‘I was so convinced that the land would go for a song. I used a lot of the investors’ money in order to further my plans,’ Ben said gloomily. ‘I can’t repay them and I’ll be bankrupted when this gets out.’

‘I’m so sorry.’ Toby frowned thoughtfully. ‘But surely if you explained to them and promised to repay the money, they’ll be willing to wait. I mean, investing in any project is a risky business. They must have considered that.’

‘Maybe, but I haven’t got a job and I can’t even afford to pay next month’s rent. I’ve been a complete fool, Toby. I don’t know where to turn next.’

‘You’re a good doctor and a good man,’ Toby said firmly. ‘You aren’t cut out for a business career, and that’s a fact, but there must be a way round this. I suggest we have our meal and talk about it later. You will stay here tonight, of course.’

‘Thank you, but I still have my room in Raven Row, and Judy needs to get home to Little Creek.’

‘I can get the next train,’ Judy said stoutly. ‘Don’t worry about me.’

‘You’ll do no such thing. You must both stay here for tonight at least and perhaps we can help you to sort out your problem, Ben.’ Minnie stood up, brushing the creases out of her silk morning gown. ‘We have room for you, and it will be delightful to talk about something other than the move to Harley Street. I hope you don’t mind the fact that there are packing cases everywhere, but we’ll make you as comfortable as possible. Do say yes, Judy.’

The thought of travelling home late in the afternoon had little appeal. She had warned her mother that she might stay in London overnight, and it was good to be away from the worries and pressures of running the inn. She realised that Minnie was waiting for her response. ‘Yes, of course. I’ll go home tomorrow, I’m sure they can manage without me for another day.’

After luncheon Toby had to return to the hospital, leaving Minnie, Judy and Ben to finish their coffee in the parlour. Toby had been unable to offer any encouragement when it came to finding Ben a new position. The doctor who had been taken on at short notice to fill the gap left by Ben’s sudden departure had proved to be very good at his job, and everyone was satisfied with his work. Toby knew of no other vacancies in the hospital, but he promised to ask his colleagues if they had heard of any positions waiting to be filled in other institutions.

‘It serves me right.’ Ben toyed with his coffee cup. ‘I should have thought it through instead of acting on impulse, but I was so certain I could succeed.’

Minnie gazed at him with a thoughtful frown. ‘But if you’d spent so much of the investors’ money, how did you think you would have enough to buy the land?’