‘I don’t doubt it.’ Daisy nodded and smiled. ‘A much more sensible arrangement.’

‘Then that’s settled.’ Grace made for the door. ‘The sooner we start the better.’

Chapter Twenty-Six

Daisy visited as many cottages as she could, but progress was slow and walking through thick snow was difficult and tiring. She had seen Mr Keyes’ young son rushing about as he delivered the first of the food parcels and she had noted the expression of delight on the faces of the recipients, although she had seen one woman questioning him and seeming about to shut the door in his face when one of her older children intervened. The ragged boy snatched the package and slammed the door before his mother had a chance to object further.

It was dusk by the time Daisy reached home and she could barely put one foot in front of the other, but she was satisfied that she had done her best. Quite how Jay would react when he was presented with the final bill was another matter, but she knew that Mary would be on her side. Between them they would convince him that his generosity would demonstrate his sincere desire to make amends for the treatment the tenants had suffered at the hands of the late squire.

Linnet had a good fire going in the parlour and there was a tasty stew simmering on the kitchen range. There was no sign of Elliot, and Daisy was too tired to make enquiries. She had made it plain that he was welcome, although she doubted if Aunt Eleanora would have been so accommodating. She sat by the fire and ate her supper, but she could scarcely keep her eyes open. After such an early start and a physically tiring day, she was thinking of going to bed when she heard someone rapping on the door. She sat up straight, suddenly alert. Perhaps Jay had had a change of heart. She jumped to her feet but it was Linnet who burst into the room waving a telegram.

‘The messenger boy is waiting to see if there’s an answer, miss.’

Daisy’s fingers trembled as she opened the folded sheet of paper, and she smiled.

Relieved that you are safe and well. Will remain in London for Christmas. Return when weather permits. Uncle Sidney.

‘Is it bad news, miss?’

Daisy shook her head. ‘No, not really. My aunt and uncle can’t get home for Christmas because of the snow, but they know I’m here.’

‘Is there a reply, miss?’

‘No, there’s nothing I can add.’ Daisy reached for her reticule and took out a couple of pennies. ‘Give this to the messenger and thank him for his trouble. Oh, and wish him Merry Christmas.’

‘Yes, miss. Of course, but what will you do?’

‘I’ll be all right here. We seem to be well supplied with everything I might need.’

‘Elliot has invited me to meet his father in Maldon on Christmas Day, but I’ll tell him I can’t go. I won’t leave you on your own, miss.’