‘Good morning,’ Daisy said, smiling. ‘I came to see if my brother, Dr Marshall, is still here.’

‘You’d best come in then.’ The girl, who was probably a year or two older than Linnet, stood aside, staring curiously at Daisy as she crossed the threshold.

Daisy returned the stare. ‘Are you related to Linnet Fox, by any chance?’

A slow smile curved the girl’s generous lips. ‘I’m her sister, Dove.’

‘Dove?’

‘Yes, miss. Our mum loves birds. We all had such names.’

‘Dove, who is it?’ Nick’s voice rang out from somewhere at the far end of the entrance hall.

‘It’s Miss Marshall, Doctor. She’s come for her brother.’

Dressed for riding, Nick came to greet her. ‘Miss Marshall, this is an unexpected pleasure. I hope you weren’t worried when Toby failed to return home last night.’

Daisy smiled. ‘Not at all. I’m afraid it was blatant nosiness that brought me this way. I was eager to see Creek Hall.’

‘And here you are. I’d be delighted to show you round, although you might be disappointed.’

Daisy eyed his riding boots and topcoat. ‘But you’re going to Maldon to see your solicitor. You mustn’t let me hold you up.’

‘Another ten minutes or so won’t make any difference, but first you must have some refreshment. It’s bitterly cold and you’ve obviously walked here.’ He turned to Dove. ‘We’ll have coffee in the dining room.’

‘Yes, Doctor.’ Dove hurried off.

‘Toby is just finishing his breakfast and there’s a fire in the dining room. I only use a couple of the downstairs rooms – the others are under covers all winter, although I’m afraid that does encourage damp.’ Nick eyed her, frowning. ‘Would you like to take off your cape, or would you prefer to keep it on?’

‘I’ll keep it on for the time being, if you don’t mind.’

‘Not at all. I’m wearing several layers myself. Come this way.’ Nick led her across the wainscoted hall, through a door at the far end and down a long corridor to the dining room, where Toby was seated at the table. He pushed his plate away and jumped to his feet.

‘Good Lord, Daisy. Are you checking up on me? I thought Aunt Eleanora was bad enough, but this takes the biscuit.’

‘Don’t be so touchy, Toby. I’ve already admitted that I was curious to see Creek Hall, and I’m not disappointed.’

‘You aren’t?’ Nick said. ‘It’s not exactly a grand house.’

‘It feels homely, unlike the Carringtons’ mansion in Queen Square. It was grand and expensively furnished but it wasn’t a home.’

‘If you equate homely with shabby, then you’ll love Creek Hall. I’ll show you round,’ Nick said cheerfully. ‘Although I’m afraid the rest of the house is even colder than it is in here.’ He turned to Toby, who was munching a slice of toast and marmalade. ‘Are you coming with us?’

Toby shook his head. ‘No, thank you. I’m not nosy like my sister. I’ll sit here and finish my breakfast in peace.’