‘What are you hiding, Linnet?’ Daisy asked suspiciously. ‘Is there something in the parlour you don’t wish me to see?’

Linnet shook her head. ‘No, of course not, miss.’

‘I’ll take a look.’ Daisy pushed past her to fling the door open and came face to face with Elliot Massey. The small tea table had been set with two places and it was obvious that the pair had been sharing a meal. ‘You two have some explaining to do.’

‘Don’t blame, Elliot,’ Linnet cried passionately. ‘I begged him to stay because I don’t like being here on my own. Hattie went to London with the mistress.’

‘It was my fault, Miss Marshall.’ Elliot stepped in front of an agitated Linnet. ‘I shouldn’t have taken advantage of the situation, but we’re in love.’

‘Oh, Elliot!’ Linnet breathed, gazing at him with a rapturous smile.

‘I don’t want to be a killjoy,’ Daisy said sharply, ‘but it does look as though you’ve been abusing my aunt and uncle’s hospitality, Mr Massey.’

‘I know and I’m sorry, but I came calling last evening and it was snowing too hard to risk going home. I know it seems bad, but I love Linnet and I want to marry her.’

‘I wish you both well, but that’s not what concerns me most. If my aunt and uncle are in London I need to get word to them that I’m safe.’

Linnet exchanged worried glances with Elliot. ‘Will I be dismissed? I know I done wrong.’

‘No, of course not, Linnet.’ Daisy turned to Elliot, who looked pale and shaken. A lock of lank hair fell across his brow and he was visibly trembling as he clutched his hands to his chest. Daisy wondered how such a weakling had managed to win the affection of the two sisters, and yet Linnet appeared to have deep feelings for him despite the fact that the gossips had, rightly or wrongly, paired him and Dove. Daisy managed a shadow of a smile. ‘I won’t say a word, but the weather has improved a little and I think you should make your way home now, Mr Massey. If the village gossips find out you’ve been staying here they’ll make both your lives a misery.’

‘I intend to marry her,’ Elliot said stoutly. ‘If she’ll have me.’

‘Yes, with all my heart.’ Linnet cast a wary look in Daisy’s direction. ‘It will be all right, won’t it, miss?’

‘Congratulations,’ Daisy said briskly. ‘I hope you’ll be very happy, but I need to get to the village post office where I can send a telegram to my brother. I’m certain he’ll know where to find Mr and Mrs Marshall.’

‘I have my pony and trap in the stable, Miss Marshall.’ Elliot took his jacket off the back of the chair and slipped it on. ‘If, as you say, the road to the village might be passable I’d be happy to take you to the post office, but I wouldn’t advise you to go on foot. We can leave now, if you so wish.’