The Country Bride

‘Jack trusts you implicitly and, if the truth were told, you probably know a great deal more about day-to-day matters than he does. He’s willing to back up any decisions you make, should you decide to accept the responsibility. It’s just a temporary measure, until he’s recovered sufficiently to take the reins again but, speaking as his doctor, I think that, above all, he needs complete rest and peace of mind.’

‘I really wouldn’t know where to start, Doctor.’

‘Then may I suggest that you visit Colneyhurst and have a word with Daisy? I’m sure she would be only too happy to help you, considering the fact that she ran this place single-handed after Jay deserted her. She had to make it pay for itself and she did a splendid job.’

Judy met his earnest gaze. ‘I’m not entirely convinced, but I’ll go and see Daisy first thing in the morning.’

He patted her on the shoulder. ‘I have faith in you, Judy. I’m going to see Jack now, so I’d like you to come with me. I’ll tell him about Dr Godfrey, and you can calm any doubts he might have.’

After eating her supper in the servants’ hall Judy went upstairs to sit with Jack while he picked at his food. ‘If you don’t eat up I’ll have to spoon-feed you as if you were a baby.’

Jack pulled a face. ‘You would, too.’

‘Yes, indeed, and I want to see a clean plate. You won’t get better unless you get your strength back.’

He managed to eat a few more mouthfuls. ‘What’s this London doctor like?’

‘I only met him briefly, but he seemed quite nice. Apparently his patients call him Dr God – his name is Dr Godfrey, if you remember what Dr Neville told you earlier.’

‘My brain works very well, thank you, Judy. It’s my legs that were affected by the fall.’

She smiled. ‘I’m glad to see you haven’t lost your sense of humour.’ She leaned over to take the tray from him. ‘You’ll walk again, I know it.’

‘I don’t think I could go on if I were a cripple.’

She placed the tray on a side table and went to sit on the edge of the bed, taking both his hands in hers.

‘I won’t allow that sort of talk, Jack. I’m with you now and for always, if you need me.’

‘I’ve no claim on you, Judy.’ His eyes brimmed with tears and he turned his head away. ‘If I can’t walk again I’ll only be half a man.’

‘Absolute nonsense. You are the same Jack Fox I’ve always known and loved.’

He turned to face her. ‘You love me?’

‘Of course I do, silly. I’ve always loved you, and nothing will ever alter that, so when you start talking like a lunatic, just remember the people who care deeply for you.’ She put her arms around him and gave him a long, but gentle hug.

‘That’s half the trouble.’ Jack sank back against the pillows, smiling ruefully. ‘My family are driving me mad. Dove and Linnet have been here every day, sometimes with their children. I love them all, but I don’t know what to say to them. Ma keeps crying and kissing me, which she never did before. Keep them away from me, Judy. Please.’

She pulled the covers up to his chin. ‘I will. Now try to sleep.’

‘Did the doctor speak to you about taking care of things while I’m laid up?’

‘Yes, he did, but don’t worry about that now.’

He grasped her hand. ‘I want you to manage the estate for me. You’re the only person I really trust.’

‘Let’s not talk about that just yet. You must rest.’

‘I won’t sleep until you promise you’ll stay and do what you can to keep things together. Promise, Judy.’

She raised his hand to her lips. ‘All right, I promise I’ll do everything I can.’

‘Thank you.’ Jack closed his eyes and then opened them, staring at her in alarm. ‘You’re not going back to the cottage, are you?’

‘Yes, of course. It’s where I live.’

‘No,’ he cried childishly. ‘I don’t want you to go so far away. You must sleep in the room next to mine. It was Daisy’s bedchamber until she married Marius. Please don’t go.’

She clasped his hand. ‘All right. I’ll do as you ask, but I have to let Ma know, or she’ll think something awful has happened to me.’

‘You’ll come back and say good night.’

‘Of course I will. Stop worrying. I’m here and I’m never going to leave you again.’

He closed his eyes again and a smile curved his lips.

Judy tiptoed from the room and went to find her mother. She had expected to be bombarded with objections when she told her mother that she was going to move to the manor house, but Hilda merely smiled.

‘If that’s what makes Jack happy, then that’s what you must do. The poor boy has been in a terrible state since you left.’

‘I thought I was doing the right thing by going away, Ma.’

Hilda patted her on the shoulder. ‘We do what we can in this world, dear. Now I must go. Mr Faulkner is waiting for me.’

