‘No, really, I’m better off here. It takes my mind off my aches and pains,’ Judy said with an attempt at a smile.

‘I heard that your mother had sent the brute packing. I admire her spirit, and yours, too.’

‘Thank you, Doctor.’

‘What will you do now, Judy? Will you stay on here?’

‘For the time being, I suppose. Although, even with both of us working, we can barely make ends meet. I’m grateful to Dr Neville for keeping me on, but I need to find something that will pay better.’

‘Will you sit down for a moment? I have something to say that might interest you.’

Judy eyed him warily, but she could see that he was serious and she perched on the edge of an upright chair. ‘I’m listening.’

Dr Godfrey sat down in an armchair, facing her. ‘Nick and I have been talking things over. It was his suggestion in the first place, but I can see the benefits to both of us and the community.’

Judy stared at him nonplussed. ‘I’m sorry, I don’t understand.’

‘I’m putting this badly, but it concerns Creek Manor.’

‘Which is just a pile of ashes now.’

‘Precisely, and the person who bought the manor and the title is no longer interested in it. The whole estate is up for sale again, and Nick and I are trying to find investors so that we can buy the land and rebuild the property.’

‘You want to be lord of the manor?’

‘No, not at all. We want to build a proper hospital, one that is modern and large enough to serve the whole area, not just the village. I want to specialise in orthopaedics, and in particular the rehabilitation of people crippled by spinal injury.’

‘Like Jack.’

He nodded. ‘Yes, like him and many other unfortunates who are destined to spend their lives dependent on others, or begging on the streets. Once we have the money we will put in an offer for the estate and build a splendid hospital. I think that you would make a very good nurse, Judy. You could train and specialise in orthopaedics. I would be more than happy to have you on my team.’

He smiled and Judy was struck once again by the warm golden lights in his brown eyes. She could imagine how he must soothe his nervous patients, but she was in no mood to be charmed, and she shook her head. ‘Thank you, Doctor, I think a new hospital is a wonderful idea, but I don’t think I’m cut out to be a nurse.’

‘That’s a pity, but I’m sure we could find work for you, and your mother, too.’

It was Judy’s turn to smile. ‘I think we’d better wait until the hospital is built before we come to a decision.’

‘You’re right, of course, and if you don’t mind me saying so, it’s good to see you haven’t lost your fighting spirit, Judy.’

‘I was born and raised in Green Dragon Yard, and you have to be tough to survive in that place.’