‘Of course not. I’m a cripple and likely to remain so. I can’t marry you, or anyone while I’m in this state.’

She could see that he was getting agitated and she headed for the doorway. ‘Don’t worry about it, Jack. It will all work out in time.’

‘That’s what people say when they don’t know what’s going to happen,’ he said bitterly. ‘Look at me, Judy. I’m supposed to be lord of the manor in Jay’s absence, but everyone knows that I’m not up to it. I wasn’t before the accident and now I’m completely useless. I can’t even elevate you from the servants’ quarters to the family table.’

‘I won’t listen to this.’ Judy balanced the tray on her knee while she opened the door. ‘I’ll come back after I’ve had my supper.’

‘Don’t bother. I’ll probably be asleep.’

‘All right, if that’s the way you want it, I’ll say good night.’ She left the room, knowing that she would return later and he would be pleased to see her, even if he pretended otherwise. She loved him dearly, but he was behaving like a fractious child.

She took the tray to the kitchen where she found her mother in conversation with Cook and Ida Ralston, but Judy was quick to note the worried look on her mother’s face.

‘What’s the matter, Ma?’

‘Oh, Judy! I really can’t make up my mind. I don’t know what to do.’

‘What do you mean?’ Judy asked wearily. ‘Is this about your feelings for Mr Faulkner or embarrassment because of your amputation?’

‘Yes, my dear,’ Cook said with a sympathetic smile. ‘If you have any doubts about marrying the fellow, I’d say think again.’

‘Yes, indeed.’ Ida Ralston nodded in agreement. ‘What exactly is worrying you, Hilda?’

The sound of booted feet on the flagstone floor made them all turn with a start and Judy was surprised to see Wilfred Faulkner standing in the doorway, the smell of the stables hanging over him in a cloud.

‘Well, this is charming,’ he said, grinning. ‘Are you spreading the good news, Hilda, my dear? We’re to be married, ladies. My Hilda has yet to name the day, but it can’t be soon enough for me.’

Nell nudged Hilda in the ribs. ‘Go on, then. Tell him what you want him to do.’

Chapter Six

It was all set up. The following afternoon, in the seldom-used Blue Parlour, Hilda sat in a chair behind a tapestry screen. Her damaged limb rested on a stool, and the wooden leg lay on the floor beside her. She had been ready to give up, but a glass of sherry had steadied her nerves, and Wilfred had been sent for, although he had not been told the reason for their meeting. Judy stationed herself on the other side of the screen, ready to pull it back just far enough to reveal the stump. It had seemed like a brilliant idea when first mooted, but now she was beginning to think it was a bit too theatrical, and might have the opposite effect to that planned. Everything now depended upon Wilfred and his reaction; she would know immediately if the sight of Hilda’s injury made him recoil in horror.