‘I hope I never have to see that man again. He’s a lecher and he disgusts me.’

‘What did he do?’ Linnet asked anxiously as she settled herself beside Daisy. ‘Did he molest you, miss?’

‘No, not physically, but he leered at me the whole time, and he was so condescending. He obviously thinks that all women are stupid and I’m not sure if he took me seriously. He seemed to think that I was offering myself as part of the bargain, but I made it clear that wasn’t the case.’

‘I’d have wiped the smug smile off his face,’ Jay said angrily.

‘And you’d end up in prison again.’ Daisy met his angry gaze with a steady look. ‘I’ve heard that you served time. It wouldn’t be wise to get on the wrong side of the squire.’

‘That was a long time ago,’ Jay said casually. ‘Anyway, we aren’t talking about me. Did he say anything untoward? I won’t stand for that.’

‘It doesn’t matter now – it’s over as far as I’m concerned. When I tell Nick how much it will take to pay back the debt his father incurred, and it’s not as much as the interest that the wicked old devil was demanding, it will be up to Nick’s solicitor to deal with Squire Tattersall. Whatever happens I have no wish to see the squire again.’

‘Won’t that be difficult, miss?’ Linnet gazed at her, frowning. ‘If the master does go ahead with the purchase, won’t the squire be suspicious if you don’t see him again?’

‘I don’t think a lady like Mrs Carrington would soil her hands with business matters. I’m relying on that fact, but in my opinion the squire is being greedy.’

‘I hope you won’t get into trouble with the squire, miss. If he discovers that you’ve tricked him he’ll be furious.’

‘There’s no reason why he should find out,’ Daisy said with more confidence than she was feeling. ‘Don’t worry about me, Linnet.’

‘But I do, miss. You’re one of us now, if you don’t mind me saying so.’

‘Not in the least. I’d be proud to be considered part of the village, and I’ll do anything I can to save Creek Hall, within reason.’

‘It’s time someone stood up to the squire.’ Jay climbed onto the driver’s seat. ‘Let’s get away from here.’

‘Yes, drive on, please, Jay.’ Daisy sat back against the padded squabs. ‘Nick will be waiting to hear what the squire said.’

‘I should never have agreed to your plan in the first place,’ Nick said angrily. ‘I’m grateful to you for trying to help, Daisy, but I should have known how that man would react to a pretty face.’

‘Just say the word and I’ll knock some sense into the old goat.’ Jay stopped pacing the floor, turning to Nick with an angry frown. ‘I could have put a stop to it, but I let her go in on her own.’

‘I wasn’t allowed in with her,’ Linnet added tearfully. ‘We all know the squire’s reputation with women.’