‘Get some rest, dear. And give my love to the doctor when you see him next. Tell him he’s sadly missed.’ She stood in the doorway, waving each time Daisy turned her head. She knew she had not satisfied Mrs Bee’s curiosity, but leaving her wondering was better than telling her exactly what had happened that day. Daisy trudged home, each step an effort. Somehow the prospect of returning to London next day was not as exciting as perhaps it ought to be.

The scent of wood smoke mingled with the fruity smell of damp river mud and leaf mould as Daisy approached Creek Cottage. Her heart sank when she saw a carriage outside the house and she recognised the footman, who was chatting to the coachman. She had barely reached the front door when it opened and Squire Tattersall greeted her with a false smile.

‘This is fortunate indeed, Mrs Marshall,’ he said, turning to Eleanora. ‘Just as I was about to leave, the young lady in question walks up the path. Come in, my dear. I want to have a word with you.’

Eleanora stood by the parlour door, clasping her hands to her bosom. ‘The squire has come to call on you, Daisy,’ she said pointedly.

‘I’d like a few words with your niece in private, if you don’t mind, Mrs Marshall.’ Tattersall fixed Daisy with a hard stare. ‘We have some business to discuss.’

‘Oh! I – well, I never did. I mean it’s not right for a young lady to be alone with a gentleman. Daisy has her reputation to consider, Squire.’

‘A few minutes, Mrs Marshall. I am a magistrate, a man of the law, so I doubt if anyone, even the vicar’s wife, would find that unreasonable.’

Daisy could see that her aunt was at a loss for words and she stepped over the threshold, closing the door to escape the prying eyes of the squire’s servants. ‘It’s all right, Aunt. As the squire said, it will be a very brief conversation.’ She pushed past him, giving her aunt an encouraging smile as she entered the parlour.

Tattersall strode in after her and slammed the door. ‘Now then, Miss Marshall. Explain yourself.’

Daisy faced him, her head held high. ‘If you want your horse, it’s being cared for at Creek Hall.’

‘That animal cost me fifty guineas.’

‘I can assure you that the animal is being well looked after.’

‘More to the point, where is that Fox fellow? Is he your lover?’

‘How dare you suggest such a thing?’ Daisy said angrily. ‘I won’t allow you to speak to me like that in my own home.’

‘It won’t be your home for much longer if you continue to behave like this.’

‘You are the one at fault here, Squire Tattersall. Your argument is with your son. I can’t help you there.’

‘His mother was a temptress, and he’s a bastard with no claim on my estate.’

‘His mother must have been very young when you seduced her. You are the one who ought to be ashamed.’