‘I’m sorry for her, but I don’t see what you can do about it, Daisy.’

‘I haven’t got a plan, I just feel responsible for her in some way. If Sister Johnson allows me to take Hilda to Creek Hall I could go and see Aunt Eleanora and Uncle Sidney. I’d like to make sure they’re all right.’

Toby threw up his hands. ‘I know that look, Daisy. You’ll go whatever happens. I’m not certain if it’s the village you love or the village doctor, but I think you need to find out.’

‘You’re talking nonsense. I owe it to our aunt and uncle to make sure that they’re safe and well, and I do care about the people who live in the village.’

‘And what do you say about Nick?’

‘He’s a friend, and if there is a serious problem he’s going to need my help. I’ve made my mind up, Toby. I’ll leave as soon as I can make the necessary arrangements.’

Sister Johnson had not been encouraging when Daisy asked for time off, explaining that she intended to take Hilda Begg to recuperate in the country where she would be with her children. Then, seeing that this argument was getting her nowhere, Daisy mentioned the outbreak of cholera, expressing her concern for her aunt and uncle. Anxiety made her eloquent and Sister Johnson agreed that she could take Mrs Begg to Creek Hall, but if Daisy chose to remain in Essex she would lose her place as a probationer nurse. The prospect brought Daisy close to tears, and as if to prove that she had a heart, Sister Johnson gave Daisy three days’ compassionate leave.

With their bags packed and Hilda seated on a chair in the waiting area, Daisy was about to step outside to hail a cab when a familiar carriage pulled up at the main entrance of the hospital. She recognised the coachman and the footman who leaped down from the box to open the door, but it was too late to turn and run. The woman who alighted from the luxurious equipage was none other than Agnes Carrington, who possessed the eyesight of a hawk, and she had spotted Daisy even before her feet touched the ground. She sailed towards her with her full skirts swaying like a bell. She was smartly dressed in a lavender silk gown, and her bonnet was trimmed with pink roses, which matched the spots of colour in her otherwise pale cheeks. Her expression was anything but friendly.

‘So, I’ve caught you, young woman. Mr Sawkins said I would find you waiting for payment.’ In a dramatic gesture she tossed a leather pouch at Daisy’s feet. ‘There are your thirty pieces of silver, you Jezebel.’

‘I think it was Judas who received the money, Mrs Carrington. But I really don’t know what you’re talking about.’ Daisy glanced over her shoulder, anxious to see if any of the hospital staff were listening, but to her relief they were all too busy to take any notice.