‘I know, Aunt, that’s why I’m here. I wanted to make sure that you and Uncle Sidney are all right.’

Eleanora looked past Daisy, frowning. ‘You didn’t bring any luggage, dear. Does that mean you’re not stopping?’

‘I had to go to Creek Hall first and I left my valise there. It was too heavy to carry so Billy is going to drop it off for me.’

‘So you’ll be staying for a while – how lovely. Linnet will bring us tea.’ Eleanora hustled Daisy into the parlour. ‘I think about you all the time. I wonder how you’re getting along and I envy you being back in London. At least I do sometimes, until I remember what it was like in the hot weather and the dreadful smells, and the peasoupers in the winter.’ Eleanora took her usual seat by the fireplace, only now there was a vase of flowers on the hearth instead of a coal scuttle.

Daisy stifled a sigh of relief. Everything seemed reassuringly normal. ‘London is the same as ever, Aunt.’

‘Yes, I suppose so, but what brings you home so unexpectedly?’

‘You’ll remember that I told you about the poor woman who was so badly injured in the street, and I brought her children to Creek Hall? Anyway, Mrs Begg has been discharged from hospital after having part of her leg amputated, and she wanted to be near her children. I left her with Dove and Mrs Bee to fuss over her. Also I was worried about you and Uncle Sidney. I wanted to make sure you are both well.’

‘As you can see, I’m perfectly fine and so is your uncle, although I do wish he’d keep away from that Lemuel Fox. He visits the cottage every day and I’m afraid he’ll catch the disease.’

‘I’m sure that Dr Neville wouldn’t allow it if he thought there was any risk involved.’

‘I certainly hope so. Anyway, how long are you staying, dear? I do hope you aren’t travelling back tomorrow.’

‘I have three days off, thanks to Sister Tutor, but if things are really bad here I might stay on and help Dr Neville.’

‘Linnet told me that he’d returned in order to treat the sick. He’s such a good man. You could do worse, Daisy. Although I still think you might have given the squire more of a chance. He can’t be all bad, especially if he’s taken a fancy to you. I mean a good wife might have a positive influence on the man.’

Daisy shook her head. ‘If I have anything to say to the squire it will be to tell him what I think of a landlord who allows his tenants to live in squalor. The outbreak of cholera could be laid directly at his feet.’

‘I don’t know about that, dear.’ Eleanora looked up and beamed at Linnet, who arrived with a laden tea tray. ‘Hattie must have known you were coming, Daisy. I think that’s your favourite cake.’