Then Mr Stannard took her completely by surprise by saying, ‘This is the young lady my son was trying to save. I think it would make him rest easier if he could see she was unharmed.’

‘Very well. Please come with me.’ Dr Sterling led the way. ‘He has been taken to a room on the next floor.’

Jenny hesitated, still uncertain what she should do. The doctor had clearly agreed with reluctance to let her see Matthew.

‘Come on, my dear.’ Mrs Stannard took hold of her arm, and they all made their way up the stairs.

Matthew was obviously exhausted after his ordeal and having great difficulty keeping his eyes open, but he did manage a brief smile that quickly turned into a grimace.

‘Don’t worry,’ he assured his family. ‘There’s no great harm done.’

‘The doctor told us.’ Louise kissed her son on the forehead. ‘We won’t stay long. We just wanted to see you for a moment, then we’ll let you sleep.’

Jenny hung back by the door while the rest of his family greeted him. He was still terribly pale, but a slightly better colour than immediately after the attack. Her relief was overwhelming. He would be taken good care of here. She started to leave the room.

‘Jen?’

At the sound of Matthew’s voice she stepped towards the bed, her whole body trembling with emotion.

‘Are you unhurt?’

‘Yes,’ she whispered, ‘thanks to you. I’m so sorry …’

‘That’s all she keeps saying,’ Luke teased, appearing to be back to something like normal now that he knew his brother was going to survive.

‘You don’t need to apologize,’ Matthew said firmly. ‘Tell Ma I’ll be along to see her as soon as I’m on my feet again.’

The doctor checked his patient. ‘You must all leave now. Come back tomorrow when he’s more rested.’

After taking their leave, they filed out of the room. Jenny glanced back and saw that Matthew was already fast asleep.

‘I’ll drive you back,’ John said, when they were outside the hospital.

‘I can catch a bus.’ Now that Jenny had seen Matthew, the anger was building inside her against Greaves. How dare he send thugs after her armed with a knife!

John’s eyes narrowed. ‘I’ll take you home because I want to be certain that you don’t charge off to confront Greaves on your own.’

How had he guessed that’s just what she was planning to do? He held her arm, and she allowed him to lead her to the car without further protest. This eldest brother was not someone you argued with. His strength of character and determined nature were clear to see. Each son was different in character, but all were fine men. Their parents must be so proud of all three.