‘I agree, but Lawrence can be very persuasive. He has a way of suggesting something to a patient that makes them think it was their idea. I have seen him calm some very frightening people in that manner. I think his secret lies in his disability. He too is damaged, just like them, so he doesn’t represent a threat. People can relate to him.’

‘Has he always been in a wheelchair?’

‘Since childhood.’

Will mulled over the options that were available to Kate. She could be admitted as an in-patient for a full assessment and treatment. She could stay for a single day’s observation, then be given follow-up outpatient care. Or she could leave on a wing and a prayer with a bagful of drugs that she would probably flush down the toilet. Once upon a time, she would have discussed these options with him, and they would have decided together. Now, well, he had no idea what she would choose to do. In a calmer moment before they had left for the clinic, he had managed to make her understand that he had been angry and upset about Sophie when he said he wanted to leave the fen, but he could not forget the look she had given him. There had been nothing in it but pure malice.

An hour later, Kate came out of the office, alone. She sat next to Will and calmly stated that she would be staying with Dr Hassel for a couple of days. She had decided that she owed herself a rest, she had been working too hard lately. She hoped he would understand. Without waiting for an answer, she stood, turned to Sam Page and said, ‘Perhaps you would stay with Will. He is under rather a lot of strain at present, and I think you owe me that, don’t you?’

Sam nodded equably, and said he would be happy to stay for as long as she liked.

She turned to leave. ‘Sweetheart?’ Will said.

She stopped but did not turn back.

‘Please. I love you, Kate.’

Slowly, she swung round and looked at his face. She seemed to be searching it for something. ‘No more talk of selling up?’

‘Just get better, baby.’

‘You didn’t answer my question.’

‘Just come home to me, Kate. You won’t see any “For Sale” boards in the front garden.’ He knew he was being evasive.

She kissed him coolly on the cheek and said she would ring him when she was ready to go home. ‘The doctor wants a word with you before you leave.’

Will returned to the office.