‘I always thought I’d never want to bump into him again, but after hearing that I think I’d quite enjoy the experience,’ said Olivia. ‘I must include that in my letter to Ted. Thank goodness I haven’t sent it yet.’

William Campbell rolled his eyes as Annie entered the room. ‘For goodness’ sake, woman, what now?’

‘It’s Doctor Palmer come to see you,’ Annie said apologetically.

William drew a deep breath before letting it out in a series of barking coughs. Turning puce, he gestured with his hand for her to send him in. Fighting to regain his breath, he scowled at the doctor who stood patiently beside William’s bed.

‘Well, I needn’t ask how you are because I can hear it for myself,’ Doctor Palmer said sternly. ‘I don’t suppose you’ve been taking the medication I prescribed?’ Seeing a tablet bottle on William’s bedside table, Doctor Palmer picked it up and peered at the contents. He shook his head disapprovingly. ‘How do you ever expect to get better if you don’t do as you’re told?’

William leaned back against his pillow and wiped his lips, then glanced at the handkerchief which was flecked with a pink froth. He stared wearily at his visitor. ‘Can you cure the dying?’

‘Who said you’re dying?’

‘Me,’ said William as he locked eyes with the doctor, who didn’t try to contradict him. William quietly chuckled. ‘My body’s had enough, only you’re making too much money prescribing your useless potions and pills to admit the truth.’

‘Not at all,’ said Doctor Palmer indignantly. ‘It could be a number of different things, but if you don’t let us rule them out we might never get to the crux of the problem.’

William wheezed. ‘Wouldn’t that suit you fine?’ He waved a hand to silence the doctor, who was spluttering a protest. ‘I can’t say as I blame you. You’re in business, same as me, we’ve all got to earn our living somehow.’

Doctor Palmer furrowed his brow. ‘I’ve a duty of care, I can’t stand by and leave you suffering without at least trying to help.’

‘And what if I couldn’t afford to pay you? What then? Would you still have a duty of care?’

Doctor Palmer’s jaw flinched. ‘I’m not a charity and medicine doesn’t come cheap.’

William nodded, deep in thought. ‘My Catherine had polio as a little girl; her parents had to club together with the neighbours to afford the medicine.’ He fixed the doctor with an inquisitive gaze. ‘Did you meet Catherine?’

Doctor Palmer frowned. ‘Of course I met her – I was the one who gave her treatment, you know I did.’

William had been ready to speak, but now he closed his mouth. He appeared to be thinking hard, but after a moment or two he looked up. ‘She saw many doctors over the years, for all the good it did her.’