The Country Bride Read online

  ‘No, sir. Of course not. I have to support myself.’

  Toby exchanged worried glances with his wife. ‘Jack Fox has a lot to answer for,’ he said gruffly. ‘You should be with your family in Essex. Never mind what Jack told you.’

  ‘It is difficult, dear,’ Minnie said quickly. ‘You probably can’t remember what it was like when we first knew each other, but it’s a delicate balance.’

  Toby shrugged. ‘The fellow has been leading you on, Judy. I’m fond of Jack, but he’s too much like his brother, and we all know that Jay behaved abominably towards Daisy.’

  Judy lowered her gaze. She was not in a position to argue with someone so closely involved in the old family scandal, and she held her tongue, although she wanted desperately to leap to Jack’s defence.

  ‘That’s not helping, Toby,’ Minnie said, frowning. ‘I think you ought to take Judy to the hospital and put her forward for a position. With a good reference from you, I’m sure they will snap her up.’

  ‘Why not? I’m going there now, Judy. Would you like to come with me?’

  ‘Yes, please, Dr Marshall. If I don’t find work in the next day or so I’ll have to go home, and I’d rather not do that. Not yet, anyway.’

  ‘I like to see enthusiasm in my staff.’ Toby rose to his feet. ‘Best foot forward, as Aunt Eleanora used to say.’ He leaned over to kiss his wife on the cheek. ‘I’ll see you at dinner, darling.’

  Minnie smiled up at him. ‘Try to get home before the twins’ bedtime, Toby. They always want their papa to kiss them good night.’

  ‘I will, but you know how things are. I’ll try my best. Come along, Judy. Let’s see what we can offer you at the London.’

  When Judy entered the hospital she was struck forcibly by the strong smell of carbolic and the subdued babble of voices. The waiting area was crowded, but Toby walked on purposefully, stopping briefly to acknowledge a younger man.

  ‘I see you’ve drawn the short straw today, Ben.’

  ‘Henson went down with a fever, so I volunteered to take his shift. At least I feel I’m doing something useful with these poor souls who can’t afford to pay for private treatment.’

  ‘We’d all starve if we followed that rule,’ Toby said, chuckling. ‘I’m late for my ward round, but I’ll probably see you later.’

  ‘Most probably.’

  Judy had to hurry to keep up with Toby. ‘Who was that?’

  ‘He’s a really brilliant man, but he’d rather work with the sick and needy than set up a lucrative practice in Harley Street. I’m afraid I’m not as dedicated as Dr Godfrey. It’s no wonder the patients call him Dr God.’

  Judy glanced over her shoulder. Even in such a short time she had been impressed by the young doctor, who was not classically good-looking, but he had a pleasant, open countenance and she could see why his patients thought so much of him. His brown eyes sparkled with good humour, and if the warmth of his smile was anything to go by Dr God had a kind heart. Judy felt suddenly more optimistic. If Dr God represented the rest of the staff, maybe working in the hospital would be a good thing after all.

  Judy returned to the lodging house with a smile on her face. She had a job at last, although she knew that it was going to be hard work. Cleaning hospital wards was not the most glamorous occupation, but as Matron had explained, it was a vital part of keeping infection at bay. The hours were long – from seven in the morning until nine o’clock at night – but the wages would pay for her room, and meals were provided while on duty.

  It was not until she was in the privacy of her tiny bedchamber that the irony of the situation occurred to her: she would be working in the hospital that had saved her mother’s life. Judy took off her shawl and bonnet and laid them on her bed before going downstairs to the communal parlour. She knew from experience that it was usually deserted at this time of day, and she went to sit at the small desk situated beneath the window. Mrs Wood supplied headed paper on the understanding that her lodgers only used one sheet at a time, and that they did not include adverse remarks about their accommodation.

  Judy sat down to write a letter to her mother, keeping the lines as close together as possible and using both sides of the rather inferior quality paper. At last she had something positive to pass on, and she would not have to return home a failure. If cleaning wards was not a glamorous job, at least it was worthwhile, and she would be starting work tomorrow. She could hardly wait.

