‘And Mrs Neville needs to rest more.’ Mrs Bee gave Dove meaningful look. ‘Not that she takes much notice of me, but you can help by taking on the bookkeeping. You’re a clever woman, Judy. You can do it.’

‘I’ll try my best, that’s all I can say. Congratulations, by the way, Dove. It seems to be the year for new babies and weddings. I’ve just left Molly at Miss Creedy’s, being fitted for her wedding gown.’

‘I dare say you’ll be next, Judy.’ Mrs Bee placed the dough back in the large bowl and covered it with a damp cloth. ‘I’ll leave this to prove and I’ll put the kettle on.’

‘I can’t stay,’ Judy said hastily. ‘Rob has promised to drive me home and we’ll pick up Molly on the way.’

‘You could do worse, Judy,’ Dove said with a mischievous smile. ‘Rob Dorning is a very presentable man and he’s wealthy, too. A great catch.’

Judy stood up, hoping that neither of them had seen the blush rise to her cheeks. ‘Ours is a purely business arrangement.’

‘If you say so, Judy.’ Dove closed the ledger with a sigh. ‘I can’t do any more today. The figures keep swimming about and muddling themselves up. At least I won’t have this bother when the hospital is transferred to the new building. It can’t come soon enough for me.’

‘I really must go now.’ Judy leaned over to kiss Dove’s pale cheek. ‘You mustn’t work too hard. I’ll do anything I can to help.’

‘Thank you, Judy. That would be most kind. Maybe you could spare one morning a week to come and sort the books out for me?’

‘Of course. It would be a pleasure.’ Judy picked up her basket. ‘Goodbye for now. I’ll see you soon.’

As he had promised, Rob drove Judy and Molly home. He carried the groceries to the kitchen where he laid the basket on the table.

Hilda wiped her hands on her apron. ‘We thought you’d gone away for good, Rob Dorning.’

‘Ma!’ Judy shot her a warning glance. ‘I never said such a thing.’

‘Well, that’s how it looked.’ Hilda tossed her head. ‘Are you playing fast and loose with my girl’s affections, Mr Dorning? It seems to be a habit of the Tattersall menfolk.’

‘That’s enough, Ma,’ Judy said angrily.

Rob threw back his head and laughed. ‘Your mother is being honest, Judy. I appreciate candour, and in answer to your question, Mrs Begg, I am not playing fast and loose, as you put it. My intentions as far as Judy is concerned are strictly honourable.’

‘It’s a business arrangement, Ma,’ Judy said hastily. ‘I’m going to raise funds to keep the new hospital, and you’ll never guess who’s involved.’

Hilda shrugged. ‘I don’t suppose I will.’

‘Dr Marshall and his family are moving down from London and so is Dr Godfrey. They’ll be working together with Dr Neville and Rob, who’s given them part of the Creek Manor estate so that they can build a fine new hospital.’