‘Yes,’ Daisy said firmly. ‘We’re going to teach the squire a lesson and save Creek Hall for the doctor.’

‘I hope you know what you’re doing.’ Eleanora followed them into the hall. ‘You shouldn’t get involved in other people’s problems, Daisy. From what I’ve heard, the squire is not a man to trifle with.’

‘I know exactly what I’m doing, Aunt. Don’t worry.’ Daisy stepped outside into bright sunshine. The pale wintry sky was a celestial blue and Daisy was filled with hope as she climbed into the carriage.

Jay grinned at her from the driver’s seat. ‘Luckily the blacksmith is an old mate of mine. He’s finished his work on this vehicle, but the owner isn’t expecting it back until tomorrow.’

Linnet took her seat beside Daisy. ‘This is the first time I’ve travelled in such style.’

Daisy smiled, remembering outings with Julian when they had taken Timothy to the Zoological Gardens or one of the London parks in the Carringtons’ barouche. She glanced at her left hand and through the soft leather of her glove she could see the outline of the ring that Julian had given her. It was a bitter-sweet moment tinged with regret, but it was part of her plan.

‘Drive on, Fox,’ Daisy said, leaning back with a sigh. ‘I could get used to this.’

‘Let’s hope my brother doesn’t overturn the carriage.’ Linnet tucked the travelling rug over Daisy’s knees as well as her own. ‘This is the most exciting thing that’s ever happened in Little Creek.’

‘If it works,’ Daisy said grimly. ‘I might be making a huge mistake, but it would be terrible if the doctor lost his home.’

‘You like him, don’t you, miss?’

‘Hold on, ladies.’ Jay flicked the whip over the horses’ ears. ‘Off we go.’ He glanced over his shoulder. ‘This is the first time I’ve ever driven a carriage, but I’m getting the hang of it.’

Daisy and Linnet exchanged worried looks as they clung to the sides.

Although the manor house was just across the water from the village they had to travel a couple of miles to the nearest bridge and it was close to midday when they finally arrived. Jay drew the horses to a halt. He tipped his hat so that the brim almost touched his nose and he pulled up his collar.

‘I’m known here, so it’s best that Molesworth doesn’t recognise me.’ He climbed down from the box to open the carriage door, and proffered his hand in such a professional manner that Daisy was tempted to giggle, although it was mostly nerves. Now they were here her scheme seemed hare-brained and even less likely to succeed. She was tempted to remain seated and instruct Jay to take them home, but Nick, unwilling as he had been to agree to her plan, was depending on her. Anyway, they had been seen. The heavy oak door opened and a footman appeared, followed by Molesworth, the stern-looking butler.

Daisy alighted with Jay’s help and he winked at her. ‘Don’t let the old devil browbeat you. He’ll try his best.’