Despite the initial upset everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Molesworth had made certain that there was enough wine, cider and ale to keep the party going, and Cook had excelled herself when it came to the wedding breakfast. Molly was the first person Judy saw and she met her enquiring look with a shrug.

‘Jack wants me to go to Australia with him and Jay,’ Judy said bluntly.

‘What did you say to that?’

‘I said no. I don’t trust Jay, and I think Jack would be making a terrible mistake. It might be different if he could walk, but in his present state I don’t think it’s a good idea.’

‘Did you tell him so?’

‘Of course I did, but you know Jack: he’s stubborn.’

‘And so are you,’ Molly said with a wry smile. ‘Surely you won’t let him go all that way without putting up a fight.’

‘You know Jack as well as I do. If he’s made up his mind, nothing and no one will stop him doing exactly as he wants.’ Judy shook her head. ‘I really don’t know what to do.’

‘I’d go with him, if it were me,’ Molly said stoutly. ‘It would be so exciting. Far better than being stuck in a nursery with naughty babies and their mischievous brothers.’

‘I thought you were happy at Colneyhurst Hall.’

Molly tossed her head. ‘I am, I suppose. It’s just that sometimes I long to do something different. I want to have some excitement in my life, Judy. Can’t you understand that?’

‘I suppose so. You and I are so different, Molly. I often wish I could be more like you.’

‘Don’t! You’re all right as you are, Judy Begg. We all love you, so don’t change.’ Molly gave her a quick hug. ‘Leave Jack to think about what he’s about to do. Maybe he’ll change his mind. It’s yourself you ought to worry about.’

‘Me? What do you mean?’

‘If Jay is determined to sell the property you’ll lose your job here, as will everyone else, including Ma and Wilfred.’

‘Yes, of course. I’m so busy worrying about Jack that I forgot everyone else.’

‘He should be the least of your concerns, if you ask me. Think of yourself for once, Judy. You’ve only been away from Creek Manor once since we moved here, and that didn’t last long. It was Jack’s accident that cut short your time in London, but you mustn’t allow him to rule your life. Let him go to Australia with Jay, and see how he likes it, but you don’t have to go with him. Why don’t you go back to London and take up your job in the hospital? Maybe you could do what Daisy did and become a probationer nurse.’

Judy was about to answer when she spotted Wilfred heading their way. She greeted him with a smile. ‘It was a lovely wedding ceremony.’

‘Thank heaven it was Constable Fowler playing the organ and not Miss Creedy. She might be a good dressmaker, but she had no musical talent whatsoever. Anyway, what are you two girls doing lurking here? Come and join the party. That’s an order from your new father.’ Wilfred was smiling, but Judy could see that he was serious, and she felt Molly stiffen. Judy recognised the stubborn look on her sister’s face. Although Molly had only been six years old when their father was killed in the same accident that crippled their mother, Judy knew that her sister had loved Pa, as she had. Despite his many failings, his passing had left a huge gap in their lives, and Wilfred Faulkner could not simply step into their father’s shoes.