‘Are you all right, ma’am?’ Judy asked anxiously.

Mary shook her head. ‘I can’t carry on like this, Judy. I know I should be stronger and more capable, but I really can’t continue to manage the estate as I did when Jack was away at university. Jack spoke to me about you and I agree with him. There is no one that either of us would trust to take over while he’s in this state, other than yourself. Will you forget everything I said in the past, Judy? Will you take over from me and keep the estate from going bankrupt?’

Chapter Five

It was almost an hour later when Dr Neville and Dr Godfrey returned to the morning parlour. Judy had managed to calm some of Mary’s fears by promising to do everything in her power to keep things running until Jack made a full recovery. She had kept her amused with descriptions of Mrs Wood’s lodging house and the people who lived there, but she was rapidly running out of stories.

‘Well?’ Mary demanded, rising to her feet. ‘What is the likely outcome, Dr Godfrey? There’s no need to mince words. I’m prepared for the worst.’

‘I’ve examined your son to the best of my ability and, apart from the obvious bruising, it’s difficult to ascertain whether or not there is more serious damage to his spine.’

‘So you can’t give me a definite diagnosis,’ Mary said slowly. ‘I thought you were an expert.’

‘I understand your concern, Mrs Tattersall, but in a case such as this we have to wait and see. It’s going to be a slow process, but I would very much like to come again in a couple of weeks’ time, and perhaps by then I’ll be able to make a more accurate prognosis.’ Dr Godfrey looked from Mary’s downcast face to Judy’s equally sad expression. ‘However, I am very hopeful. Jack is young and strong, and I know he will have the best of care.’

Mary sank back onto her seat. ‘Send your bill and I’ll make sure it is settled quickly.’

‘There will be no charge for this initial visit, Mrs Tattersall. I’m happy to be of service but I will return in a fortnight’s time, if that’s acceptable to you.’

‘I’ll call again tomorrow,’ Dr Neville said hurriedly.

‘I’ll see you out.’ Judy hesitated in the doorway, glancing anxiously at Mary, who was deathly pale.

‘All this is too much.’ Mary leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes. ‘My poor boy.’

‘I’ll be back in a minute.’ Judy hurried after the doctors and she caught up with them as they were preparing to leave the house. ‘Are you really hopeful, Dr Godfrey,’ she asked anxiously, ‘or were you trying to keep up our spirits?’

‘A bit of both, I suppose. As I said, it’s a difficult one to predict, but time will tell.’

‘Mrs Tattersall is naturally very concerned,’ Judy insisted. ‘Could you be more specific? Will Jack ever be as he was before the accident?’