‘She wasn’t angry. It was more of a warning. Mrs Tattersall thinks there is something going on between Master Jack and myself.’

Nell leaned her elbows on the table, giving Judy a searching look. ‘And is there?’

‘I’m fond of him, of course. We were friends when we were younger, but I know my place, Nell. He isn’t for me.’

‘But does he know that, love? I’ve known you both since you were nippers, and there was always something special between you two.’

‘Maybe, but it has to end now and I’ve told him so.’

‘Unless he’s changed while he’s been at university, the Jack Fox I know will do as he pleases, and the devil take the hindmost.’

‘I know,’ Judy said with a reluctant smile. ‘That’s why I think I should go away from here.’

‘Oh, no, dear. Surely you don’t have to run away? Master Jack might not remain at home for very long. He’s young and he’ll want to see a bit of the world before he settles down.’

‘I suppose so,’ Judy said doubtfully. ‘Don’t tell anyone what I’ve just said, Nell. I’m only thinking about leaving here if things become too difficult.’

‘Then let’s hope the young master listens to you, dear. Because, if he does, it will be the first time in his life he’s taken notice of anything anyone’s said to him.’

Later that evening, when Judy had finished work for the day, she set off through the park, heading towards the cottage that had been her home for the last ten years. It had been a squash in the old days when she had had to share a room with her mother and Molly, but now Molly lived in at Colneyhurst Hall, and the boys had accommodation above the stables. For the first time in her life Judy had a room of her own, but that in itself was a source of worry. If she left Little Creek it would mean that her mother had to live alone, and although Hilda was perfectly capable of coping with her disability, it was always in the back of Judy’s mind that Ma might take a tumble and lie helpless until someone missed her at the big house. She knew that her mother would laugh if she brought up the subject, and she would tell her not to be so silly, but still it was a concern, and one that bothered Judy.

The evenings were drawing out and the air was sweet and fresh with the scents of spring. It was a time of year that Judy had always loved, when everything was coming back to life after a long hard winter. She was listening to the birdsong and inhaling the scent of bluebells from the nearby woods, when she heard footsteps behind her and she came to a halt outside the cottage gate. She turned her head, although she knew instinctively who was following her.

‘Judy, I must talk to you.’ Jack was at her side in two long strides.