  At seven o’clock next morning Judy waited for the sister in charge to give her instructions. She had arrived early and was eager to start work, despite the gloomy predictions of her fellow lodgers in Fieldgate Street. Mabel had not yet returned from her shift when Judy made her announcement that she had found a position at the London Hospital, and the news had been met with exclamations of horror and much shuddering. Fanny had been the only one among them who had seen the possibilities of working with handsome young doctors, and she had teased Judy mercilessly when she blushed. Now, in the cold light of morning, as she waited outside the sluice room, Judy could not help wondering if perhaps her friends at the lodging house had been right. Then the sound of footsteps made her turn her head and the sight of Dr Godfrey’s beaming smile banished all her worries.

  ‘Good morning. I’m afraid I don’t know your name. My friend Toby Marshall was in too much of a hurry to introduce us.’

  ‘Yes, sir,’ Judy said shyly. ‘I know who you are.’

  ‘Then you have the advantage of me, Miss er …’

  ‘Judy Begg, sir.’

  ‘I’m Ben Godfrey, and this is one of my wards,’ he said, smiling. ‘I hope you enjoy working here, Judy.’

  ‘Thank you, Doctor.’ Judy glanced over his shoulder and saw the ward sister bearing down on them.

  Ben looked round. ‘Good morning, Sister.’

  ‘Good morning, Dr Godfrey. I’m sure you have better things to do than to waste time chatting. We most certainly have.’

  Judy stared at her in amazement. Sister Harris was an older woman, but to speak to a doctor in such a tone must surely earn her a sharp set-down.

  ‘Indeed I do,’ Dr Godfrey said, smiling urbanely. ‘Thank you for reminding me.’ He strolled into a ward, leaving Judy open-mouthed.

  ‘It’s not polite to stare, Miss Begg.’ Sister Harris glared at the ward maid, who came hurrying towards them. ‘You’re late again, Wallace. If this happens once more you’ll face disciplinary proceedings and possible dismissal.’

  The young woman flushed uncomfortably and bowed her head. ‘I’m sorry, Sister. My mother was taken poorly in the night and—’

  ‘I don’t need excuses, Wallace. Get on with your work. I want you to take Begg with you today so that she knows the layout of the hospital and what’s required of her, but first I want you to show her where to get her pinafore and cap.’

  ‘Yes, Sister.’ Wallace shot a wary glance in Judy’s direction. ‘You’d best come with me, Begg.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Judy followed her to the linen room where they were both given caps and voluminous cotton aprons. ‘I can’t call you Wallace. I’m Judy.’

  ‘Gertie,’ Wallace said reluctantly. ‘Just do as I tell you and we won’t fall out.’

  ‘Of course. I’m here to learn, and I want to do well.’

  Gertie gave her a searching look. ‘You’ll get over that soon enough. We do just enough to get by and no more. It’s a thankless bloody task. You get no gratitude for all the hard work and you go home stinking of carbolic.’

  By the end of the morning every muscle in Judy’s body ached and her hands were reddened and raw from dipping them in the hot water laced strongly with disinfectant. She scrubbed floors and washed down tiled walls, following Gertie’s directions, although she soon realised that Gertie was taking it easy and allowing her to do the bulk of the work.

  They were allowed half an hour for their midday meal, which was taken in the staff dining hall, where the differences in the hierarchy were even more noticeable. The menial workers were r
elegated to the back of the room, whereas the nurses sat in order of seniority at the tables nearest the serving hatch. There was no sign of the doctors, but Judy assumed they must have a separate room. She did not like to admit it, even to herself, but she was rather taken with Dr Godfrey, and that had come as something of a shock. Her heart belonged to Jack, of course, and she had never looked twice at another man, but there was something about ‘Dr God’ that she found very appealing, and she could understand why the patients hero-worshipped him. Even Gertie, who said very little at the best of times, had blushed and simpered when Dr Godfrey happened to come upon them as they scrubbed the floor of the women’s surgical ward. He had greeted them both with a smile, but his gaze had lingered on Judy, as Gertie had been quick to point out when he had walked away. She brought it up again as they sat down to eat their meal.

  ‘Does Dr Godfrey fancy you, Judy Begg? I saw the way he looked at you this morning.’

  ‘Of course he doesn’t,’ Judy said hastily. ‘I met him for the first time yesterday and that was in passing. I can’t think what put that into your head.’

  ‘Don’t act so innocent, miss. You was smiling all sweet and coy, and he lapped it up.’

