Cook put her head round the kitchen door. ‘They’re sitting by the range, sir. Each with a glass of hot toddy. Will I make some for you and Mrs Tattersall?’

Daisy hugged Judy and then Hilda. ‘I’d love a cup of tea, please, Cook. And something to eat, too. We haven’t had any food since breakfast, but that was hours ago.’

Cook beamed at her. ‘You’ll find a collation set out in the dining hall, madam. We didn’t know what time you’d arrive, so we’re saving the best for Christmas Day. I hope that suits you.’

‘Yes, indeed. It’s so good to be home.’

‘Run upstairs, Judy,’ Hilda said urgently. ‘Tell Mary that they’ve arrived safe and sound. The fire is lit in the drawing room. We’ve thought of everything in the hope that you’d be home today, Daisy.’

‘Thank you, Hilda. I can’t tell you how good it is to be here. I thought I was going to spend Christmas all alone in Creek Cottage.’

‘I would have swum there to get you rather than that,’ Jay said gallantly. ‘Let’s go and find my mother so that I can show her that I do listen to her advice sometimes.’

‘I can’t believe this is happening.’ Daisy allowed him to lead her towards the back stairs. ‘Just yesterday I thought it was all over between us.’

‘That was my fault. I must have been mad, but I’m seeing things straight now, Daisy mine. I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make you happy.’

‘I’ll remind you of that next time we argue, or when you miss the Lazy Jane so much that you can’t resist the call of the sea.’

‘That won’t happen. I’ve swallowed the anchor – I’m never going to leave you again.’ He came to a halt as they reached the great hall and Judy came running towards them followed by Mary and Molly, who was carrying little Nate with three-year-old Pip trying valiantly to keep up with her.

Mary threw her arms around Daisy and held her close. ‘You’re married?’

‘Yes, Mary.’ Daisy drew back to reveal the ring on her left hand. ‘Thank you for this. I’ll return it to you as soon as I can.’

‘There’s no hurry, my dear. You’re my daughter now, the same as Linnet and Dove – I just wish they were here. Jack is coming in from the stables to join us for the wedding breakfast, such as it is, but stores are running low.’

Jay leaned over to kiss his mother on the cheek. ‘We don’t care, Ma. Whatever you’ve done will be gratefully received.’

‘Well, your room is ready and the fire was lit early on so it will be nice and warm. Why don’t you go and change out of those damp clothes and then we’ll celebrate properly?’

Suddenly shy, Daisy shot a sideways glance at her new husband. ‘I’ll join you later, Jay.’

He gave her a smile that would have melted a heart of stone. ‘Of course. I’ll see you in the drawing room.’