This eased Betsy’s mind, though she wondered what he could do against the might of Roford. All she could do was hope, but to her mind, Harold Roford was going to be the only winner to come out of this. Releasing a sigh of anguish rather than relief, she turned her attention to her ma. For she had the laying-out of her mother to see to. Aye, and the pain of a loss that had split her heart. Nothing could be worse than that – nothing.

Chapter Twelve

Susan stood out of sight behind the door of Mr Witherbrook’s bedroom, which led to her room. Something hadn’t felt right about what was going on, and she felt guilty about having been brought to this beautiful house, which belonged to Harold’s wife’s family. At least it had done. Harold seemed certain now that it was all his.

She hadn’t wanted to come. She’d tried to stand up to him, but in the end he’d persuaded her, threatening to expose Montel if she didn’t. And she hadn’t wanted to leave her daughter, but Harold had promised her that when everything was finalized, and legally in his name – not just as the husband of Mags, but signed and sealed as his right of ownership, which he said could only happen after the death of Mags’s father – then she could have her child with her.

She was here as the nurse in attendance. Not that she was qualified, but there wasn’t much to be done for poor Mr Witherbrook, other than keep him clean and comfortable, and she could do that.

However, when the doctor was in attendance, she had been given instructions to keep out of sight. It was all a worry to her, though she had to admit that having Harold visit her bed every night more than compensated. She loved him so much. If only his plan for them to be together didn’t entail hurting Mags in this way. She liked Mags.

Harold’s voice cut into her thoughts. ‘Tell me, Dr Lange, how much longer can my father-in-law live like this? There is no dignity in it. He is just as if he is dead already, but his body won’t stop breathing.’

‘That is because he has a strong hold on this earth. I believe he is waiting to hear his daughter’s voice, and to know that she is safe. He hasn’t had any contact with her since . . . well, since Margaret had her breakdown. You really should have called me then. I know the family well. I might have been able to help, in particular where Margaret was concerned.’

‘I have told you my reasons why I didn’t, and I have apologized for not informing you sooner. But both doctors who attended Mags and her father were eminent in their field.’

‘Of course. But Margaret could be cared for in her own home, and if you want to give Mr Witherbrook a peaceful ending, then I suggest that you bring his daughter to him.’