This remark was so ludicrous that Daisy was tempted to giggle. Esmond Tattersall was fifty if he was a day, and at least five years her aunt’s senior.

‘Hold on there, Eleanora, old girl.’ Sidney jumped to his feet. ‘We can keep up with the best of ’em.’

‘Oh, hush, Sidney. You know what I meant.’ Eleanora dug him in the ribs as he took her by the arm.

The squire signalled to Molesworth, who was standing to attention in front of the carved oak buffet. ‘We’ll have coffee in the drawing room after I’ve shown my guests round.’ He picked up a silver candlestick. ‘Follow me, my good people.’

Creek Manor was a rabbit warren of narrow corridors and passageways, and Daisy lost her bearings completely as the squire led them from one room to another. Her aunt and uncle were doing their best to keep up with them, but when they reached the long gallery at the top of the house, Eleanora and Sidney were lagging behind, staring at suits of armour and a sword collection strung out along the wall. Daisy found herself alone with the squire at the far end of the room.

He slipped his arm around her shoulders as he pointed to a portrait of a man in Elizabethan costume. ‘That is my ancestor. He was a privateer and earned the thanks and a huge fortune from the Queen herself.’

‘That’s very interesting, Squire. But I thought your ancestors were mine owners.’ Daisy tried to edge away, but his grip on her tightened.

‘They were, but you’re the only person who has dared to question me. I like that.’ He lowered his voice. ‘My first wife was a brainless fool, and barren – but you are a woman of spirit. You attempted to deceive me and failed, and I respect you for trying, although it would take a very clever female to get the better of me.’

Daisy twisted round to face him, but in the dim light she could not see his face clearly. ‘I’m not sure what you’re saying, Squire. But if you think I would be interested in someone like you, you’re sadly mistaken.’

‘I enjoy a challenge, and you are a pauper. Don’t worry, my dear. I know all about you now and your kind-hearted but foolish aunt and uncle. I could make them homeless if I chose to do so, and you, too.’

Daisy pulled away, glaring at him. ‘Are you threatening me, Squire?’

‘Believe it or not – and I find it hard to understand myself – I find you very appealing. I’m hoping to achieve a knighthood, or maybe even a baronetcy in the near future and I’m in desperate need of an heir. I need someone to inherit the fortune I’ve made, besides which, having a young and attractive wife would be a definite advantage in public life. I intend to go into politics.’

‘Daisy, come and look at this painting.’ Eleanora’s voice echoed eerily off the wainscoted walls.