‘We received a telegram from the master,’ Mrs Bee said by way of explanation. ‘It said you were bringing the little mites here, Daisy.’

‘So we thought we’d walk to the station to meet you,’ Dove added hastily. ‘The poor little souls look worn out. Let’s get them indoors.’

Daisy could have kissed them both. It was a relief to find that Nick had forewarned his housekeeper and that they were expected. There was no need for lengthy explanations and Mrs Bee had picked up two-year-old Nate and Dove scooped Pip into her arms, leaving Daisy to take care of Molly and Judy.

‘Thank you so much, Mr and Mrs Peabody,’ Daisy said hurriedly. ‘It was so kind of you to give us a lift.’

‘Perhaps we ought to see the children safely settled?’ Grace gave her husband a meaningful look, but he shook his head.

‘I can see that they are in good hands, my dear. I think we’d best get home. I have parishioners to visit this afternoon.’ He flicked the reins. ‘Good day, ladies.’

Mrs Bee acknowledged him with a smile and Dove bobbed a curtsey. Daisy could hear Grace protesting as the horse plodded forward, breaking into a trot as it seemed to realise it was on the homeward journey.

‘I’ll leave the explanations to you, Dove.’ With Nate clasped in her arms, Mrs Bee set off along the gravelled carriage sweep, heading towards the house.

‘What’s the matter?’ Daisy asked anxiously. ‘Is anything wrong?’

‘There’s a reason why Mrs Bee didn’t want the Peabodys to come up to the house.’ Dove quickened her pace.

Daisy smiled down at Judy. ‘If you and Molly run after that nice lady I’m sure she’ll find you something nice to eat.’

‘You want to talk to her in private,’ Judy said, sighing. ‘It’s always the same with grown-ups.’

‘Maybe I do, but I can assure you that Mrs Bee is a marvellous cook and she makes delicious cakes.’

Judy grabbed her sister’s hand and broke into a run.

‘Now then,’ Daisy said when the girls were out of earshot. ‘What’s going on? Why didn’t Mrs Bee invite the vicar and his wife into the house?’

Chapter Sixteen

‘It’s Jay,’ Dove said in a low voice. ‘He turned up late last night.’

‘Why would he risk coming ashore? He only just got away last time.’

‘You can ask him yourself.’

‘Why did he come here, of all places?’

‘He can’t go home because Pa would throw him out or turn him over to the authorities.’ Dove hurried on and Daisy had to run in an effort to keep up with her.

‘What has Jay done that is so terrible?’ Daisy demanded as she caught up with her outside the scullery door. ‘I don’t understand why your father is so unwilling to help his eldest son. I’m sure that Jay isn’t bad at heart.’ She turned with a start as the door opened and Jay stepped outside into the spring sunshine.