The unexpected encounter with Julian had upset her more than she cared to admit, even to herself. He had been her first love and the life they had planned together had seemed perfect, but she knew now how wrong she had been. She had taken Julian at face value and might have married him in total ignorance of the fact that he was selfish and shallow, only to discover his faults when it was too late. But she had loved him, and the pain he had caused her was not yet forgotten, although she had buried it deep within her heart. Perhaps the scars would remain, but she had said her piece and as far as she was concerned that was the end of a sad affair.

It was good to see smiling faces when she found Toby and the girls in the tearoom in the park, and Nick was with them. He rose from his seat and pulled up a chair for her.

‘We didn’t think you were coming, Daisy.’

‘I was delayed at the hospital,’ Daisy said truthfully.

‘I suppose you were chatting to Hilda.’ Minnie reached for the teapot and filled a cup, which she passed to Daisy. ‘You look pale, love. Have a cup of tea and a currant bun. Ivy’s eaten two, but then she’s a little piggy.’

‘I am not,’ Ivy protested, giggling. ‘I didn’t have any dinner.’

‘Have as many cakes are you like, Ivy,’ Toby said cheerfully. ‘My rich friend the Harley Street specialist is treating us.’

‘My pleasure.’ Nick smiled as he laid some coins on the table before rising to his feet. ‘Would you care for a walk by the lake, Daisy?’

She put down her teacup. ‘That would be nice. It’s such a lovely day and the greenery reminds me of Little Creek.’

‘Don’t worry about me,’ Toby said lazily. ‘I’ll look after the two ladies. I don’t often get the chance to enjoy such charming company.’

Minnie shot him a sideways glance. ‘Come now, Doctor. I heard that you’re very popular with the nurses.’

‘I have heard it said.’ Toby leaned across the table, fixing Minnie with his most charming smile. ‘And what about you, Nurse Minnie?’

‘Probationer nurse,’ Minnie said primly. ‘I’m not so easily impressed, Doctor. Handsome is as handsome does, so my mama always says.’

Daisy slipped her hand into the crook of Nick’s arm as they left the tearoom. ‘I think Minnie can hold her own with my brother. Toby won’t find her as easy to impress as poor little Ivy.’

‘Ivy told me how that fellow Sawkins treated her. I’m glad you don’t have to deal with him now.’

‘I can handle Jonah.’ Daisy fell into step beside him. ‘It’s such a lovely day, let’s talk about something else.’

‘Don’t change the subject. Toby told me about your encounter with Sawkins. I think you should keep well away from him.’

‘I intend to, don’t worry.’

He came to a sudden halt as they reached the lake. ‘But I do worry about you. I can’t help it. I feel responsible for everything that has happened since you tried to help me pay my father’s debts.’