‘Thank you, James.’ Judy hurried through the great hall and the familiar oak-panelled passages to the drawing room. She hesitated outside the door, taking a deep breath before she knocked and entered.

Mary was lying on the sofa with a cold compress on her forehead, while Hilda poured tea.

‘Judy, love.’ Hilda placed the pot back on the tray and leaped to her feet. In an unusual show of emotion she gave her daughter a hug, and then released her. ‘Thank goodness you’ve come home. We’re all at sixes and sevens.’

Judy glanced over her mother’s shoulder. ‘How is Mrs Tattersall?’

‘Not good, dear. It’s been a terrible shock.’

‘How did it happen, Ma?’

‘I only know that Will Johnson came across Jack’s horse running loose, and he found Jack unconscious in ten-acre field. The workers brought him home on a hurdle, and Dr Neville came to see him, but he’s going to send for a specialist from London because he doesn’t know enough about spinal injuries to be certain of the outcome.’

‘He must have some idea. Does he think that Jack will be crippled for life?’

‘Hush, dear. Keep your voice down. We’re trying to keep it from Mrs Tattersall.’

‘Where is Jack now? I want to see him.’

‘The workers brought him home on a hurdle and carried him upstairs to his room. He’s been there ever since.’

‘I’ll go and see him now.’

‘He’s done nothing but ask for you since he regained consciousness. For two days he just lay there like a stone, and when he opened his eyes he spoke your name.’ Hilda buried her face in her apron. ‘I’ve tried to be brave for Mrs Tattersall’s sake, but I’m so glad you’ve come home, Judy. Please don’t go away again.’

Judy laid a hand on her mother’s shoulder. ‘Don’t worry, Ma. I’ll stay as long as I’m needed.’ She glanced at Mary, who was lying inert on the sofa. ‘Is she all right?’

‘Not really. Dr Neville gave her a strong dose of laudanum, but she’ll be pleased to see you when she comes to herself.’

Upstairs in the master bedroom, Jack was flat on his back and at first Judy thought he was asleep, but as she approached the bed he seemed to sense her presence and opened his eyes.

‘Judy. I knew you’d come.’

She perched on the edge of the bed and reached out to grasp his hand as it rested on the coverlet. ‘I can’t leave you for five minutes without you getting into bother,’ she said, forcing a smile although she felt more like crying.

‘I don’t remember how it happened,’ Jack said angrily. ‘One minute I was on horseback, and the next thing I remember is waking up in my bed.’

‘Are you in much pain now?’

‘I can’t feel a thing, and that’s what frightens me most. I can’t move my legs, Judy. I’m a cripple.’

She squeezed his fingers. ‘Don’t say that. It’s early days yet, and I’ll make sure you get the best medical attention possible. You’ll be up and about before you know it.’