Hawke's Tor by E. V. Thompson

the doctors they support and whose dedication and discipline have transformed the nursing service. In order to expand and improve the reputation of these women, bright, honest and intelligent girls are being recruited to receive training in some of London’s top hospitals. It is a scheme that has the backing of the Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston, and its success is very close to Queen Victoria’s heart, as Her Majesty told me herself.’
    Startled, Colonel Trethewy looked at Verity in disbelief, ‘You have met the Queen?’
    â€˜On more than one occasion,’ Verity replied matter-of-factly. ‘She has taken a keen interest in all the many aspects of nursing ever since Miss Nightingale proved its worth during the Crimean War. A school of midwives has recently been opened in London which we hope will revolutionize childbirth and do away with many of the old women who carry out the task – particularly in the countryside – and who are positively dangerous for both mother and child. And, of course, the importance of having a trained nurse assisting at childbirth is a subject with which Her Majesty has personal experience.’
    Colonel Trethewy appeared embarrassed by the conversation but Amos thought of the conditions in which Bessie Harris lived and from which she sallied forth to bring babies into the world.
    Recovering some of his composure, Colonel Trethewy realized
he was speaking to someone who undoubtedly had considerable influence close to the seat of power in the country’s capital and he tempered his tone accordingly.
    â€˜I have, of course, heard of Miss Nightingale’s sterling efforts on behalf of wounded soldiers during the Crimean War and Her Majesty’s concern for those who fight in her name is well known and appreciated. As an ex-soldier myself, anything that makes their lot easier has my fullest support. Now you have explained your purpose in coming to Cornwall more fully I will be delighted to arrange for you to give a talk to the girls of our school. Would you like me to have the girls brought here, to the Hall?’
    â€˜No, Colonel, but thank you for suggesting it. I feel the weather is so pleasant that I will take the girls out of school and find a grassy bank on which to sit while I talk to them.’
    â€˜As you wish. I believe there are a couple of very bright pupils among them, but I doubt very much whether you will be able to persuade them to leave Cornwall. Most girls have already decided who they will marry, even before they leave school.’
    â€˜I think you will find Miss Pendleton is not easily deterred from her purpose, sir. Had she been she would never have survived the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny.’
    Amos’s words had the effect for which he had been hoping. Eager now to make a favourable impression upon his well-connected visitor, Colonel Trethewy said to Verity, ‘You were caught up in the troubles in India as well as the Crimea? I wonder if you ever met Horace Morgan, my estate steward, while you were there?’
    â€˜The name sounds familiar, where was he stationed?’
    â€˜I really don’t know, but he spent many years with the Honourable East India Company. I will have him brought to my
study and you two can have a chat together while Superintendent Hawke brings me up to date on his inquiries into the murder of Morgan’s wife and the disappearance of his baby son. I have no doubt Hawke has already told you all about it? It is a dreadful business … dreadful!’

Chapter 11
    T OM ACCEPTED THAT as the Cornwall Constabulary’s most senior superintendent Amos was the right man to introduce Verity to the Trelyn magistrate and was very much aware of the huge social gulf between himself and the Nightingale nurse. However, there was not too great a difference in their ages and he had found it easy to talk to her. In fact, she was probably the most interesting woman he had ever met.
    Not that