‘I can hear someone coming.’ Judy turned her head at the sound of the door opening and Dr Neville entered first, followed by Dr Godfrey. Judy glanced from one to the other, but their expressions were carefully controlled and gave nothing away. ‘How is he, Doctor?’

‘Is there any improvement?’ Mary added anxiously. ‘Ring the bell for Lizzie, please, Judy. I’m sure the doctors would like some refreshment.’

‘A cup of tea would be most welcome,’ Dr Neville said, smiling.

Judy stood up and reached for the bell pull. ‘Is it good news, Dr Godfrey?’

‘There’s little change from when I last examined the patient,’ Dr Godfrey said carefully. ‘But there is no deterioration in Jack’s condition, so I remain hopeful.’

Mary’s hands flew to cover her flushed cheeks and she uttered a cry of relief. ‘I’m so glad. But where are my manners? Please sit down, gentlemen.’ She waited until they were settled. ‘So what exactly are you saying, Dr Godfrey? Will my son recover fully, or not?’

‘I would love to be able to give you a definite answer, Mrs Tattersall, but I’m afraid I cannot. All I can say for sure is that Jack is young and strong, and it is just a matter of time, although you can help him by keeping up his spirits.’ Dr Godfrey turned to Judy. ‘I gather you took him out in the wheelchair this afternoon. That is just the sort of thing he needs.’

Judy shook her head. ‘I thought so, but now I’m not so sure. Jack insisted on going to the stables to see his horse, and he was very upset. I think he’s afraid that he’ll never ride again.’

‘Oh, Judy, that was a silly thing to do,’ Mary said crossly. ‘You ought to have known better.’

‘I didn’t set out to take him there, Mrs Tattersall. It was Jack’s idea.’

‘And we all know that Jack can be very determined when he sets his mind on something,’ Dr Neville said, chuckling. ‘I wouldn’t let that put you off, Judy. Maybe in a day or two you might suggest another outing, and this time take him in the opposite direction.’

‘I could take him out in my carriage,’ Mary suggested eagerly.

‘Perhaps at a later date, ma’am.’ Dr Godfrey exchanged meaningful looks with his colleague. ‘I mean, of course it would do him good to get out and about, but the jarring on his spine simply getting in and out of a carriage is not advisable at this stage.’

Judy could see that Mary was affronted by Dr Godfrey’s dismissal of her project, but the arrival of Lizzie created a diversion.

‘You rang, ma’am?’

‘Yes, Lizzie. We would like tea and cake. Judy will give you a hand.’ Mary nodded to Judy, adding in a low voice. ‘Go and help the girl. You know she gets things wrong, and I expect Jack would like some refreshment after undergoing the examination. As the doctor said, we must keep up his spirits.’