‘You aren’t eating, Daisy,’ Nick said gently. ‘Isn’t the food to your liking?’

She looked up with a start. ‘No, I mean yes. The pie is delicious. I was thinking of Jack and his family.’ She hesitated, at a sudden loss for words.

Nick sat back in his chair, eyeing her thoughtfully. ‘Their situation really bothers you, doesn’t it?’

‘Yes, but I hope I didn’t show it in front of Jack’s father. I should imagine he’s a very proud man.’

‘You were very quiet. It’s more what you haven’t said than anything else.’

‘Is their home part of your estate?’

‘It was once, but my father sold the properties in the hope that the new landlord would make the necessary improvements. Sadly this doesn’t seem to have happened.’

‘Did you say that the squire owns them now?’

‘Yes, I did. The wretched fellow lives in the manor house on the other side of the river, and I should think he owns half the county. He’s also the local Justice of the Peace.’

‘Perhaps someone ought to tell him that his tenants are living in slum conditions.’

‘He’s not the sort of man who would take kindly to criticism, even if well meant.’

‘I don’t like the sound of Squire Tattersall. Thank goodness my aunt owns Creek Cottage.’

‘She might own the building, but I dare say the squire retained the leasehold. I believe he is an astute businessman, whatever people say about him.’

‘I’ll have to ask Aunt Eleanora, although she might not be aware of such a thing. The cottage was left to her by a relative.’

‘Then I suggest she takes advice from a solicitor. Tattersall is not the sort of man to be sentimental when it comes to money.’

‘Maybe if he saw how the condition of the cottages affects the health and wellbeing of his tenants he might do something about it.’

Nick smiled and shook his head. ‘You have more faith in mankind than I have, Daisy. Let’s enjoy our meal and then I’ll show you the rest of the house. It looks slightly less shabby by lamplight.’

Dove brought the dessert, and after a generous helping of jam roly-poly smothered in creamy custard, Daisy was ready for the promised tour of the house. But Mrs Bee hurried into the morning parlour with the news that it was snowing again, and the road might soon become impassable.

‘You’d better take the young lady home, Doctor,’ Mrs Bee said in a tone that did not invite discussion.

‘You’re right, of course.’ Nick rose from the table. ‘I’ll fetch the trap and bring it round to the front door. You will see the rest of the house one day, Daisy. I promise.’

Mrs Bee followed him from the room, returning moments later with an umbrella and a travelling rug, which she handed to Daisy. ‘You’ll need these, miss.’

‘Thank you, Mrs Bee. And thank you for a wonderful meal.’

‘You’re welcome, miss. It’s good to see the doctor so cheerful. I’ve known him since he was a little boy and he took his pa’s death very much to heart.’