  ‘I was not.’ Judy bent her head over her meal. ‘Don’t talk daft, Gertie. It’s all in your imagination.’

  ‘Is it? All I can say is that you’d better watch out. Nothing good can come of it, that’s for certain, and if Sister Harris finds out you’ll be in double trouble.’

  ‘Why?’ Judy demanded angrily. ‘What has it to do with her?’

  Gertie opened her mouth to reply, but closed it again as she looked up at the person who had walked up to their table.

  The young probationer nurse gazed at Judy with barely concealed glee. ‘Are you Miss Begg?’

  Judy swallowed a mouthful of dry bread. ‘I am.’

  ‘You’re wanted in Matron’s office. I’d hurry if I was you. She don’t like to be kept waiting.’

  ‘What did I tell you?’ Gertie said triumphantly. ‘You’ve only been here five minutes and you’re already in trouble. You’re for it now, Judy.’

  Chapter Four

  The probationer led the way to Matron’s office and knocked on the door. ‘It looks like you’re in trouble, Begg. I bet she’s going to give you the sack.’ She waited for a few seconds before thrusting it open.

  Judy entered the office and came to a halt when she saw Minnie Marshall, who sprang up from the chair in front of Matron’s desk. ‘Judy, my dear, I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news for you.’

  ‘What’s happened?’ Judy demanded anxiously.

  ‘There’s been an accident at the manor house.’

  ‘I think it best if you sit down, Miss Begg,’ Matron said firmly.

  It was not an invitation to refuse and Judy sank onto the nearest chair. ‘Who was it? Please tell me.’

  ‘It’s Jack. He was thrown from his horse and he sustained serious injuries. He’s been asking for you, dear.’

  Judy took a few seconds to assimilate such terrible news. Jack was a good horseman and he had always seemed indestructible. ‘How bad is it?’ Her voice sounded hoarse to her own ears.

  ‘It’s early days yet, but I would imagine that Dr Neville will consult a specialist who deals with such injuries. We’ll know more then.’

  ‘What sort of injuries?’ Judy demanded dazedly.

  ‘He hurt his back,’ Minnie said evasively. ‘He’s confined to his bed.’

  ‘Can he move?’

  Minnie shook her head. ‘Not very much.’

  Judy covered her face with her hands. She was too numb to cry, but the mere thought of Jack being crippled for life was appalling. Jack was too full of energy and love of life to exist as an invalid. ‘It can’t be true.’

  ‘We have to be strong for Jack,’ Minnie said earnestly. ‘He wants you to go home. Mary sent the telegram to us, and even in a few words I could feel a mother’s agony. He needs you, Judy.’

  ‘I’ll be sorry to lose you, Miss Begg.’ Matron opened a drawer in her desk and took out a cash box, which she unlocked. ‘I can pay you for one morning’s work, which will help towards your fare home.’ She took out a few coins and laid them on the desk.

  ‘Thank you, Matron.’ Minnie picked up the money and pressed it into Judy’s limp hand. ‘Come along, dear. I’ll help you pack your bag and we’ll take a cab to Bishopsgate Station.’

  Judy shook her head. ‘It’s kind of you, Mrs Marshall, but I don’t want you to go to all that trouble. I’ll do as you suggest, but I can manage on my own.’

  ‘Nonsense,’ Minnie said with a wry smile. ‘I lodged in Mrs Wood’s house for several years and I know how difficult the woman can be. She might try to squeeze a few more shillings out of you, and that would never do. I’m up to her tricks.’ Minnie rose to her feet. ‘Come along, Judy. Together we’ll vanquish the old dragon.’ She turned to Matron with a charming smile. ‘Thank you, Matron.’ Minnie left the office and Judy followed blindly. All she could think about was Jack, lying broken and probably crippled for life, and she had been thinking badly of him. If she had not run away he might still be the same energetic, fun-loving young man. It was her fault and she would never forgive herself.

  ‘You mustn’t take it so hard, Judy.’ Minnie’s gentle voice interrupted Judy’s agonised thinking. ‘It was an accident, and it could have happened to anyone. I don’t know the details, but from what I remember of Jack Fox, he was always a daredevil.’

  The description was so apt that it brought a reluctant smile to Judy’s face. ‘That’s so true.’

