‘Who is it, Daisy?’ Eleanora peered over Daisy’s shoulder. ‘Who is this gentleman?’

Squire Tattersall doffed his top hat. ‘Good morning, ma’am. If your niece will not oblige I must introduce myself. Esmond Tattersall, at your service.’

‘Oh, good heavens! Where are your manners, Daisy?’ Eleanora pushed her aside. ‘Please come in, Squire Tattersall.’

‘Delighted, ma’am.’

His presence filled the entrance hall and suddenly the cottage seemed very small and humble compared to the manor house. Daisy eyed him warily. Squire Tattersall had seen through her attempt to deceive him, although why he had come here in person was a mystery. She held her breath, waiting for him to reveal all to her aunt, but he was all smiles.

‘Please come into the parlour,’ Eleanora said hastily. ‘I hope that girl has lit a fire. It’s so hard to get good servants these days, Squire.’

He bowed and smiled. ‘Indeed it is, ma’am. I don’t want to cause you any inconvenience.’

‘You aren’t. I mean, it’s no trouble at all. Daisy, ring for Linnet. Tell her to bring tea to the parlour. Or would you prefer coffee, Squire? I’m afraid my husband is not here at the moment. He left early to go fishing. He’s quite obsessed with the sport these days.’

‘He must try the lake at the manor some time, Mrs Marshall. I keep it well stocked.’

‘Oh, too kind.’ Eleanora rushed into the parlour. ‘Tea and coffee, Daisy. See if there’s any cake left, or biscuits if that boy hasn’t eaten them all.’ She motioned the squire to take a seat by the fire and Daisy took the opportunity to escape. If the squire was going to denounce her she would prefer to answer questions after the wretched man had gone back to his grand house. She hurried to the kitchen to relay the message, which sent Linnet into a panic and annoyed Hattie.

‘Who does he think he is? Calling at this early hour and the rooms not yet swept and dusted. I never heard of such a thing. People in London have better manners.’

‘What business has the squire here?’ Linnet’s hand trembled as she set a tray with the best china. ‘Trouble follows that man like his own shadow.’

Daisy had heard enough. ‘I’m going to take Jack to school. Hopefully the squire will have gone by the time I return.’

The smell of chalk, ink and musty books enveloped Daisy as she ushered Jack into the classroom where Elliot was about to begin the first lesson. The children turned their heads to stare at them and Jack’s friends called out to him but were immediately silenced by a word of warning from their teacher.

‘Jack would like to attend class, Mr Massey,’ Daisy said, smiling. ‘His arm is healing well, but he does need to be careful and he mustn’t indulge in rough games in the playground.’

‘Of course.’ Elliot beamed at her. ‘He will stay in under my supervision at break and practise his reading.’