‘Oh, well. I expect he has his reasons.’

‘I think he has an ulterior motive, Aunt. I don’t know why he would want to evict the villagers from their homes, but that seems to be his aim. He wants to purchase Creek Hall, and he’s making it almost impossible for Nick to hold on to his home.’

‘From what I’ve heard, the squire is an astute businessman. He must know what he’s doing. It’s none of our business, Daisy. You’d do best to keep out of matters that don’t concern you.’

‘I care what happens to the people here.’ Daisy sliced the top off her boiled egg. ‘That sounds like Jack coming downstairs. He’ll fall and break his other arm if he’s not careful.’

Jack rushed into the room, smoothing his wet hair into place. ‘I did it in four minutes, Daisy.’

She smiled. ‘Yes, you did. Well done.’

‘You’re still late for breakfast, young man,’ Eleanora said severely. ‘Sit down and eat your porridge before it gets cold. We mustn’t waste good food.’

Jack took a seat next to Daisy and began to eat, spooning the porridge into his mouth, oblivious to the frowning looks from Eleanora.

‘Manners, Jack. Don’t gobble,’ she said sternly.

Daisy finished her egg and wiped her lips on her napkin. ‘I might visit the school this morning, Aunt. Jack can come with me, and if Mr Massey is agreeable, he could join his classmates.’

‘I’d like that,’ Jack mumbled.

‘Don’t speak with your mouth full,’ Eleanora said automatically. ‘Yes, an excellent idea, Daisy.’ She was about to rise from the table when a noise outside made her turn to stare out of the window. ‘Good gracious, there’s a very elegant carriage outside. Go and see who it is, Daisy.’

‘Yes, Aunt.’ Daisy stood up and went out into the hall just as someone hammered on the door. There was no sign of Linnet and the person outside seemed impatient. ‘All right,’ she said loudly. ‘I’m coming.’ She opened the door and his large presence blotted out the early spring sunshine.

Chapter Ten

‘So it’s true.’ Squire Tattersall looked Daisy up and down. ‘The wealthy Miss Marshall lives in a farm worker’s cottage. My informant was correct.’

Daisy met his sarcastic smile with a defiant stare. ‘I believe I told you that I was visiting my aunt and uncle. This is their house, Squire.’

‘They might own the property for now, but I am the freeholder and when their lease expires, as it does before the year is out, the price for renewal will be very costly.’

‘I know nothing of this, sir,’ Daisy said slowly. ‘Is this the reason for your visit today?’

‘Certainly not. I have a land agent who deals with such matters. Are you going to invite me in? Or are you going to keep me standing on the doorstep?’

Daisy sensed trouble and she was trying to think of an excuse to bar him from the cottage when her aunt emerged from the dining room.