Daisy had had the forethought to bring a hamper filled with food, and at midday they gathered round the huge kitchen table to enjoy a feast of mutton pies, cold chicken, cakes, fruit and copious amounts of tea.

‘This reminds me of old times at Creek Manor,’ Daisy said, smiling. ‘We only need Mrs Ralston and Cook to complete the set.’

‘Don’t forget Molesworth and James,’ Judy added. ‘It’s such a shame that the old house burned to the ground.’

‘Well, there’s some good news,’ Dove said importantly. ‘Our dear friend, fondly known as Dr God, had proved his omnipotence by securing part of the finance necessary to buy the land and rebuild Creek Manor, but this time it will be a hospital big enough to serve the whole county.’

Pip looked up from the slice of fruit cake he was about to devour. ‘Will there be a chance of employment for local people, Mrs Neville?’

‘Are you thinking of leaving our employ, Pip?’ Daisy asked anxiously. ‘I thought you were happy with us.’

‘I am, Mrs Walters. But I don’t want to be a stable boy all my life. I would like to help people with injuries like Ma. We all saw how she suffered and still suffers.’

‘Just think of all those handsome young doctors,’ Molly said, smiling dreamily. ‘I might end up like you, Mrs Neville.’

‘Trust you to think of yourself.’ Pip glowered at his sister.

‘Do you want to spend your days making wooden legs, Pip?’ Molly stifled a giggle.

Hilda frowned at them and shook her head. ‘Don’t laugh at him, Molly. I think it’s a very good thing to do. I know how grateful I was to the kind fellow who made my first wooden leg. I would be a cripple in a wheelchair if he hadn’t set out to help me.’

Judy laid her hand on Hilda’s shoulder. ‘Of course, you’re right. I’m sure Molly didn’t mean to make fun of you, Pip. I think wanting to help others is a very laudable ambition.’

Molly tossed her head. ‘Everyone is so serious these days. Perhaps things will become livelier when you open for business. I think I quite fancy working behind the bar.’

‘It’s not the place for a young lady,’ Hilda said firmly. ‘You’re better off where you are.’

‘More cake, anyone?’ Judy handed the plate round, and there was a brief silence while everyone finished their food.

When the last morsel had been eaten, Judy rose to her feet. ‘I want to thank you all for your hard work. All we need now are some mattresses and bedding, and of course some beer and spirits to stock the bar. At this rate we could open for business in a few days.’

‘You’ll need some form of transport,’ Daisy said thoughtfully. ‘There’s the old farm cart in the coach house, and Major is almost ready to put out to grass, but he’s got a few more miles in him. He’s a good steady horse and you’re welcome to have him, if that would help.’