‘He’ll be fine,’ Linnet said casually. ‘Jay has a thick skull. If he fell on his head as a child we knew he would be all right.’

Hattie pursed her lips. ‘He should be tucked up in bed with a hot-water bottle.’

‘I’m all right,’ Jay said abruptly. ‘I wish everyone would stop fussing. I said, I’m fine.’

‘I need to keep an eye on you, Jay.’ Nick picked up a towel and tossed it at him. ‘Dry your feet. I’m taking you to Creek Hall whether you like it or not.’

‘I should go home, Nick. I’ve been away too long.’

‘Your parents are far from well at the moment and they can’t be expected to look after you. It’s best if you come home with me. Mrs Bee will delight in fussing over you.’

Linnet picked up a towel and began to dry her brother’s feet. ‘You’ll do as you’re told for once, Jay Fox.’

‘I wish you’d all leave me alone,’ Jay said with a groan. ‘I’m quite capable of looking after myself.’

‘Well, you haven’t been very successful, considering you’ve just been fished out of the river, half dead.’ Hattie gave a disapproving sniff. ‘Gallivanting around won’t do you any good.’

‘Don’t worry, Mrs Cribb,’ Nick said smoothly. ‘Jay will be well cared for, and I’m sure you have enough on your hands with young Jack.’

Jack had been sitting quietly at the table, munching cake, but he looked up and grinned. ‘It was worth breaking an arm to come here and be treated like a young gent. Mrs Cribb makes the best cake ever.’

Hattie puffed out her chest. ‘Flattery will get you nowhere, young man.’

‘You’d best be ready to see your teacher,’ Daisy said hurriedly. ‘Mr Massey is coming here after school with some books for you to study while your arm heals.’

Jack’s mouth drooped at the corners and he pushed his plate away. ‘I thought it was too good to be true. I don’t like Mr Massey.’

‘I thought he was charming,’ Daisy said firmly. ‘And you need to work hard in order to keep up with the rest of the class.’

‘You’ll have me to answer to now, Jack. I won’t stand any nonsense.’ Jay attempted to rise but subsided with a groan.

‘Your brother will be around for a while yet.’ Nick helped Jay to his feet. ‘I need to give you a more thorough examination, Jay. You might have cracked a couple of ribs.’

Jack pulled a face. ‘I bet he’s on the run from the coppers again.’

‘Cheeky brat.’ Jay made to cuff Jack round the head as he limped past, but missed. ‘I’ll get you next time, nipper.’

Jack poked out his tongue and was scolded by Hattie and Linnet in unison.

‘Maybe you ought to come with us to Creek Hall,’ Nick said severely. ‘You need someone to keep you in order, young fellow.’

‘I’ll be good. Don’t take me away from here. I never had such lovely grub, nor such a soft bed. Let me stay, please.’