‘Aye, well, you were only trying to help her. But the truth, as I see it, is that that swine Roford saw his chance to get his hands on everything, and that was the only reason for him marrying Mags. He probably thought he’d have to wait years to be the full owner of it all, but then saw his chance in the way Mags reacted to what he did to me. It all fell into his lap, so to speak, especially with poor Mr Witherbrook dying an’ all.’

‘Why do you say “the only reason”? I thought Roford was very much in love with her?’

‘He’s one as can make people think whatever he wants them to. But I knaw sommat as was confided in me by Mags. If it will help to convince you, then I knaw as she’d want me to tell you . . .’

The doctor listened to the story about Susan and her child, without interrupting. His expression veered between incredulousness and enlightenment.

‘My God, a mistress! Even before they were married? And possibly a child? I can see it all now. The reason he dispensed with my services, too. Well—’

The doorbell clanging stopped the doctor in what he was going to say. ‘Oh, dear, there’s someone else needing my attention now. Can you wait a few minutes for me, Betsy? I’ll be as quick as I can, only I think we need to come to some conclusion about how to proceed.’

As the door opened and Phyllis Woodrow stepped in, without being bidden to, Betsy knew the housekeeper would be thinking that she’d no need to stand on ceremony for the likes of Betsy. Her look said as much. ‘Doctor, there’s someone else to speak to you. She says she’s from Brockhall Institution.’

‘Oh? Show her into the withdrawing room. I’m sorry, Betsy, but I’d better see what this is about.’

It wasn’t long before he returned, with a woman who looked to Betsy to be in her forties. She had a bonny face, despite the hairs that stuck out from her chin, which Betsy had an urge to pull out; and her smile gave an impression of kindliness, even though her teeth were in a bit of a state.

‘Well, well, this lady is Mrs Iris Rudley. She is on the same mission as you are – to rescue our dear Margaret. She is an orderly nurse and takes care of Margaret.’

‘Eeh, thank the Lord. Well, I’m pleased to meet you, Iris. How’s Mags faring? I’m worried out of me mind for her.’

‘She’s a lass of great courage, that one, but I fear that if we don’t get her out of there, she’ll break good and proper. She’s not mentally deficient and, in my opinion, hasn’t suffered a mental breakdown and she shouldn’t be in that institution. She sent me on this mission, but if I’m found out, I’ll be for the chop – and me with two menfolk on strike and bringing nowt in.’