Toby appeared in the doorway behind her, grinning broadly. ‘My sister will vouch for me, ma’am.’

Mrs Wood stepped aside as Daisy rushed across the hall to fling her arms around her brother. ‘How did you know I was here?’

‘Sister Johnson,’ he said cheerfully. ‘She told me you were looking for me and that you’d gone off with Miss Cole.’ He shot an apologetic glance in Minnie’s direction. ‘I’m afraid I persuaded her to give me your address. I hope you don’t mind.’

Mrs Wood sniffed disdainfully. ‘That wouldn’t have happened had I been in charge.’

‘Well, I’m very glad she did,’ Daisy said wholeheartedly. ‘I stopped by your lodgings first and when you weren’t there I went straight to the hospital.’

‘And applied for a job as probationer nurse,’ Toby added, chuckling. ‘I must say you don’t waste time, Daisy old thing.’

‘Give me your mantle and bonnet, Daisy, and I’ll take them upstairs,’ Minnie said firmly. ‘I’m sure you and your brother would like some time for a private chat.’ She emphasised the last words, fixing Mrs Wood with a meaningful stare.

‘I’m not a one to intrude in family matters,’ Mrs Wood said, bridling. ‘Perhaps the good doctor would like a cup of tea?’

Minnie turned away, winking at Daisy as she took to the stairs. ‘You’re honoured, Dr Marshall.’

‘That’s enough of your cheek, Miss Cole.’ Mrs Wood turned on her heel and marched off in the direction of the back stairs.

Daisy hurried her brother into the parlour and closed the door. ‘It’s so good to see you, Toby.’ She shivered, gazing at the desultory flames licking around a few pieces of coal in the grate. ‘Mrs Wood doesn’t believe in spoiling her lodgers.’

‘What’s going on, Daisy? I thought you were happy in Little Creek.’ Toby stood with his back to the fire. ‘Why did you return to London so soon?’

She lowered herself gingerly onto the horsehair sofa, which proved to be just as uncomfortable as its appearance suggested. ‘It’s a long story.’

Toby’s blue eyes twinkled mischievously. ‘Start at the beginning. I’ve always suspected that was the best way.’

‘I’ll tell you, but I don’t want you to get angry.’

He sat down next to her. ‘Go on. What happened?’

Daisy took a deep breath. It was not easy to put her experience with Squire Tattersall into words without incensing her brother, but she managed to give him a shortened version of the events that had led her to hurry back to London.

‘I’d have sorted the squire out, had I been at home,’ Toby said furiously. ‘How dare he treat you like that and threaten our family? I’ve a good mind to get the next train to Little Creek.’

‘You mustn’t do that. Our uncle and aunt are in a difficult situation because the lease on the cottage is due to expire before too long, and the squire owns the land on which it is built. Anyway I’ve lived off their charity for long enough. I need to earn my own living.’