‘I’m leaving for a while, Hilda,’ Daisy said, backing towards the doorway. ‘But I’ll come back later to see how you’re getting on.’

‘Will you be sleeping at Creek Cottage, miss?’ Mrs Bee turned to her with a smile. ‘I can always make up a bed for you here.’

‘Thank you, but I’ll stay with my aunt and uncle tonight.’ Daisy left before Mrs Bee had a chance to question her further. She really had no idea how long she might spend in Little Creek, although she was prepared to assist Nick in any way possible if he needed her help, but that would be up to him.

She set off through the wood, heading for Creek Cottage, and yet again she found herself wondering at the beauty of nature. The summer foliage was fresh and green and the damp earth smelled rich and plummy, like the best fruitcake. The air was fresh and balmy compared to the city stench she had left behind, and it seemed impossible to imagine that there could be some deadly disease lurking in the bubbling waters of the creek. Even so, as she walked along the river-bank, she could see traces of effluent muddying the water, and unhealthy flotsam. Dr John Snow had traced the Soho cholera epidemic of 1854 to a pump in Broad Street, and she wondered what he would make of the polluted creek. She made up her mind to ask Nick for his opinion, although it seemed unlikely that he would have ignored the state of the water that was used for every purpose in the village.

She grew more and more anxious as she neared Creek Cottage and she quickened her pace to a run. Cholera could strike quickly and when there was no immediate sign of life she convinced herself to expect the worst. Her frantic knocking on the door was answered by a healthy-looking Linnet, who beamed at her in delight.

‘Mrs Marshall will be so pleased to see you, and Jack will come home after school. He’s been staying here because Pa is sick.’

‘Yes, I heard,’ Daisy said breathlessly. ‘I’ve just come from Creek Hall, and Dove told me that your father has been taken ill. How is he?’

‘I don’t know. I haven’t been there today. Ma told me to keep away in case I caught the sickness. She said you can get it from the bad air.’

‘I don’t think that’s so, but I’ll call in later, if you like.’

‘Yes, please, miss. I heard that the doctor is back so I hope he’ll have been to see Pa, although I doubt if they can afford to pay him.’

‘I don’t think that would make any difference. Dr Neville is more concerned for his patients than he is with making a fortune.’

‘Daisy? Is that you?’ Eleanora emerged from the parlour. ‘I thought I heard your voice.’ She bustled towards Daisy, enveloping her in a hug. ‘You shouldn’t have come, dear. There’s sickness in the village.’