She was about half a mile out of Little Creek when she heard the sound of horses’ hoofs and the rumble of wheels. There was nowhere to hide and with tall hedgerows on either side of the road there was no escape. She flattened herself against the prickly hawthorn, hoping that the driver would go past, but the passenger was peering out of the window and he thumped on the roof, shouting to the coachman to come to a halt. The door opened and Dr Godfrey leaped out.

In the light of the coach lamp there was no hiding place and Judy met his shocked gaze with a steady look. ‘I walked into a doorpost,’ she said gruffly.

‘The hell you did.’ Ben Godfrey lifted her chin with the tip of his gloved finger. ‘I’ve seen that sort of injury all too often. Who did this to you?’

‘I’m all right,’ Judy said stubbornly. ‘I mustn’t detain you, Doctor.’ She started to walk away, but he caught her by the wrist.

‘Where are you going? It’s dark and wet and you’re soaked to the skin.’

Her head ached and each step caused her more and more pain. She was wet, cold and hungry, and she felt her resolve weakening. ‘I’m going to visit a friend.’ It was a poor lie and she could see that he remained unconvinced.

‘Then I’ll take you there. Please get in the carriage.’

There seemed to be little alternative and Judy allowed him to help her into the vehicle. He waited until she was settled before climbing in to sit opposite her. ‘Where were you headed, Judy? I’ll tell the coachman to drive you to the door.’

‘I don’t know,’ she said wearily. ‘Just as far away from Little Creek as possible.’

Dr Godfrey tapped on the roof with his cane. ‘Drive on.’

‘We’re heading back to Little Creek,’ Judy said in a sudden panic. ‘Tell the coachman to stop. I can’t go home.’

‘I’m taking you to Creek Hall. I was on my way there anyway. You need those cuts and bruises attended to.’

‘You don’t understand,’ Judy said in desperation. ‘I can’t allow anyone to see me in this state. If it gets back to Ma—’ She broke off, covering her mouth with her hand. She had said too much, and even in the dim light she could see from his expression that Dr Godfrey understood.

‘I’ve met your stepfather on a couple of occasions,’ he said calmly. ‘I didn’t take to the fellow. Is he the reason you were running away?’

‘I don’t want to talk about it, but please, Dr Godfrey, I can’t go to Creek Hall.’

‘Don’t worry, I’ll make sure that no one knows apart from Nick and his wife.’

‘You won’t keep anything from Mrs Bee, and some of the servants from Creek Manor now work at the hospital.’

‘Mrs Bee is the soul of discretion, I’m sure. You’ll have to trust me, but I can’t allow you to wander the country lanes alone and at night.’ He took off his overcoat and laid it over her. ‘When we get there just sit tight and wait for me to come out and get you. That way we’ll make sure no one sees you.’