‘And now Jay wants to make up for the wrongs that his father did to the people of Little Creek. Will you help me, Mrs Peabody? The shopkeeper is unlikely to take my word alone, but he will listen to you.’

‘I’ll do what I can to persuade him. Your aunt and I have already done what we could to help the poor, but with the new squire’s backing we’ll be able to do so much more.’ Grace angled her head. ‘You obviously have influence with him. Are we to expect wedding bells?’

Daisy felt the blood rush to her cheeks but she managed to meet Grace’s inquisitive stare. ‘If, and when, I decide to marry, you will be among the first to know, Mrs Peabody.’ She rose to her feet. ‘Shall we go to the shop together? I want to make certain that Mr Keyes understands the urgency of getting food to everyone in need. Perhaps we ought to make a list of necessities, and then he can make up food parcels to be delivered to those who are unable to leave their homes?’

Grace rose to her feet. ‘An excellent idea. Eleanora and I have done something similar, but on a much smaller scale, of course. I’ll send for the carriage.’

Mr Keyes was at first sceptical, but Grace Peabody was not going to be gainsaid and she hinted that hellfire would be waiting for someone who refused to help the poor and needy, especially at this time of the year. She quoted the book by Mr Dickens when the miserly Scrooge was faced with the Ghosts of Past, Present and Future, reminding him of his duty to mankind. The shopkeeper buckled beneath such pressure and accepted the list of items that both Grace and Daisy considered to be what the poverty-stricken families most needed.

‘I want your word that you’ll make up as many of the parcels as you can today, and the remainder must be delivered tomorrow – Christmas Eve,’ Grace said sternly.

‘But who shall I say sent them, Mrs Peabody?’ Mr Keyes eyed her nervously. ‘My customers don’t want charity.’

Daisy frowned. She had not considered that fact. ‘Leave it to me, Mr Keyes. There’s plenty of daylight left and I’ve nothing better to do. I’ll call at as many homes as possible and let them know that the new squire wishes to make changes for the better, and he hopes that they will accept a token of his goodwill.’

‘Well said, Miss Marshall.’ Mr Keyes beamed at her, adjusting his steel-rimmed spectacles.

‘The vicar will be visiting many homes today and tomorrow,’ Grace said hastily. ‘I’m sure he will be only too happy to spread the word.’

‘Thank you, Mr Keyes,’ Daisy said, shaking his hand. ‘I know this will mean a lot of work for you, but you will be well recompensed.’

‘It’s a pleasure, miss.’ He adjusted his spectacles yet again. ‘The late squire used to have his comestibles delivered from Maldon, but maybe the new squire would consider using my services.’