‘I’m intrigued, but baffled. Take a seat, Miss, er …’

‘Miss Marshall.’ Daisy had thought long and hard before deciding to use her own name. She had been tempted to take on an alias, but it was probably safer to stick as near to the truth as possible. She sank down on the nearest chair, her knees giving way beneath her. ‘What a delightful house you have, Squire.’

‘Thank you, but I’m sure you didn’t drop in to tell me that.’

Daisy smiled archly. ‘No, of course not. I’ve been making enquiries in the district. My fiancé and I are looking for a country house, near the coast, where we can settle and bring up a family.’ She turned her head away coyly, giving him a surreptitious glance beneath her lashes.

‘And what has this to do with me, Miss Marshall?’

‘I’ve heard that you are the biggest and most important landowner in the area, and also a magistrate. You see, sir, I have done my research thoroughly. I’m hoping you might know of a suitable property that is up for sale, or likely to be so in the near future.’

‘So you are looking to purchase rather than to rent?’

‘We wish to buy, of course. My fiancé’s family are very wealthy, and they want us to have a nice home. If we like a property we are prepared to take somewhere that needs a little love and attention, and that will be reflected in the price.’

Squire Tattersall sat down, staring at her as if he could see right through her deception. ‘It sounds as if you have somewhere in mind. I’m not a fool, Miss Marshall. Are you speaking of Creek Hall? As far as I know it’s the only property that fits in with your description.’

‘It has been mentioned, sir.’

Squire Tattersall held the visiting card between his fingers, scrutinising it with a thoughtful frown. ‘How do you come to be in this part of the country? It’s a long way from Queen Square.’

‘My uncle is a recently retired businessman. He bought a property in Little Creek because he wanted to take the air and follow less arduous pursuits. I am staying with him and my aunt for a while, and it would be convenient to live near them when I am married.’

‘I see.’ Squire Tattersall sat back in his chair, steepling his fingers. His shrewd brown eyes, set beneath bushy brows, seemed to bore into her soul. ‘You wouldn’t happen to be a friend of Dr Neville, would you?’

‘I hardly know anyone in the village, Squire.’

‘Creek Hall is all but derelict. Why would a young couple wish to burden themselves with somewhere that needs almost complete renovation?’

It was obvious that his suspicions were aroused and Daisy rose from her seat. ‘I can see that I’ve wasted my time. Thank you for seeing me. I’ll show myself out.’

Squire Tattersall leaped to his feet. ‘Don’t be so hasty. Sit down and we can discuss the matter further, or maybe you would like to stay to luncheon?’ He reached for the bell pull.