remembered Lemuel, the man I thought of as my father for the first part of my life. He was a brute, and I saw myself growing like him and the old squire. I seem to have inherited their worst traits, and believe it or not, I was ashamed.’

‘If you say so, Jay.’

‘I don’t blame you for being cynical, Judy. I know it’s hard to believe, but I went into the church and that’s how it all began. I am now training to be a lay preacher, which I will continue when I return to Australia.’

‘But it’s little more than a month since you held me captive.’

‘A man can change, Judy.’

‘Does Jack know about this?’

‘Not yet, but I will visit the inn tomorrow and tell him the good news.’

‘But you’re not planning to stay in Little Creek?’

‘Don’t worry, Judy. I intend to sail back to Australia and take the message from God with me to the outback. My brother can come with me, if he so wishes.’

‘And you’ve given up any claim on the estate?’

‘From now on I intend to live a simple life – money means nothing to me. God bless you, Judy.’ Jay was about to walk away but Judy called him back.

‘Wait a minute, Jay. Where are you staying?’

‘Don’t worry about me. As I said, I’ll call at the inn tomorrow morning.’ He strolled off in the direction of the stables.

Judy sank back on the seat, watching him until he disappeared from view. She picked up the reins. ‘Walk on, Skipper.’ She must get home quickly and warn Jack that his brother had returned. Try as she might, she could not believe that Jay was a reformed character. This must be one of his tricks.

Jay had gone. He had sailed on the Lazy Jane with the family there to wave him off, or more accurately to make sure that he really had boarded the vessel and was leaving the country.

‘Good riddance. That’s what I say.’ Hilda took off her bonnet and laid it on the bar counter. ‘I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, and him prancing around and pretending to be a minister. Heaven help the people of New South Wales, that’s all I can say.’

Jack went behind the bar and filled a tankard with ale. He raised it in a toast. ‘Well, I say good luck to my brother. I hope he’s sincere, but even if he gets tired of being a preacher, at least he’s gone home to his wife. Aimee won’t stand for his nonsense. She’s a strong woman and he’s in awe of her.’