Judy went to kneel beside the chair where Jack spent many hours each day. It was placed close to the window so that he could look out and enjoy the view over the park.

‘Is that what you really want?’ she said gently. ‘I mean, do you really want to give up the manor house and all your friends here in Little Creek? You might hate Australia.’

He gave her a steady look. ‘Why are you saying these things? I’m not a child, Judy. I know what I want, and it isn’t being stuck here day in and day out like the cripple I am. Jay wants to sell up here so that he can double his investments and make even more money.’

‘That’s all very well for your brother, but are you sure it’s best for you, Jack? Would you get the medical treatment you need?’

Jack curled his lip. ‘You mean like the amazing cures that your Dr God has offered me? All he and Nick can say is that in time I might be able to walk again, but they can’t promise anything. In reality what they’re trying to tell me is that they don’t know how to treat me, and they don’t really think I’ll ever walk again. I broke my back – and that’s the end of it. Jack Fox, crippled for life.’

‘You mustn’t think like that. You know that the doctors said it might be the condition they call spinal shock, and one day you might simply get up and walk.’

‘I don’t want to talk about it now, but I want you to come with me.’ Jack reached out to clutch her hand. ‘Say you will, Judy. I need you.’

She withdrew her hand gently. ‘I don’t know about that. I’ll have to think about it.’

‘What is there to think about? You say you love me, so you must want to be with me.’ His arched eyebrows drew together in a frown. ‘Or do you love Creek Manor more? Is that why you’ve been so attentive? Did you want to marry the squire?’

Judy leaped to her feet. ‘That’s so unfair and it’s not true. I can’t believe you said that, Jack. You’re the one who should give the matter more thought.’

‘What are you saying?’

‘Your half-brother isn’t to be trusted. Look what he did to Daisy and the other women in his life.’

‘His private life has nothing to do with it.’ Jack turned his head away. ‘But I’m not going to argue with you. Anything is better than being cooped up here in my room. I might as well be dead.’

‘You could have broken your neck,’ Judy said angrily. ‘Then you would have died. You’re alive and you have a loving family and friends to look after you. If you go with Jay you’re risking everything.’ She hurried from the room. There was no reasoning with Jack when he was in this mood. If she stayed any longer the argument would go round in circles, getting nowhere. She decided to join the party. After all, it was Hilda’s day, and Jay must not be allowed to ruin it for the newlyweds.