After eating her supper in the servants’ hall Judy went upstairs to sit with Jack while he picked at his food. ‘If you don’t eat up I’ll have to spoon-feed you as if you were a baby.’

Jack pulled a face. ‘You would, too.’

‘Yes, indeed, and I want to see a clean plate. You won’t get better unless you get your strength back.’

He managed to eat a few more mouthfuls. ‘What’s this London doctor like?’

‘I only met him briefly, but he seemed quite nice. Apparently his patients call him Dr God – his name is Dr Godfrey, if you remember what Dr Neville told you earlier.’

‘My brain works very well, thank you, Judy. It’s my legs that were affected by the fall.’

She smiled. ‘I’m glad to see you haven’t lost your sense of humour.’ She leaned over to take the tray from him. ‘You’ll walk again, I know it.’

‘I don’t think I could go on if I were a cripple.’

She placed the tray on a side table and went to sit on the edge of the bed, taking both his hands in hers.

‘I won’t allow that sort of talk, Jack. I’m with you now and for always, if you need me.’

‘I’ve no claim on you, Judy.’ His eyes brimmed with tears and he turned his head away. ‘If I can’t walk again I’ll only be half a man.’

‘Absolute nonsense. You are the same Jack Fox I’ve always known and loved.’

He turned to face her. ‘You love me?’

‘Of course I do, silly. I’ve always loved you, and nothing will ever alter that, so when you start talking like a lunatic, just remember the people who care deeply for you.’ She put her arms around him and gave him a long, but gentle hug.

‘That’s half the trouble.’ Jack sank back against the pillows, smiling ruefully. ‘My family are driving me mad. Dove and Linnet have been here every day, sometimes with their children. I love them all, but I don’t know what to say to them. Ma keeps crying and kissing me, which she never did before. Keep them away from me, Judy. Please.’

She pulled the covers up to his chin. ‘I will. Now try to sleep.’

‘Did the doctor speak to you about taking care of things while I’m laid up?’

‘Yes, he did, but don’t worry about that now.’

He grasped her hand. ‘I want you to manage the estate for me. You’re the only person I really trust.’

‘Let’s not talk about that just yet. You must rest.’

‘I won’t sleep until you promise you’ll stay and do what you can to keep things together. Promise, Judy.’

She raised his hand to her lips. ‘All right, I promise I’ll do everything I can.’

‘Thank you.’ Jack closed his eyes and then opened them, staring at her in alarm. ‘You’re not going back to the cottage, are you?’

‘Yes, of course. It’s where I live.’

‘No,’ he cried childishly. ‘I don’t want you to go so far away. You must sleep in the room next to mine. It was Daisy’s bedchamber until she married Marius. Please don’t go.’