Judy was suddenly alert. She had detected a subtle change in her mother even before she left for London, but she had been too immersed in her own problems to question her. Now she was suspicious. ‘Why would he do that?’

‘He’s been very considerate since Jack’s accident. Being the head groom and all that, I think he felt responsible for the way the horse bolted, but of course it had nothing to do with him. Anyway, he’s taken to walking me home after dark. He says there are poachers in the woods, so I’m glad of a bit of protection.’

‘I see.’ Judy stifled a giggle. It seemed that Ma and the head groom were walking out together, although of course Ma would never admit to such a thing.

‘I know you’re laughing at me, Judy Begg. You can wipe that smirk off your face.’

Judy leaned over to kiss her mother’s lined cheek. ‘I’m not laughing at you, Ma. If you enjoy Mr Faulkner’s company, that’s fine by me.’

‘He’s very patient with your brothers,’ Hilda said stiffly. ‘He says that Pip and Nate both have a way with horses.’

‘I’m sure he’s a good influence on them. It’s hard for boys to grow up without their father. I don’t think either of them remember Pa, but I do. He was kind and funny.’

‘I’m not trying to replace your father, Judy.’ Hilda’s face flushed rosily. ‘I’m too old for all that, and no man would want a woman with half a limb missing.’

‘Ma, you’re only thirty-nine. You’re not old, and if Mr Faulkner really likes you he wouldn’t care about your injury.’

Hilda tossed her head. ‘I don’t know why we’re even talking about this, Judy. Wilfred and I are just friends.’

‘Wilfred?’ Judy chuckled. ‘Oh, Ma! I’m delighted that you have a gentleman friend. You are much too attractive and nice to spend the rest of your life as a widow.’

‘You’re talking nonsense, as usual. I’m going home.’

‘You mustn’t keep Wilfred waiting,’ Judy said, smiling.

‘It’s a pity you’re too big to put over my knee.’ Hilda stalked off with her head held high and Judy dissolved into a fit of giggles. Suddenly she felt better, and she went to the linen cupboard to fetch sheets and pillowcases for the bed in Daisy’s old room.

Dr Godfrey arrived next day and was met at the station by Dr Neville. Judy was halfway down the grand staircase when they arrived. She reached the foot of the stairs in time to greet the new arrivals.

‘It’s so good of you both to come all this way.’

Dr Godfrey bowed over her extended hand with old-fashioned gallantry, which she found rather touching. ‘Not at all, Miss Begg. I’ve always been interested in spinal injuries, and Dr Neville has explained the nature of the accident.’

‘Would you like to see Mrs Tattersall before you examine Jack?’ Judy asked cautiously. ‘I expect she had many questions to put to you.’

‘Of course.’ Dr Godfrey gave her a smile that seemed to light up the great hall even though it was raining outside.

‘That’s a good idea,’ Dr Neville added. ‘Dr Godfrey will be able to give her much more up-to-date information than I could.’

Judy led the way to the morning parlour where Mary spent much of her time these days. It was a relatively small room, furnished with comfortable, well-worn chairs and a tea table set in front of a tall window, which overlooked the parterre garden in all its spring glory. Mary was seated by the fire, which she insisted on being lit even though it was reasonably warm. She put her embroidery hoop down.

‘Yes, Judy? What is it?’

‘Dr Neville is here with the specialist from London, Dr Godfrey.’

‘Oh dear. I’m not sure I’m ready for this. What will I do if he says there’s no hope of Jack ever walking again?’

‘He might say the very opposite, Mrs Tattersall. Dr Godfrey is the expert.’

‘Show them in, and then you’d better go upstairs and warn Jack to expect them.’

‘Yes, of course.’ Judy opened the door and beckoned. ‘Mrs Tattersall will see you now.’ She ushered them into the room and closed the door. Taking a deep breath she headed back through the great hall and, picking up her skirts, she raced upstairs, arriving in Jack’s room slightly breathless.

He was propped up on a mound of pillows. ‘Why the hurry?’ he demanded peevishly. ‘Your hair is all over the place.’

She went to the dressing table and smoothed a stray lock of fair hair back from her forehead. ‘Your mother sent me to tell you that the specialist is here. Dr Godfrey is particularly interested in spinal injuries.’

Jack turned his face to the wall. ‘I feel like an exhibit in a freak show.’

