‘That would be wonderful,’ Judy said enthusiastically. ‘I’m a quick learner.’

‘I propose that we accept Judy’s offer of help,’ Rob said firmly.

‘I second that.’ Ben Godfrey stood up. ‘I can vouch for Judy’s passionate interest in the welfare of the sick, especially those who are living in poverty. She accompanied me to Sarah Holden’s clinic in Limehouse. She saw sights that no well-brought-up young lady should see, and she didn’t bat an eyelid. I think Judy Begg would be an excellent ambassador for Creek Manor Hospital.’

‘I agree wholeheartedly,’ Toby said, smiling.

‘As do I.’ Nick reached for the bell pull at his side and gave it a tug. ‘I suggest we raise a toast to the success of our project, and to the health of our newest member of the team, Miss Judith Begg.’

Minutes later, flushed from sipping sherry at such an early hour in the morning, Judy left the men to discuss their next move, and she went to the kitchen where she hoped she might find Dove.

Mrs Bee was, as usual, up to her elbows in flour as she energetically kneaded a large batch of bread dough, and Dove was seated at the table poring over an account book. She looked up and closed the ledger with a sigh.

‘I really hate bookkeeping,’ she said crossly. ‘I’m sorry, Judy. That wasn’t the way to greet a friend.’

‘I should think not,’ Mrs Bee added, sniffing. ‘Take a seat, dear, and Flossie will make us all a nice cup of tea.’

‘Thank you.’ Judy sat down next to Dove. ‘I suppose you both know all about the new hospital?’

Dove nodded. ‘Of course. Nick doesn’t keep secrets from me, and if he did attempt to do so I have ways of finding out.’

‘That’s true enough.’ Mrs Bee chuckled and punched the dough into submission.

‘So what did they decide?’ Dove flexed her ink-stained fingers. ‘Are they going to find someone else to take over the bookkeeping? I do hope so.’

‘Well, it might be me,’ Judy said warily. ‘I’m quite good at figures, and I’ve been keeping the accounts at the inn. Anyway, I’m going to try my hand at fund-raising, but I’ll have help from Mrs Marshall. I still can’t quite believe that I’ve got a chance to prove myself.’

‘Why not?’ Dove gave her a hug. ‘You deserve to be recognised as the intelligent woman you are, Judy. Linnet and I have often said that your talents were wasted. I think it’s wonderful.’

‘You don’t mind that I have been offered the job?’ Judy asked anxiously. ‘I mean you’ve been working alongside your husband for the past ten years, and you’ve had three children in the meantime.’

Dove smiled and patted her belly. ‘And the fourth is on the way, Judy. I haven’t got the time or the energy to take on such a responsible position, but I think you’ll be a huge success in raising money for the hospital. You were always behind Ben when it was his pet project.’