The foyer was crowded with people clamouring for rooms, and the overworked concierge was clearly at the end of his tether. The hotel manager was attempting to keep the would-be guests calm while they allocated rooms to those who had been marooned by the peasouper. Judy glanced round at the pale faces of the men who vied for attention at the reception desk. They were mostly businessmen, judging by their city suits and top hats, but there were some ladies, probably the wives of the more prosperous gentleman. Judy amused herself by trying to pair them off with their irate husbands while she waited for Rob to return from the mêlée.

After a long wait he emerged from the crowd brandishing two keys. ‘It was a battle,’ he said, smiling broadly. ‘I thought it was going to come to fisticuffs, but I have the last two rooms.’

Judy made a move to join him, but the young woman who had been seated not far from her suddenly rose to her feet, swaying dangerously. Rob was nearest and he caught her as she collapsed in a faint. The young man who was with her relieved Rob of his burden.

‘Thank you, sir. I’m afraid I wasn’t quick enough. My poor wife is exhausted and I’ve just had to tell her that the last room has been taken.’ He set his semi-conscious wife back on the chair.

‘Is she all right?’ Judy asked anxiously. ‘She looks so pale.’

‘We’re expecting our first child. We came up to town to celebrate, but I’m afraid all this has been too much for her.’ The man leaned over his wife, fanning her with his hands.

Rob exchanged meaningful glances with Judy and she nodded.

‘You must have my room, sir,’ Rob said firmly. ‘There’s no question about it, and it’s on the first floor, so you haven’t far to go.’

‘Are you sure, sir? It’s very kind of you.’

‘Your wife’s need is greater than mine,’ Rob said, smiling.

The young woman opened her eyes. ‘What happened, Henry?’

‘You fainted, Clara. But this kind gentleman has given us the key to his room. Can you stand, my dear?’

She held out her hand. ‘Yes, I think so. It was silly of me to faint, but I suddenly felt very hot and dizzy.’

‘You need to rest,’ Judy said calmly. ‘Is there anything I can do to help?’

‘No, you’re very kind.’ Clara rose to her feet with her husband’s assistance. ‘It’s the fault of this wretched fog. I’ll be fine now.’

Henry grabbed Rob’s hand and pumped his arm up and down enthusiastically. ‘I should introduce myself, sir. I’m Henry Parsons. Thank you again.’

‘Rob Dorning and this lady is Judy Begg.’ Rob proffered his arm to Judy. ‘Come, my dear. We’d better go to our room.’

Judy snatched the key from his hand and walked away. ‘My room, I think, my dear.’

‘You wouldn’t force me to sit up all night in the bar, would you?’ Rob’s eyes twinkled despite his pained expression.