Judy watched her mother drive off, hoping that Major knew more about pulling a cart than Hilda did about driving one, but they seemed to be getting on reasonably well and they only had to get as far as Colneyhurst Hall. Judy hoped that either Pip or Nate would be allowed to drive the cart to Maldon. Old Puckett was not such a mean old man as the boys had made out.

Judy set about cleaning the taproom ready for business that day, and having swept and dusted, she opened the front door and shook out the duster. It was a fine October morning and the sun was shining from an azure sky. The water trapped by the marsh grasses at low tide sparkled in the bright light, and the sea beyond the headland was a deep ultramarine, dotted with the tan-coloured sails of the working barges. It was a picture of peace and calm, and Judy felt almost ridiculously optimistic. They might not have made a profit on their first day of trading, but they had not made a loss. She was about to go back indoors when she heard the sound of a horse’s hoofs and she waited, hoping that it might be passing trade. Perhaps word had got round that they were open for business. She shielded her eyes against the bright light and to her surprise she saw Dr Godfrey himself holding the reins. He drew the horse to a halt and dismounted.

‘Good morning, Doctor,’ Judy said, smiling.

‘Good morning, Judy.’ Ben Godfrey looped the reins over the horse’s head and tied them to the inn sign. ‘I don’t suppose you have a stable boy yet.’

‘No, but I think Ma is trying to persuade my brothers to come here and help. Won’t you come inside, Doctor?’

He followed her into the taproom. ‘I thought we had decided that you would call me Ben?’

She turned to give him an enquiring look. ‘If you’re a customer I don’t think it would be right for me to call you by your Christian name.’

‘What if I’m a privileged customer?’ he asked, laughing. ‘Besides which, I don’t see anyone here to complain that we’re breaking the rules.’

‘Well, Ben, I’m afraid you’re out of luck if it’s a drink you want. I’m waiting for Ma to return with a fresh keg of ale, so I can only offer you tea or coffee.’

‘Coffee would be most welcome.’ He walked round to the bar and studied the empty shelves. ‘How do you propose to make a living without any stock?’

‘We’ll manage,’ Judy said stiffly. ‘Please take a seat and I’ll fetch your coffee. I’ve only just lit the fire, but it won’t take long for the kettle to boil.’

‘I didn’t mean to offend you.’ Instead of taking a seat as she had asked, Ben followed her to the kitchen. ‘You don’t mind if I look round, do you? It’s an interesting old building.’

She shook her head. ‘No, but there’s not much to see. We’re starting from scratch.’