‘I’ll miss him, of course, but my old man was no good as a provider. He could charm the birds from the trees if he put his mind to it, but a good husband he weren’t, nor a good father neither.’ Hilda reached out to grasp Daisy’s hand. ‘Take care of my nippers and I’ll be grateful to you for evermore. I can’t say truer than that.’

Daisy gave her an encouraging pat. ‘Leave it to me, Hilda. I won’t see you for a day or so, but if Sister Johnson gives me leave of absence I’ll take the children to Creek Hall today.’

‘And if she don’t?’

‘I’ll go anyway, but don’t worry, I’m sure I can persuade her to let me do the right thing.’

Despite the fact that she arrived in Harley Street during surgery hours, Nick had Daisy shown into his consulting room.

‘What is it, Daisy? What’s happened?’ He gave her a searching look. ‘You’d better sit down and tell me.’

‘It’s to do with that dreadful accident on Saturday. I saw Hilda on the ward after her operation, and she was in a terrible state worrying about her children, so I said I’d check on them for her.’

‘That was good of you.’

‘I felt it was the least I could do so I went to Green Dragon Street and found them living in the most horrible conditions imaginable. The eldest is only nine or ten and she was trying to look after the little ones. I think they would have starved to death if they’d been left alone much longer.’

Nick perched on the edge of his desk. ‘Have they no one to look after them?’

‘Not a soul. The landlord has evicted the rest of the tenants so they’re completely on their own and he’s threatening to throw them out.’

‘So how can I help?’

‘I hardly slept last night for worrying about them, but it was Minnie who suggested that I take them home to Little Creek. The only problem is that my aunt and uncle are too old to look after such young children …’

‘And you thought of Mrs Bee. I know the way your mind works, Daisy, and I agree wholeheartedly. There’s precious little for her to do while I’m in London and I hadn’t the heart to sack Dove, knowing what a help she is to Mrs Bee.’

‘So you don’t mind?’

‘Of course not.’ He moved round the desk to take a seat, reached for pen and paper and began to write. ‘I would come with you, if it were possible, but sadly I have appointments booked all day. However, take this note to Mrs Bee and I know she’ll do her best by the children.’ He opened a drawer and took out a leather pouch. ‘I was going give her this money for housekeeping on my next visit home, but perhaps you could do it for me.’

‘Yes, of course I will.’

He eyed her curiously. ‘How did Sister Tutor react when you asked for leave of absence?’