‘Yes, in a minute.’ Judy stood up and threw a log onto the fire, watching the flames lick round the bark, sending sparks flying up the chimney. She believed Wilfred when he said that this was not the end of his attempts to force Hilda back to the marital home, and she did not doubt that he was capable of violence in order to get his own way. She could hear Hilda calling to her and she was about to follow her mother and Nate to the kitchen when the pub door opened. A tall, broad-shouldered man entered carrying the cask of ale on his shoulder.

He dumped it down on a table. ‘I think this is yours, miss. You don’t want to leave such as this lying around or someone not as honest as Rob Dorning might come along and help themselves.’

Wilfred Faulkner’s sudden arrival had put all thoughts of unloading the cart out of Judy’s head. ‘Thank you. I’m afraid it’s a bit heavy for me and Hilda to lift on our own.’

‘It’s no light weight, that’s for sure. Where do you want it?’

‘On the trestle behind the bar, if you please.’ Judy watched in awe as the man hefted the cask in his arms and placed it as she had directed.

‘Maybe I should try a glass or two, miss. Just to make sure that the brew is all right.’

His grin was infectious and Judy found herself warming to him even though he was a complete stranger. She struggled to place the name. It sounded vaguely familiar, but she could not think where she had heard it before.

‘All right,’ she said slowly. ‘You have to tap the barrel first.’

‘Aye, I reckon I’ve done that a few times.’ He set about the task so efficiently that Judy did not doubt him. He filled a tankard with ale. ‘Of course it should be left to settle for a while to clear the sediment, but I don’t mind a cloudy pint.’ He raised the pewter mug to his lips and drank thirstily.

‘Do you live round here?’ Judy tried to sound casual, but she was curious. ‘I mean, I haven’t seen you before.’

He drained the last of the ale and went to stand with his back to the fire. ‘It’s getting chilly these evenings.’

‘Then you aren’t from these parts?’

‘I didn’t say that. My family are well known along the coast.’

‘I’m sure I’ve heard the name Dorning mentioned, but I can’t place it.’

‘I’m surprised to find someone like you working in a place like this. It’s always had a bad reputation.’

‘I’m running it with my mother,’ Judy said firmly. ‘I believe this pub went through a difficult time, but it’s going to be different now.’

His blue eyes lit with amusement and he pushed his cap to the back of his head, revealing a mop of fair hair, streaked almost white by the sun. ‘Well, I wish you luck with that. What do they call you?’