‘You mustn’t take it so hard, Judy.’ Minnie’s gentle voice interrupted Judy’s agonised thinking. ‘It was an accident, and it could have happened to anyone. I don’t know the details, but from what I remember of Jack Fox, he was always a daredevil.’

The description was so apt that it brought a reluctant smile to Judy’s face. ‘That’s so true.’

They had reached the main reception area and Minnie hesitated, gazing round expectantly. ‘I was hoping to see Ben Godfrey. I want him to give Toby a message, just in case he goes home and finds me gone. I left a message with Sukey, but I expect she’ll forget to pass it on.’ Minnie edged her way between the patients, some of whom were blocking the aisles while others wandered aimlessly, and were chivvied along by the busy nurses. Minnie came to a halt when she spotted Dr Godfrey, who was talking to the sister in charge. He broke away, and came towards them, smiling.

‘Minnie, this is an unexpected pleasure, and Miss Begg.’ His smile faded when he looked at Judy. ‘Is something wrong?’

Minnie placed her arm protectively around Judy’s shoulders. ‘I’m afraid Judy has just been given bad news. She’s going home to Little Creek.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that, Miss Begg. Is there anything I can do to help?’

Judy shot him a sideways glance. ‘No, Doctor. But thank you for asking.’

‘We have to leave now, Ben. Judy has to collect her belongings and I’m taking her to Bishopsgate Station. Will you tell Toby that, if you see him in the staff room?’

‘Of course I will, and once again, I’m sorry we’re going to lose you, Miss Begg.’

‘Thank you.’ At any other time Judy would have been pleased and flattered to receive such attention, but her thoughts were firmly fixed on getting home as quickly as possible. Jack had sent for her – he wanted her – and that was good enough. She needed no more encouragement to go home.

It was not far from Little Creek Station to the chain ferry, and when it reached the far side of the river Judy walked the last mile home. It was late afternoon when she arrived at Creek Manor and she was eager to see Jack, but fearful of what she might find. The feelings of guilt had plagued her during the journey home, and she was trembling as she waited for someone to open the heavy oak door.

James let her in and took her valise. His normally impassive countenance was troubled. ‘Glad you came home, miss.’

‘How is the master?’ Judy asked anxiously.

‘They say in the servants’ hall that he’ll never walk again, but I can’t tell you that’s a fact because I don’t know, and I don’t think no one else does neither.’

It was hardly an encouraging start, but Judy braced herself to face the worst. ‘Where is Mrs Tattersall?’

‘She’s in the drawing room now, but she’s spent most of the time at the master’s bedside. Your ma was with her not so long ago. She might still be there.’