‘I agree entirely,’ Judy said earnestly. ‘I spent only one morning working as a ward maid at the London Hospital, but that was enough to make me wish that I could be a nurse, or even a doctor. Although I doubt if I’m clever enough for that.’

‘Maybe you’ll get your chance one day.’ Adeline glanced at the clock on the mantelshelf. ‘You look tired, Judy. Will you be all right sleeping on the sofa, or would you like to try to make it upstairs?’

Judy stifled a yawn. ‘I’m quite comfortable here, thank you, Adeline.’

‘I’ll make you some cocoa, dear.’ Adeline bustled into the kitchen.

Judy lay back against the cushions and closed her eyes, but she knew it would not be easy to forget the way Jay had behaved. He seemed to be obsessed with the inheritance that he had sold so carelessly when he needed the money. The desire to pass on the land and the title to his son had taken over his whole life, and it had become like a disease that was eating away his mind and body. Worse still, he had involved Rob, who was the innocent victim of his hatred.

Judy raised herself to a sitting position. She would go home tomorrow, even if she had to limp all the way to Little Creek. Rob needed to know that Jay was plotting against him.

‘Here’s your cocoa, Judy.’ Adeline emerged from the kitchen. She placed the cup on the table she had moved close to the sofa. ‘I hope you sleep well, dear. Things will look better in the morning. They always do.’

Chapter Twenty-Two

Despite her worries, Judy slept surprisingly well. She was awakened by the sound of someone rapping on the door and she raised herself on one elbow. She could hear voices, and she reached for the robe that Adeline had provided. She was about to rise from the couch when the door burst open and Molly rushed into the parlour.

‘We’ve come to take you home, Judy.’ Molly drew back the curtains. ‘You look awful. Are you in a lot of pain? Miss Dorning told me briefly what happened to you, but I can’t wait to hear the whole story.’

Judy sat up, the last strands of sleep clearing from her brain. As always her sister looked like a fashion plate, although Judy did not recognise the charming pale blue velvet outfit trimmed with fur or the matching hat, perched at an angle on Molly’s golden curls.

‘What are you doing here?’ Judy demanded.

Molly pulled up the stool and sat down. ‘Ma has been going mad with worry since you disappeared, and she insisted that we came to get you.’

‘I thought you’d be back at Colneyhurst by now.’

‘I had so much fun working at the Crooked Billet that I decided to stay on. I’ve had enough of caring for small children, and I enjoy meeting the customers at the inn.’

Judy pulled a face. ‘You mean flirting with them, don’t you?’