‘I don’t believe you’ve ever run from anything in your life, Daisy. But I still think there’s something you’re not telling me.’

‘The situation was beyond my control.’ Daisy hesitated. If she told him the truth it might make him even more determined to take on the powerful squire, but as she met his intense gaze she knew she could not lie. ‘I thought I could help Nick, but taking on the squire was a big mistake.’

‘How so?’

‘Apparently he admires bold women, or so he told me when I accompanied Aunt Eleanora and Uncle Sidney to dinner at Creek Manor. The squire asked me to marry him.’

‘The devil he did.’

‘You needn’t look so surprised. I think he showed admirable good taste.’

‘You know I didn’t mean it like that. Anyway, I hope you put him in his place.’

‘He said he wouldn’t renew the lease on Creek Cottage if I refused his offer, and I’m afraid I panicked.’

‘The old bastard!’ Jay shook his head. ‘I apologise for swearing, but that man is unbelievable. He’s done his best to ruin my family and now he’s turned on your aunt and uncle. It’s time he had his comeuppance.’

‘I couldn’t agree more,’ Daisy said earnestly. ‘But you have so much to lose, Jay. If you cross him he’ll make an example of you.’

‘I’m already an outlaw.’ Jay’s lips twisted in a wry smile.

‘If there’s anything I can do to help, just say so.’

Jay was about to answer when the door opened. ‘Don’t listen to my brother’s ramblings,’ Dove said, frowning. ‘He’s leaving soon, anyway.’

‘Are you?’ Daisy gave him a questioning look. ‘What are you going to do?’

‘I intend to bring Tattersall to his knees and have him begging for mercy.’

‘You’re all talk, Jay.’ Dove laid her hand on Daisy’s arm. ‘Come in and leave my mad brother to continue on the road to ruin. He might think he can outwit the squire, but he’ll soon find out that it’s not so easy.’

‘Do be careful, Jay,’ Daisy said earnestly.

He clutched his hand to his heart, smiling. ‘Does that mean you care about me, Daisy?’

‘If you want my honest opinion, I think you ought to get as far away from here as you possibly can. The squire has money, position and power on his side, and if you take him on you’ll be the one to come off worst.’

‘That is going to change. He’s done enough damage to the people of Little Creek. It ends now.’ Jay strode off across the courtyard and disappeared into one of the stables.

Daisy was about to follow him, but Dove caught her by the sleeve. ‘Let him go, because nothing you can say or do will stop Jay when he’s made his mind up.’

‘But he’s heading for trouble, Dove. Don’t you care?’

‘Of course I do, but I know from experience that you have to leave him to his own devices. He’ll do exactly as he wants anyway.’