‘Nonsense, Jack. Stop being so melodramatic. The doctor is here to help you.’ A sharp rap had Judy hurrying across the room to open the door. She let the two doctors in and rather reluctantly left them to carry out whatever examinations they thought necessary. She made her way slowly downstairs, where she found Mary pacing the floor in the great hall.

‘Are you all right, ma’am?’ Judy asked anxiously.

Mary shook her head. ‘I can’t carry on like this, Judy. I know I should be stronger and more capable, but I really can’t continue to manage the estate as I did when Jack was away at university. Jack spoke to me about you and I agree with him. There is no one that either of us would trust to take over while he’s in this state, other than yourself. Will you forget everything I said in the past, Judy? Will you take over from me and keep the estate from going bankrupt?’

Chapter Five

It was almost an hour later when Dr Neville and Dr Godfrey returned to the morning parlour. Judy had managed to calm some of Mary’s fears by promising to do everything in her power to keep things running until Jack made a full recovery. She had kept her amused with descriptions of Mrs Wood’s lodging house and the people who lived there, but she was rapidly running out of stories.

‘Well?’ Mary demanded, rising to her feet. ‘What is the likely outcome, Dr Godfrey? There’s no need to mince words. I’m prepared for the worst.’

‘I’ve examined your son to the best of my ability and, apart from the obvious bruising, it’s difficult to ascertain whether or not there is more serious damage to his spine.’

‘So you can’t give me a definite diagnosis,’ Mary said slowly. ‘I thought you were an expert.’

‘I understand your concern, Mrs Tattersall, but in a case such as this we have to wait and see. It’s going to be a slow process, but I would very much like to come again in a couple of weeks’ time, and perhaps by then I’ll be able to make a more accurate prognosis.’ Dr Godfrey looked from Mary’s downcast face to Judy’s equally sad expression. ‘However, I am very hopeful. Jack is young and strong, and I know he will have the best of care.’

Mary sank back onto her seat. ‘Send your bill and I’ll make sure it is settled quickly.’

‘There will be no charge for this initial visit, Mrs Tattersall. I’m happy to be of service but I will return in a fortnight’s time, if that’s acceptable to you.’

‘I’ll call again tomorrow,’ Dr Neville said hurriedly.

‘I’ll see you out.’ Judy hesitated in the doorway, glancing anxiously at Mary, who was deathly pale.

‘All this is too much.’ Mary leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes. ‘My poor boy.’

‘I’ll be back in a minute.’ Judy hurried after the doctors and she caught up with them as they were preparing to leave the house. ‘Are you really hopeful, Dr Godfrey,’ she asked anxiously, ‘or were you trying to keep up our spirits?’

‘A bit of both, I suppose. As I said, it’s a difficult one to predict, but time will tell.’

‘Mrs Tattersall is naturally very concerned,’ Judy insisted. ‘Could you be more specific? Will Jack ever be as he was before the accident?’

Dr Godfrey patted her on the shoulder. ‘I’ll do everything I can for him, but I can’t promise anything. However, I can see that he has an excellent nurse, and it’s just a matter of time before we know anything for certain. In the meantime, try to keep him calm and don’t allow him to worry.’

Judy dropped her gaze. She could feel the colour rising to her cheeks as it had done when she first met Dr Godfrey. ‘Thank you, Dr Godfrey.’

‘I’ll drive you to the station, Ben,’ Dr Neville said cheerfully. ‘Unless of course you’d like to stay on for a day or two.’

‘I’d love to, but I have patients to see at the London, although I might take you up on that offer when I return. Little Creek seems such a charming village and a pleasant change after the hurly-burly of the East End.’

‘The station it is then.’ Dr Neville gave Judy an encouraging smile as he left the house. ‘Try not to worry, Judy. We’ll do our best for Jack.’

‘Yes, Doctor. I know you will.’

Judy stood in the doorway, watching them as they climbed into the chaise and drove away. She knew that they would do what they could for Jack, but she had hoped for more encouraging words from both doctors, and she struggled with feelings of disappointment and frustration. Jack might be laid up for weeks, months or, heaven forbid, even years, and what would happen to the estate? It would not run itself and she had made a solemn promise to do what she could to avert disaster. The servants would do their very best and Clem Guppy was capable of dealing with the day-to-day problems that arose on the estate, but it was clear that Mary Tattersall was close to breaking point. Judy had never before considered how hard it must be for a woman on her own to take charge of a large household as well as the demands of a working estate, but it was becoming clear to her now. Suddenly the divide between mistress and servant had narrowed. Judy knew that she owed it to Jack to do whatever she could to ensure that things ran smoothly until he was well enough to take over.

