The school itself was situated opposite the village pub and the church, and the children had been allowed outside at break. The boys had found pockets of snow and were hurling snowballs at each other, while the girls played skipping games and chanted rhymes that were new to Daisy. She made her way between the different groups, narrowly avoiding being hit by a snowball thrown by a boy she recognised as being Danny, one of Jack’s friends. He caught up with her as she was about to enter the building.

‘Where’s Jack, miss? Is he all right?’

‘He’s staying at Creek Cottage for a while,’ Daisy said, smiling. ‘He broke his arm, but Dr Neville set the bones and Jack has to be careful he doesn’t injure it again.’

‘When will he come back to school?’

‘As soon as the doctor says it’s all right. Now, where will I find Mr Massey?’

‘He’s right there, miss. Behind you.’ Danny turned and raced back to join his rowdy friends.

Daisy turned to find herself facing a tall, dark-haired young man, whose black jacket was worn at the cuffs and dusted with chalk. ‘May I help you, miss?’

‘You must be Mr Massey, the schoolmaster.’

‘That’s correct. I’m Elliot Massey. Might I ask your name?’

‘I’m Daisy Marshall and I live at Creek Cottage. We only moved in recently, although it feels as if I’ve lived here for months.’

A slow smile lit his grey eyes. ‘I know the feeling. How may I help you?’

‘I was wondering if you could set some work for Jack Fox. I expect you know that he injured himself falling from a tree.’

‘Yes, of course. I know that he’s been taken in by the new people from London.’

‘Mr and Mrs Marshall are my uncle and aunt, and Dr Neville thought it a good idea if Jack came to stay with us for a while. Jack’s parents are unwell and his sisters are in service.’

‘I am aware of the family history. It’s impossible to do anything in Little Creek without everyone knowing.’

‘You’re not the first person to tell me that,’ Daisy said, smiling. ‘Anyway, if you think it a good idea perhaps I could help Jack with some work at home, so that when he returns he doesn’t find himself far behind the other children.’

‘Of course, and thank you. If only the parents of some of the other children thought the same as you my life would be so much easier. I try my best to make learning exciting and interesting, but it’s impossible to get through to some of my pupils. Young Jack shows promise but he’s easily distracted.’

‘If you would allow me to take a couple of books and a slate, I’ll do my best.’

‘I can do better than that, Miss Marshall. If you can wait until this afternoon, I’ll bring the books after school.’

At that moment a bell rang and the children raced past them, bringing gusts of cold air with them.