She clasped his hand. ‘All right. I’ll do as you ask, but I have to let Ma know, or she’ll think something awful has happened to me.’

‘You’ll come back and say good night.’

‘Of course I will. Stop worrying. I’m here and I’m never going to leave you again.’

He closed his eyes again and a smile curved his lips.

Judy tiptoed from the room and went to find her mother. She had expected to be bombarded with objections when she told her mother that she was going to move to the manor house, but Hilda merely smiled.

‘If that’s what makes Jack happy, then that’s what you must do. The poor boy has been in a terrible state since you left.’

‘I thought I was doing the right thing by going away, Ma.’

Hilda patted her on the shoulder. ‘We do what we can in this world, dear. Now I must go. Mr Faulkner is waiting for me.’

Judy was suddenly alert. She had detected a subtle change in her mother even before she left for London, but she had been too immersed in her own problems to question her. Now she was suspicious. ‘Why would he do that?’

‘He’s been very considerate since Jack’s accident. Being the head groom and all that, I think he felt responsible for the way the horse bolted, but of course it had nothing to do with him. Anyway, he’s taken to walking me home after dark. He says there are poachers in the woods, so I’m glad of a bit of protection.’

‘I see.’ Judy stifled a giggle. It seemed that Ma and the head groom were walking out together, although of course Ma would never admit to such a thing.

‘I know you’re laughing at me, Judy Begg. You can wipe that smirk off your face.’

Judy leaned over to kiss her mother’s lined cheek. ‘I’m not laughing at you, Ma. If you enjoy Mr Faulkner’s company, that’s fine by me.’

‘He’s very patient with your brothers,’ Hilda said stiffly. ‘He says that Pip and Nate both have a way with horses.’

‘I’m sure he’s a good influence on them. It’s hard for boys to grow up without their father. I don’t think either of them remember Pa, but I do. He was kind and funny.’

‘I’m not trying to replace your father, Judy.’ Hilda’s face flushed rosily. ‘I’m too old for all that, and no man would want a woman with half a limb missing.’

‘Ma, you’re only thirty-nine. You’re not old, and if Mr Faulkner really likes you he wouldn’t care about your injury.’

Hilda tossed her head. ‘I don’t know why we’re even talking about this, Judy. Wilfred and I are just friends.’

‘Wilfred?’ Judy chuckled. ‘Oh, Ma! I’m delighted that you have a gentleman friend. You are much too attractive and nice to spend the rest of your life as a widow.’

‘You’re talking nonsense, as usual. I’m going home.’

‘You mustn’t keep Wilfred waiting,’ Judy said, smiling.