‘There’s just a chance that I could get you to Little Creek, but it’s risky.’

‘What is it? I can’t let them spend Christmas thinking I might have been murdered and my lifeless body tossed into the Thames.’

A wry smile curved his lips. ‘I was tempted a couple of times when you were first on board my ship.’

‘I’m sure you were, and I was feeling much the same about you when you wouldn’t put me ashore.’

‘Then I’ll try to make amends. If I’d known how long the snow was going to last I wouldn’t have left Ramsden on board, but I intend to row out to bring him ashore anyway.’

‘How does that help me?’

‘The tide will be right in the morning and if the winds are favourable Ramsden and I might be able to take the jollyboat around the saltings and get close enough to Little Creek for you to reach your aunt and uncle’s cottage.’

‘If that’s possible, why didn’t you suggest it before?’

‘Don’t get on your high horse, Daisy. The freeze hadn’t set in then, but the snow is so hard-packed now that it might be possible to walk a short distance, and it’s a question of going with the tide, which should be just right, as I said, first thing tomorrow morning.’

‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful, although you did put me in this position in the first place.’ Daisy met his frown with a smile. ‘I’ll risk it if you will.’

He bent down to pick up another wooden block. ‘You’ll be safe with your aunt and uncle.’

‘You’re going to leave me there?’ Daisy dropped the brick she had just picked up and it fell into the sink, sending up a spray of dirty water.

‘Isn’t that what you want?’

‘Yes, of course. I mean I hadn’t expected to go home so soon, not before Christmas, anyway.’

Jay eyed her thoughtfully. ‘Perhaps it’s time to let you get back to the life you know, Daisy. I can’t keep you here for ever, even if I wanted to.’

‘And do you want me to stay?’ She had to ask the question, and she held her breath, waiting for his response.

‘That’s neither here nor there. You have to decide for yourself. I’m not going to force you into anything. It’s time you went home, for both our sakes.’

The atmosphere in the kitchen had changed subtly and Daisy shivered despite the warmth. It was as if the squire had returned to make sure that whatever hopes were cherished in a person’s heart were snatched away from them.

‘I’ve done here,’ she said briskly. ‘I’d better find something to wrap up these toys. I was looking forward to seeing them open their presents.’ Tears filled her eyes and she began to stow the soldiers back in the toy box. When she looked round Jay had gone and she heard the door click on its latch as he left the room.