‘I’ll have to find something to do with my time.’ Daisy watched closely. ‘I never gave a thought to how hard servants have to work, but I’m beginning to appreciate it now.’ She went indoors, leaving Linnet to her labours. It was little wonder that the servants at the Carringtons’ establishment had treated her with scorn. They must have considered her to be ungrateful and idle, while they had to slave from dawn until well after dark in order to please their employers. Daisy felt a twinge of sympathy for them as she looked down at her reddened hands. She held the door open for Linnet as she staggered past her, hefting two wooden pails filled with water.

‘Thank you, Linnet,’ she said earnestly. ‘I don’t know how I would have managed if you hadn’t come knocking on the door.’

‘Thank the young doctor, miss. He’s so good and kind – I just hope he decides to stay in Little Creek, but I’m afraid he’ll go away and leave us without a physician again.’

‘Was it so very bad before he came to live here?’

‘I doubt if you could imagine it, miss. I mean it’s obvious you’re used to better things. You’re a lady for a start and you’ve got hands that have never known hard work, but for us in the village it’s a matter of life and death to have a doctor nearby. My cousin died in childbirth, and the babe soon after. If Dr Neville had been at Creek Hall I dare say they’d both be alive now.’

‘I’m so sorry,’ Daisy said gently. ‘How sad.’

‘Life is hard, miss.’ Linnet filled two large pans with water and placed them on the hob. ‘We can finish up when the water is warm enough. Then your cook can make a start on supper and I’ll head off home. Mum will be wondering where I’ve got to.’

‘But you will come tomorrow?’ Daisy asked anxiously.

‘Yes, of course, miss. I’ll be here early, so no need to worry.’ She cocked her head on one side. ‘That sounds like your furniture has arrived. I can finish up here if you want to go and help the old lady.’

Daisy smothered a giggle. ‘My aunt is Mrs Marshall and she wouldn’t thank you for calling her old. I will go and help, and I just want you to know I’m very grateful to you, Linnet. You’ve worked so hard.’

‘That’s what I’m here for, miss.’ Linnet wiped her hands on her apron.

Daisy left the kitchen and went to help her aunt, who was firing instructions at the delivery men like an army sergeant.

‘Perhaps they’d like some refreshment, Aunt,’ Daisy said softly. ‘There’ll soon be enough hot water to make a pot of tea and they’ve had a long journey from London.’

‘Let them do their job first. Time for tea when they’re finished. You can help by unpacking the linen. It’s in that wicker hamper.’

‘It looks as if they’re unloading the beds first. I’ll make them up, if you wish.’