She turned to James, who was standing behind her waiting to close the door.

‘James, will you send a message to the stables, please? I’d like a horse saddled and ready to leave for Colneyhurst in twenty minutes.’

‘Yes, miss. I’ll see to that myself.’ James hesitated, clearing his throat, and it was obvious that he had something to say.

‘What is it, James?’

‘We’re wondering if things will go on the same now, miss. I mean with the master laid up for goodness knows how long, will there still be a place for the likes of me and some of the other servants?’

‘Of course there will,’ Judy said firmly.

‘Begging your pardon, but can you say that for certain? I’ll be honest with you, miss. There’s talk of bankruptcy in the servants’ hall. They say that Madam has allowed the estate to run into debt.’

‘I’m sure that’s untrue, James.’ Judy was shocked, but she tried to sound positive. ‘But it does look as though the master might be laid up for a while. You can tell them in the servants’ hall that I have matters in hand. We will keep going until the master is well again. Have no doubt about that.’

‘Thank you, miss. I hope you don’t mind me asking.’

‘Please send the message to the stables. If anyone asks, I’ll be back in time for dinner.’ Judy headed for the grand staircase, taking the steps two at a time as she made her way to Jack’s room. She burst in without knocking.

‘Well? What did you think of Dr Godfrey?’

‘He prodded me about as if I were a lump of meat.’

‘He had to examine you, Jack.’

‘He tried to sound hopeful, but I still can’t feel my legs. I think it will always be like this.’

Judy hurried to his bedside and sat down, holding his hand. ‘I want you to stop talking like that. The doctor was much more hopeful when he was talking to your mother and me. We have to be positive, Jack. You’re not to give up; I won’t let you.’

He raised her hand to his cheek with a wan smile on his lips. ‘You’re a bully, Judy Begg.’

‘I most certainly am, when need be, and I’ll be very cross if I hear you talking like that again.’

‘All right, I’ll try to be positive, but it doesn’t stop me worrying about what’s going on downstairs. I feel so cut off up here.’

‘I know you do. It’s miserable for someone like you to be confined to one room, but I’m sure it won’t be for much longer.’

‘I was shocked to see Mama looking so pale and wan. I don’t think she’s been coping very well, Judy. Running the estate is too much for her; I should have left university sooner.’

‘She’s tired and she’s worried about you. I’ll do everything I can to make life easier for her.’

‘I can’t expect you to manage things on your own, Judy. It’s my job, but there’s very little I can do, laid up like this.’

‘You have to concentrate of getting well again, and I’m going to ride over to Colneyhurst and ask Daisy for advice. She knows more about running the Creek Manor estate than anyone.’ She leaned over to brush his tangled hair back from his brow. ‘It’s only temporary, Jack. You’ll be back in charge in no time.’

‘That’s the trouble, Judy. I never expected to be the lord of the manor, but now I’d give anything to be able to take back the responsibilities that irked me so much.’

‘And you will again.’ She rose to her feet. ‘I’m leaving now, but I’ll be back in no time at all and I’ll tell you all about it.’

‘Don’t jump any fences. That’s how I came a cropper.’

‘I’m not as adventurous as you, Jack Fox.’ She left him with a cheery wave, but she was worried. Despite the doctors’ attempts to sound hopeful, she was far from certain, and trying to convince Jack that he would recover fully was exhausting. She went to her room to change into her riding habit, which fortunately had been in the valise containing her clothes that James had collected from the cottage that morning. It was only when Judy saw her garments lying on the rich damask coverlet that she realised how shabby and old-fashioned they were. Most of them had been darned or patched, and even though the mending was neatly done, it was obvious that this apparel belonged to a menial. The riding habit was perhaps the best of the collection and that was a hand-me-down from Daisy.

Judy went to the mirror to pin the smart little hat in place. ‘You’re a fraud,’ she said out loud. ‘And everyone will know it. You are Judy Begg from Green Dragon Yard. You’re a servant, and no one will take you seriously.’

