‘If you’re worried that Jack is like his half-brother, then don’t be. Jay takes after the old squire and Jack’s father was a good man at heart, even if he was a bully. Jack wouldn’t chase after other women if you and he were to wed.’

‘He doesn’t want to commit himself to something so permanent, but if I stay at Creek Manor under his terms I would be living on a knife edge. Mrs Tattersall would sack me instantly if she discovered we were having a secret liaison.’

Daisy was silent for a moment as if considering the situation. ‘Then you have no alternative,’ she said slowly. ‘I think you’re right, Judy. You need to go away for a while. It will give you both time to think.’

‘I was wondering if your brother, Dr Marshall, might need a servant,’ Judy said hopefully. ‘He was always so nice to me whenever I saw him, and so was his wife.’

‘Minnie is the kindest person I know, and with boisterous five-year-old twins she might very well need help.’ Daisy frowned thoughtfully. ‘I tell you what, Judy. I’ll write a letter to my brother and sister-in-law, and even if they don’t need anyone, I’m sure they will help you find a suitable position. It’s not as if you are a stranger to London. You were born there, after all.’

‘And I lived there until I was nine,’ Judy added, smiling ruefully. ‘Although I wouldn’t want to go back to Green Dragon Yard.’

‘There’s no question of that. I have a much better idea. I’ll send a telegram to say that you’re coming, and I’ll write a note to Minnie, asking her to help you to find accommodation in London.’ Daisy rose from her seat and went over to the sideboard where she took pen and paper from one of the drawers. She sat back at the table and began to write, while Judy sipped her coffee, feeling more positive than she had done since Jack’s return home. She knew now what she must do, even though leaving Creek Manor and those she loved would break her heart.

Sidney Square was close to the London Hospital and not far from Mrs Wood’s boarding house in Fieldgate Street. Daisy had told her amusing stories of the time she lodged there, although these were not uppermost in Judy’s mind as she stepped down from the hansom cab outside the Marshalls’ residence. She paid the cabby, picked up her carpet bag and crossed the pavement to knock on the door.

It was opened by a young maidservant, who stared at her blankly.

‘Mrs Marshall is expecting me,’ Judy said firmly.

The maid, who could not have been a day older than twelve, blinked, nodded and closed the door. Judy was left standing on the step, not knowing whether to knock again or to wait, but a couple of minutes later the door opened and Minnie Marshall greeted her with a smile.

‘Come in, Judy. I’m sorry about that, but you’ll have to forgive Sukey as she’s only been with us for a few days.’ Minnie stepped aside and ushered Judy into the narrow hallway. ‘Come into the parlour and Sukey will bring us some refreshments. That’s if she doesn’t trip over the mat and drop the tray as she did earlier this morning.’