‘We couldn’t save him,’ he said tersely. ‘He slipped away peacefully enough.’

Daisy turned her head away so that he would not see the tears that had sprung to her eyes. She had not known Benjamin Sykes personally, but he was very young to die and she could not help wondering who would break the sad news to his mother. ‘Was anyone with him at the last, Toby?’

‘A shipmate of his turned up at the very end. A chap called Guppy. I think you spoke to him this morning.’

‘Did he leave any message for me?’

‘Why would he? What’s going on, Daisy? Why are you so upset about the fate of a stranger?’

‘I’m tired, Toby. I’m just about to finish my shift and I’m going back to Fieldgate Street and straight to bed.’

He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. ‘You do look exhausted. I’d walk you home, but I’m on duty for another two hours.’

‘Don’t worry about me. I just need a good night’s sleep and then I’ll be fine.’ Daisy rinsed the last of the cups and wiped it before placing it in the cupboard with the neat rows of clean crockery. ‘I’m off then. I’ll see you in the morning.’ She went before Toby had the chance to question her further, and having wrapped herself up against the bitter cold she left the hospital.

It had started to snow. The heavy clouds that had hung over the city all day had fulfilled their promise and large flakes were tumbling down from the dark sky. Daisy pulled the hood of her cloak over her head and was about to walk off towards Fieldgate Street when a man stepped out of the shadows.

‘Daisy.’

She knew that voice and she came to a halt, hardly daring to breathe. ‘Jay?’

He took her by the arm. ‘You told Guppy that you needed to see me urgently. Is there anything wrong?’

She pulled free from his tight grasp. ‘You gave me a fright, jumping out like that.’

‘I’m sorry, but I wouldn’t have come ashore but for your message.’

‘Are the police after you?’

‘When are they not?’ Jay smiled as he tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. ‘We took a chance by coming upriver to London, and I have to catch the tide.’ He quickened his pace. ‘I’d love to stay and talk, but I have to get back on board.’

‘Don’t go so fast. I can’t keep up.’

‘If I had a horse to hand I’d scoop you onto the saddle as I did when we were last together.’

‘Don’t remind me of that mad ride. You caused me a lot of trouble, Jay.’

‘I’m sorry. Truly I am. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, Daisy.’

She glanced up at his face, but they were in an ill-lit side street and she could not see his expression. The snow was falling faster now, settling on the pavement and the cobblestones like icing on a cake. ‘Where are you taking me? I have to get back to my lodgings.’