  They had reached the main reception area and Minnie hesitated, gazing round expectantly. ‘I was hoping to see Ben Godfrey. I want him to give Toby a message, just in case he goes home and finds me gone. I left a message with Sukey, but I expect she’ll forget to pass it on.’ Minnie edged her way between the patients, some of whom were blocking the aisles while others wandered aimlessly, and were chivvied along by the busy nurses. Minnie came to a halt when she spotted Dr Godfrey, who was talking to the sister in charge. He broke away, and came towards them, smiling.

  ‘Minnie, this is an unexpected pleasure, and Miss Begg.’ His smile faded when he looked at Judy. ‘Is something wrong?’

  Minnie placed her arm protectively around Judy’s shoulders. ‘I’m afraid Judy has just been given bad news. She’s going home to Little Creek.’

  ‘I’m sorry to hear that, Miss Begg. Is there anything I can do to help?’

  Judy shot him a sideways glance. ‘No, Doctor. But thank you for asking.’

  ‘We have to leave now, Ben. Judy has to collect her belongings and I’m taking her to Bishopsgate Station. Will you tell Toby that, if you see him in the staff room?’

  ‘Of course I will, and once again, I’m sorry we’re going to lose you, Miss Begg.’

  ‘Thank you.’ At any other time Judy would have been pleased and flattered to receive such attention, but her thoughts were firmly fixed on getting home as quickly as possible. Jack had sent for her – he wanted her – and that was good enough. She needed no more encouragement to go home.

  It was not far from Little Creek Station to the chain ferry, and when it reached the far side of the river Judy walked the last mile home. It was late afternoon when she arrived at Creek Manor and she was eager to see Jack, but fearful of what she might find. The feelings of guilt had plagued her during the journey home, and she was trembling as she waited for someone to open the heavy oak door.

  James let her in and took her valise. His normally impassive countenance was troubled. ‘Glad you came home, miss.’

  ‘How is the master?’ Judy asked anxiously.

  ‘They say in the servants’ hall that he’ll never walk again, but I can’t tell you that’s a fact because I don’t know, and I don’t think no one else does neither.’

  It was hardly an encouraging start, but Judy braced herself to face the worst. ‘Where is Mrs Tattersall?’

  ‘She’s in the drawi
ng room now, but she’s spent most of the time at the master’s bedside. Your ma was with her not so long ago. She might still be there.’

  ‘Thank you, James.’ Judy hurried through the great hall and the familiar oak-panelled passages to the drawing room. She hesitated outside the door, taking a deep breath before she knocked and entered.

  Mary was lying on the sofa with a cold compress on her forehead, while Hilda poured tea.

  ‘Judy, love.’ Hilda placed the pot back on the tray and leaped to her feet. In an unusual show of emotion she gave her daughter a hug, and then released her. ‘Thank goodness you’ve come home. We’re all at sixes and sevens.’

  Judy glanced over her mother’s shoulder. ‘How is Mrs Tattersall?’

  ‘Not good, dear. It’s been a terrible shock.’

  ‘How did it happen, Ma?’

  ‘I only know that Will Johnson came across Jack’s horse running loose, and he found Jack unconscious in ten-acre field. The workers brought him home on a hurdle, and Dr Neville came to see him, but he’s going to send for a specialist from London because he doesn’t know enough about spinal injuries to be certain of the outcome.’

  ‘He must have some idea. Does he think that Jack will be crippled for life?’

  ‘Hush, dear. Keep your voice down. We’re trying to keep it from Mrs Tattersall.’

  ‘Where is Jack now? I want to see him.’

  ‘The workers brought him home on a hurdle and carried him upstairs to his room. He’s been there ever since.’

  ‘I’ll go and see him now.’

  ‘He’s done nothing but ask for you since he regained consciousness. For two days he just lay there like a stone, and when he opened his eyes he spoke your name.’ Hilda buried her face in her apron. ‘I’ve tried to be brave for Mrs Tattersall’s sake, but I’m so glad you’ve come home, Judy. Please don’t go away again.’

  Judy laid a hand on her mother’s shoulder. ‘Don’t worry, Ma. I’ll stay as long as I’m needed.’ She glanced at Mary, who was lying inert on the sofa. ‘Is she all right?’

  ‘Not really. Dr Neville gave her a strong dose of laudanum, but she’ll be pleased to see you when she comes to herself.’