‘That’s my dilemma, Daisy. My head tells me to sell up and move on, but my heart wants to continue the work begun by my father. It’s not an easy decision to make.’

‘I know you’ll do what’s right.’ Daisy led the way to the kitchen, where the aroma of hot cocoa mingled with the savoury smell of the mutton stew simmering on the range.

‘So you’re the famous Dr Neville,’ Hattie said without giving Daisy a chance to make introductions. ‘This young girl speaks very high of you, sir.’ She nodded in Linnet’s direction. ‘But she says you’re going back to London.’

Nick held out his hand. ‘You must be Hattie. I’ve heard so much about you from Miss Marshall. How do you do?’

Hattie’s thin cheeks flushed scarlet and she shook his hand before bobbing a curtsey. ‘Very well, thank you, Doctor.’

‘Perhaps you’d like some tea or cocoa, Nick?’ Daisy said hastily.

‘Tea would be nice, if it’s no trouble.’

Hattie bustled over to the range, pushing Linnet out of the way. ‘Of course, Doctor. I’ll make a fresh pot now and Linnet will bring it to you in the front parlour.’

‘My aunt is getting to know Jack,’ Daisy said, keeping a straight face with difficulty. It was obvious that Hattie wanted to make a good impression on the doctor. ‘We’d best use the dining room.’

‘There’s no fire lit,’ Hattie argued. ‘The missis said to be economical with the coal and logs and only light the fire half an hour before dinner.’

‘I could see to the fire for you, Doctor,’ Linnet volunteered eagerly.

‘Thank you, we’ll manage.’ Daisy backed towards the doorway. ‘Tea for two in the dining room, please.’ She ushered Nick out of the kitchen and closed the door. ‘They’re trying to kill you with kindness,’ she added, giggling. ‘I’ve never known Hattie to be so eager to please.’

‘It’s the profession, not me personally. The people of Little Creek had great respect for my father, which was well-earned because he worked tirelessly for their benefit.’

‘He must have been a great man.’

‘He was, and I know he wanted me to continue his work, but I really don’t think it’s going to be possible.’

Daisy took a seat next to him. ‘I wish I could help.’

‘There’s just one avenue open to me now. It’s one I didn’t want to take, but I’ll lose my home and the practice if I do nothing.’

‘What is it? Can you talk about it?’

‘I have an aged aunt, living in Canterbury. We used to visit her once a year on her birthday, and her anniversary is coming up next week. She’s very wealthy and I’m her closest relative. She might lend me enough money to pay off the squire, and then I could stay and set up in practice.’

‘You would still face the same problems, wouldn’t you? If your patients are too poor to pay for your services you would be in the same position as your father.’