Daisy had hoped that Nick might be at home when they finally arrived at Creek Hall, but it was Dove who came hurrying to greet them and Mrs Bee was standing in the doorway with a welcoming smile.

‘Where are my babies?’ Hilda demanded weakly.

‘Judy and Molly are at school in the village,’ Dove said in a matter-of-fact voice. ‘And the two little ones are taking a nap. Mrs Bee thought it best to keep your arrival a surprise.’

‘The girls shouldn’t be in school,’ Hilda protested. ‘They might catch the disease.’

‘We’re trying to carry on as usual,’ Dove said hastily. ‘The doctor said it was all right for them to attend classes. Mr Massey, the schoolmaster, is a very capable person and so far none of the children have been taken ill. ’ Dove hooked one of Hilda’s arms around her shoulders. ‘Lean on me, Mrs Begg. Billy will take the other side and Daisy will hold your crutches. We’ll get you indoors and make you comfortable.’

Daisy followed them into the house. ‘Are there many cases of cholera locally, Dove?’

‘My father is very ill and Ma is nursing him, but your aunt and uncle are well, and Mrs Marshall said that Jack can stay with them for as long as it takes Pa to recover.’

‘Most of those affected live in the cottages owned by the squire,’ Mrs Bee said angrily. ‘Dr Neville says the creek has been contaminated by overflowing privies. Thankfully our supply comes direct from a spring.’

‘Where is the doctor? I need to see him,’ Daisy said urgently.

‘He’s doing his rounds in the village.’ Mrs Bee eyed Hilda warily. ‘I’ve put you in one of the downstairs rooms, Mrs Begg. I haven’t had time to give it a proper spring clean, but I dare say you’ll be comfortable enough.’

Hilda nodded tiredly. ‘I’m very grateful to you, I’m sure, but I don’t intend to impose on you or the good doctor any longer than necessary.’

‘Come and sit down, my dear.’ Mrs Bee’s tone softened and she ushered Hilda into the kitchen. ‘A cup of tea and something to eat will perk you up, and then the little ones will wake up and find their mama here.’ She guided Hilda to a chair at the table.

‘What will they think when they see me like this?’ Hilda’s voice shook with suppressed emotion.

‘They’ll be so delighted to have their ma home they won’t even notice,’ Mrs Bee said firmly. ‘Is that right, Miss Marshall?’

‘Yes, indeed.’ Daisy gave Hilda an encouraging smile. ‘They love you no matter what.’

‘Put the kettle on, Dove.’ Mrs Bee reached for a knife and began slicing a loaf still warm from the oven. ‘Now then, Hilda. We must build you up.’ She buttered the bread and finished it off with a large dollop of plum jam.

Daisy could see that Mrs Bee had everything under control and she knew that Hilda was in good hands. Despite Dove’s assurances that her aunt and uncle had escaped the dreaded disease, Daisy wanted to check on them for herself, and it was just possible that she might cross paths with Nick. Work and study had kept them apart even after his apology, and the bunch of violets on Hilda’s bedside locker had long since died, but Daisy had kept several of the flowers pressed between the pages of one of her weightier textbooks.