Dr Godfrey patted her on the shoulder. ‘I’ll do everything I can for him, but I can’t promise anything. However, I can see that he has an excellent nurse, and it’s just a matter of time before we know anything for certain. In the meantime, try to keep him calm and don’t allow him to worry.’

Judy dropped her gaze. She could feel the colour rising to her cheeks as it had done when she first met Dr Godfrey. ‘Thank you, Dr Godfrey.’

‘I’ll drive you to the station, Ben,’ Dr Neville said cheerfully. ‘Unless of course you’d like to stay on for a day or two.’

‘I’d love to, but I have patients to see at the London, although I might take you up on that offer when I return. Little Creek seems such a charming village and a pleasant change after the hurly-burly of the East End.’

‘The station it is then.’ Dr Neville gave Judy an encouraging smile as he left the house. ‘Try not to worry, Judy. We’ll do our best for Jack.’

‘Yes, Doctor. I know you will.’

Judy stood in the doorway, watching them as they climbed into the chaise and drove away. She knew that they would do what they could for Jack, but she had hoped for more encouraging words from both doctors, and she struggled with feelings of disappointment and frustration. Jack might be laid up for weeks, months or, heaven forbid, even years, and what would happen to the estate? It would not run itself and she had made a solemn promise to do what she could to avert disaster. The servants would do their very best and Clem Guppy was capable of dealing with the day-to-day problems that arose on the estate, but it was clear that Mary Tattersall was close to breaking point. Judy had never before considered how hard it must be for a woman on her own to take charge of a large household as well as the demands of a working estate, but it was becoming clear to her now. Suddenly the divide between mistress and servant had narrowed. Judy knew that she owed it to Jack to do whatever she could to ensure that things ran smoothly until he was well enough to take over.

She turned to James, who was standing behind her waiting to close the door.

‘James, will you send a message to the stables, please? I’d like a horse saddled and ready to leave for Colneyhurst in twenty minutes.’

‘Yes, miss. I’ll see to that myself.’ James hesitated, clearing his throat, and it was obvious that he had something to say.

‘What is it, James?’

‘We’re wondering if things will go on the same now, miss. I mean with the master laid up for goodness knows how long, will there still be a place for the likes of me and some of the other servants?’

‘Of course there will,’ Judy said firmly.

‘Begging your pardon, but can you say that for certain? I’ll be honest with you, miss. There’s talk of bankruptcy in the servants’ hall. They say that Madam has allowed the estate to run into debt.’