‘It’s a pity you’re too big to put over my knee.’ Hilda stalked off with her head held high and Judy dissolved into a fit of giggles. Suddenly she felt better, and she went to the linen cupboard to fetch sheets and pillowcases for the bed in Daisy’s old room.

Dr Godfrey arrived next day and was met at the station by Dr Neville. Judy was halfway down the grand staircase when they arrived. She reached the foot of the stairs in time to greet the new arrivals.

‘It’s so good of you both to come all this way.’

Dr Godfrey bowed over her extended hand with old-fashioned gallantry, which she found rather touching. ‘Not at all, Miss Begg. I’ve always been interested in spinal injuries, and Dr Neville has explained the nature of the accident.’

‘Would you like to see Mrs Tattersall before you examine Jack?’ Judy asked cautiously. ‘I expect she had many questions to put to you.’

‘Of course.’ Dr Godfrey gave her a smile that seemed to light up the great hall even though it was raining outside.

‘That’s a good idea,’ Dr Neville added. ‘Dr Godfrey will be able to give her much more up-to-date information than I could.’

Judy led the way to the morning parlour where Mary spent much of her time these days. It was a relatively small room, furnished with comfortable, well-worn chairs and a tea table set in front of a tall window, which overlooked the parterre garden in all its spring glory. Mary was seated by the fire, which she insisted on being lit even though it was reasonably warm. She put her embroidery hoop down.

‘Yes, Judy? What is it?’

‘Dr Neville is here with the specialist from London, Dr Godfrey.’

‘Oh dear. I’m not sure I’m ready for this. What will I do if he says there’s no hope of Jack ever walking again?’

‘He might say the very opposite, Mrs Tattersall. Dr Godfrey is the expert.’

‘Show them in, and then you’d better go upstairs and warn Jack to expect them.’

‘Yes, of course.’ Judy opened the door and beckoned. ‘Mrs Tattersall will see you now.’ She ushered them into the room and closed the door. Taking a deep breath she headed back through the great hall and, picking up her skirts, she raced upstairs, arriving in Jack’s room slightly breathless.

He was propped up on a mound of pillows. ‘Why the hurry?’ he demanded peevishly. ‘Your hair is all over the place.’

She went to the dressing table and smoothed a stray lock of fair hair back from her forehead. ‘Your mother sent me to tell you that the specialist is here. Dr Godfrey is particularly interested in spinal injuries.’

Jack turned his face to the wall. ‘I feel like an exhibit in a freak show.’

‘Nonsense, Jack. Stop being so melodramatic. The doctor is here to help you.’ A sharp rap had Judy hurrying across the room to open the door. She let the two doctors in and rather reluctantly left them to carry out whatever examinations they thought necessary. She made her way slowly downstairs, where she found Mary pacing the floor in the great hall.