An hour later, seated in Daisy’s elegant drawing room, Judy struggled to put her fears into words. ‘I was a child when you brought us to Creek Manor, and I grew up working in the kitchen. How can I expect the rest of the servants to take orders from me?’

Daisy shook her head, smiling gently. ‘I started out in service, Judy. I was governess to a small boy in a grand London house. You know the story, as does everyone in Little Creek, but when I had to take over the running of the estate I had to put all that behind me. It’s not what you are, but who you are that counts. You must have faith in yourself, and the confidence to put yourself forward. It’s harder for a woman than for a man, but you can do it. You have to decide what you think is best when it comes to running the estate and the household, and then stick to your guns.’

‘What do you suggest? Where would I start?’

Daisy was silent for a moment, a frown marring her smooth forehead. ‘If I remember rightly, the first thing I did was to ride around the estate and make myself known to all the tenant farmers. They are always willing to express their views and they’ll probably hand out advice, whether you want it or not. You still have Clem Guppy to manage the day-to-day affairs, so you just need to assure everyone that there is someone in overall charge.’

‘That sounds like a good idea. What did you do when it came to running the house?’

‘Well, I had a chat with Mrs Ralston and we went over the household accounts. I gave her free rein to manage the house servants as she saw fit, and then I had a long talk with Cook, giving her the same responsibilities for the kitchen staff.’

‘What about Molesworth?’

‘Ask him about the cellar. That’s his favourite place, and he looks after the wines as if they were his children. He also has charge of the male indoor servants.’

‘What about the outdoor staff? I don’t know anything about gardening or the stables.’

‘You need to talk to Clem about that. He’s been a good estate manager for ten years and he’s reliable, especially with all those mouths to feed. I believe he and Ivy have seven children now.’

‘Will you come to the manor house and back me up? They’ll listen to you.’

Daisy shook her head. ‘No, Judy. You must do this on your own if you want them to respect you, but I’m here if you need me, and of course I’ll ride over to see Jack. Poor fellow, how is he?’

‘You know him as well as I do. He hates being laid up in bed, and neither Dr Neville nor Dr Godfrey can give us a definite diagnosis.’

‘Dr Godfrey? Who is he? I don’t know the name.’

‘He’s a doctor at the London Hospital, but I believe he trained at the City Orthopaedic Hospital. He came down from London especially to see Jack.’

Daisy smiled. ‘That will be my brother’s doing. Well, let’s hope Dr Godfrey can work miracles, because I fear that’s what it will need to make Jack walk again.’

‘I dare not think like that. I have to convince Jack that he’ll recover completely, and to do it I have to believe it will happen.’

‘He’s lucky to have you, Judy. If by some unkind twist of fate he doesn’t regain the use of his legs, he’s had the best education that we could afford to give him, and he’ll be able to take over the business side of running the estate.’

‘But he’s such an active person. I don’t know how he would cope with life as a cripple.’

‘Jack has a much stronger character than his brother. Jay couldn’t face responsibility of any kind.’

‘But you loved him once,’ Judy said shyly.

‘Yes, I don’t mind admitting it. I married him twice, didn’t I?’ Daisy laughed but there was no humour in the sound. ‘You and Molly were my bridesmaids at our spring wedding.’

Judy smiled. ‘I remember my dress and the little baskets filled with herbs and flower petals that Molly and I strewed in your path. It was a lovely day.’ She eyed Daisy warily. ‘I mean it seemed lovely to us, but that was before Jay disappeared.’

‘That was a talent of his; that and marrying women bigamously.’

‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to remind you of unhappy times.’

‘Don’t apologise. I got over Jay a long time ago and I was lucky enough to meet Marius, who is the best of husbands and a wonderful father. I doubt if I would have been half as happy with Jay, who was selfish to the core. It was painful at the time, but I’m glad he left the country.’

‘Jack isn’t like his brother.’

‘They’re only half-brothers. You didn’t meet the old squire, Jay’s father, but he was a nasty character. He wanted me to marry him but I had the good sense to refuse his advances.’

‘But he married Mary.’

‘He did the right thing, but only because he knew he was dying and he was afraid of going to hell. Anyway, he made Jay his heir. I suppose in the eyes of the law Jay still owns the manor house and the estate, but he won’t come home to claim it back from his brother – not after all this time.’

‘What makes you so sure?’

‘I know Jay so well. He shies away from responsibility of any kind. I doubt if he’ll ever return to Little Creek.’