‘I would have to ensure that I charged enough.’

‘Did you ask for payment when you set Jack’s arm?’

Nick shook his head. ‘How could I? You saw how the family live, and Jack’s father hasn’t worked for years.’

‘My point exactly. You might borrow money from your aunt, but it wouldn’t be long before you were in exactly the same position as your father.’

A tap on the door preceded Linnet, who entered carrying a tray of tea and two large slices of seed cake. ‘Mrs Cribb says she hopes you enjoy the cake, Doctor. And if you have a moment, could you look at her left shoulder? It pains her when she lifts anything heavy.’

‘Yes, of course,’ Nick said, smiling. ‘I’ll take a look at it before I go.’

Daisy waited until the door closed on Linnet. ‘You see! You are too kind and obliging. People know that and they take advantage of your good nature.’

‘I’ll accept a cup of tea and a slice of that delicious-looking cake as payment.’

Daisy passed him his tea and cake. ‘That will be your downfall, Dr Neville.’

‘Making a fortune has never been my aim, but a comfortable living and the upkeep of Creek Hall is something I have to consider. One day I hope I’ll be in a position to marry and raise a family, and for that I need a steady income.’

Daisy was tempted to ask if he had anyone in mind, but that might lead to embarrassment on both sides and she hastily changed the subject. ‘I thought I’d visit the village school tomorrow and ask if I might help Jack with his lessons at home, at least until he feels well enough to go back to school.’

‘I’m sure Massey will be delighted. He’s fairly new and I’ve only met him once, but he seems like a decent fellow.’

The sun was shining next morning and the thaw continued. The creek had swelled with snow melt and the crystal-clear water rushed past, tumbling small branches and pieces of flotsam over rocks in its haste to join the river and continue its journey out to sea. Daisy walked briskly, but she still had time to look around and marvel at nature. Already there were tight little buds on the trees, just waiting for spring to arrive and the warm kiss of the sun to burst into leaf. At the side of the lane, beneath the hedgerow, she saw a small patch of snowdrops and she was tempted to stop and pick them, but she was on a mission to persuade the schoolmaster to allow Jack to keep up with his studies at home. Jack had been showing signs of boredom, and it was astonishing how much difference good food and rest could make in such a short time.

As she approached the village Daisy was conscious of the interest she was creating. Some of the women she met greeted her with a smile and a nod, while others gave her sidelong glances and walked on. The Marshalls were still the subject of interest and speculation, as reported daily by Linnet. People had little to talk about and a new family in the village gave the gossips something new to discuss behind closed doors.