‘It was a long time ago.’ Judy unwrapped the pie and placed it on a plate together with a thick slice of bread and butter and a chunk of cheese. ‘This will have to suffice. Anyway, he might never come here again, so I’m not going to worry.’

‘The Dornings are bad news,’ Hilda said darkly. ‘You ask Daisy. She’ll tell you all about them.’

Judy shrugged. ‘He seems harmless enough. Maybe things have changed after all these years. Anyway, he is probably just passing through.’

She took the plate through to the taproom. ‘I’m afraid this is all I can offer you at the moment,’ she said apologetically. ‘We’ve only just taken over the inn, so we aren’t quite up to scratch as far as serving food is concerned.’

He took the plate from her with a smile that would have melted the hardest heart. ‘I understand, and this looks excellent.’ He picked up the pie and took a large bite, eating with obvious enjoyment.

‘I suppose you are just passing.’ Judy scooped a shovelful of coal from the scuttle and threw it onto the fire, adding a log for good measure.

Rob put his head on one side, grinning. ‘Someone has been telling you stories about my family’s exploits.’

Judy felt the blood rush to her cheeks and she turned away, wiping her hands on her apron. ‘People gossip.’

‘I feel I should put your mind at ease. That particular branch of the family paid the price for their crimes, although in those days most people who lived along the coast were involved in free trading in one way or the other.’

‘I remember the secret passage that led from Creek Manor to the cove,’ Judy said, frowning. ‘The old squire was involved in free trading, as you call it.’

‘It doesn’t pay well enough now.’ Rob finished the pie. ‘That was good, but I’m sure you could make better pastry.’

Judy stared at him in surprise. ‘What makes you say that?’

‘You were at Creek Manor as a child. It follows that they put you to work very young, and I suspect you might have been sent to the kitchen.’

‘How did you know?’

He chuckled and reached out to take her hand. ‘Your hands are too smooth and soft to be those of a skivvy or a laundry maid.’ He stroked her fingers gently. ‘And your hands are cold, just right for making pastry, I’d say.’

She drew away, startled by the accuracy of his comments. ‘I did work in the kitchen, although it was because I wanted to learn how to cook and Mrs Pearce was kind to me.’

‘Then I can’t wait to sample your efforts.’ Rob rose to his feet. ‘I have to go now, but I’ll be back sometime soon. Then I hope to enjoy a meal cooked by you, Judy Begg.’ He took his cap from the settle where he had left it and sauntered out into the darkness, closing the door behind him.