As they drew nearer the vessel Jay shipped oars and cupped his hands round his mouth to call out to Ramsden. He had to repeat himself several times before a tousled head appeared above the ship’s rail. Ramsden was anxious about leaving the boat unmanned, but Jay managed to convince him that no one in their right mind would be out on the water in this weather. His reasoning seemed to convince his reluctant crew member and Ramsden climbed down the Jacob’s ladder, lowered himself into the boat and took up a set of oars.

Daisy could do nothing other than sit tight and hold on to the bulwarks when the waves grew higher and the small boat careened dizzily and then righted itself. Jay and Ramsden rowed tirelessly, fighting against the wind and the crosscurrents they met as they headed out to sea to avoid beaching on the salt marsh. The first grey light of dawn in the east brought with it an icy blast, but as they headed towards Little Creek they had the advantage of the wind behind them. Even so, it was daylight by the time they reached the shore nearest to Creek Cottage and Jay leaped out to heave the boat onto firm ground. Daisy was preparing to climb over the bulwark when Jay lifted her to the bank. Despite the physical contact he might as well have been hoisting a sack of corn or a barrel of ale, and he set her down without looking at her. An invisible barrier seemed to separate them – it was as clear as glass and just as impenetrable. Daisy picked up her skirts and made her way carefully along the snowy river-bank. She could see a plume of smoke rising from the chimney of Creek Cottage and a light in the window. Set in the midst of the wintry scene it made a pretty picture, but she was shocked to realise it was no longer her home.

Suddenly Jay was at her side, taking her by the arm as she almost lost her footing. ‘I’ll see you safely to the door.’

‘You’re leaving me here?’ She knew the answer even before he spoke and the last vestige of hope evaporated.

‘It’s what you wanted, isn’t it? You’ve been worried about your family ever since we left London.’

‘Of course I have. None of them knows what has happened to me.’

‘Now I’m trying to atone.’

They had reached Creek Cottage and she hesitated with her hand on the doorknocker. ‘Atone for what, Jay?’

He leaned over and kissed her on the lips. ‘I’m not sorry for kidnapping you, but I know I did you an injustice. Now I’m going to do the right thing.’ He covered her hand with his and rapped on the door. ‘I’m returning you to your family, where you belong. Goodbye, Daisy.’ He backed away, holding her gaze with a long look, and then he turned on his heel and strode over the icy ground as if his feet had suddenly developed wings.