Judy entered the office and came to a halt when she saw Minnie Marshall, who sprang up from the chair in front of Matron’s desk. ‘Judy, my dear, I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news for you.’

‘What’s happened?’ Judy demanded anxiously.

‘There’s been an accident at the manor house.’

‘I think it best if you sit down, Miss Begg,’ Matron said firmly.

It was not an invitation to refuse and Judy sank onto the nearest chair. ‘Who was it? Please tell me.’

‘It’s Jack. He was thrown from his horse and he sustained serious injuries. He’s been asking for you, dear.’

Judy took a few seconds to assimilate such terrible news. Jack was a good horseman and he had always seemed indestructible. ‘How bad is it?’ Her voice sounded hoarse to her own ears.

‘It’s early days yet, but I would imagine that Dr Neville will consult a specialist who deals with such injuries. We’ll know more then.’

‘What sort of injuries?’ Judy demanded dazedly.

‘He hurt his back,’ Minnie said evasively. ‘He’s confined to his bed.’

‘Can he move?’

Minnie shook her head. ‘Not very much.’

Judy covered her face with her hands. She was too numb to cry, but the mere thought of Jack being crippled for life was appalling. Jack was too full of energy and love of life to exist as an invalid. ‘It can’t be true.’

‘We have to be strong for Jack,’ Minnie said earnestly. ‘He wants you to go home. Mary sent the telegram to us, and even in a few words I could feel a mother’s agony. He needs you, Judy.’

‘I’ll be sorry to lose you, Miss Begg.’ Matron opened a drawer in her desk and took out a cash box, which she unlocked. ‘I can pay you for one morning’s work, which will help towards your fare home.’ She took out a few coins and laid them on the desk.

‘Thank you, Matron.’ Minnie picked up the money and pressed it into Judy’s limp hand. ‘Come along, dear. I’ll help you pack your bag and we’ll take a cab to Bishopsgate Station.’

Judy shook her head. ‘It’s kind of you, Mrs Marshall, but I don’t want you to go to all that trouble. I’ll do as you suggest, but I can manage on my own.’

‘Nonsense,’ Minnie said with a wry smile. ‘I lodged in Mrs Wood’s house for several years and I know how difficult the woman can be. She might try to squeeze a few more shillings out of you, and that would never do. I’m up to her tricks.’ Minnie rose to her feet. ‘Come along, Judy. Together we’ll vanquish the old dragon.’ She turned to Matron with a charming smile. ‘Thank you, Matron.’ Minnie left the office and Judy followed blindly. All she could think about was Jack, lying broken and probably crippled for life, and she had been thinking badly of him. If she had not run away he might still be the same energetic, fun-loving young man. It was her fault and she would never forgive herself.