‘I know you’re upset, Daisy, and this doesn’t help, but I had to be honest with you.’

Daisy took a deep breath. She must not cry like a baby, even though her heart was breaking. ‘Where are you going to live?’

‘An elderly aunt has died and left me her cottage in Essex. It’s where I grew up and it has enough land to enable us to keep a pig and some chickens, and grow our own vegetables. The country air will be good for your uncle, and I don’t want him to work himself into an early grave.’

Daisy stared at her in astonishment. ‘But I thought you were happy here. Uncle Sidney isn’t an old man.’

‘He’s been in this business since he was a boy, and we’ve saved enough to keep us quite comfortably. The dirt and smoke in the city isn’t good for his health, nor mine, come to that. We’ll have a better life in the country.’

‘But what do I do if I can’t find another position?’

‘We’ll be here for another week or two, Daisy. I’m sure you’ll find something, or you can come and live in the country with us. It’s not a huge cottage, but there is room enough for you, should you decide to accompany us.’

‘But what about Toby? I know he lives in at the hospital but he’s about to qualify. Where will he go then?’

Eleanora smiled. ‘You can ask him yourself. He’s just walked into the room.’

Daisy jumped to her feet, turning to face her brother. ‘Did you know of this, Toby?’

‘That’s a nice welcome. I haven’t seen you for weeks. Is that all you can say?’ Toby crossed the floor in long strides and enveloped her in a brotherly hug.

‘Did you know that Uncle Sidney is retiring to the country?’ Daisy demanded as he released her and went to kiss his aunt on the forehead.

Toby straightened up, facing her with a sympathetic smile. ‘Yes, I did, but why are you here? I thought you were spending Christmas with the Carringtons.’

Daisy sent a warning look in her aunt’s direction. Now was not the time to tell Toby about Julian. Her brother was fiercely protective and she knew he would be furious. She would tell him later, when she was feeling less fragile. ‘I’m no longer needed there,’ she said calmly. ‘Master Timothy is being sent to boarding school, but Mrs Carrington has given me a good reference.’

‘I’m sorry, Daisy. I know you liked the little fellow.’ Toby’s concerned expression gave way to a wide grin. ‘But I’ve got news that will cheer you up.’

‘You’ve passed your exams?’

‘Yes, I’m a qualified doctor.’

Daisy reached up to brush his cheek with a kiss. ‘Well done. I knew you could do it.’

‘Yes, well done indeed,’ Eleanora added, smiling. ‘Your uncle will be so proud.’

Toby slipped his arm around Daisy’s shoulders. ‘There’s something else, too.’

‘What is it?’ Daisy asked anxiously. ‘I don’t think I can take another shock. What are you trying to tell us, Toby?’