‘When are you leaving, miss? If you don’t mind me asking.’

‘There’s a train at two o’clock. Now I’ve made up my mind I don’t want to wait around.’

‘You’ll need me to help you pack.’

‘I won’t take too much with me this time. After all, I might be unsuccessful and have to return in a day or two. Anyway, whatever happens, it will be good to see my brother again.’

‘I’d better not waste any more time or I’ll be in trouble.’ Linnet hurried off in the direction of Creek Cottage, leaving Daisy to walk on at a more leisurely pace.

She had no particular plan, but it was a fine day and the birds were singing as if they knew that spring was not far off. She followed the creek as it wound its way through the wood, and as she emerged from a thicket of brambles and hawthorn bushes she came across a sight that brought her to a halt. Up to their knees in the fast-moving water, her uncle and Lemuel Fox were standing midstream, casting their lines. She wondered if Lemuel would tell his wife that he had been fishing instead of preaching to his flock, and she stifled a giggle. She was about to retreat when she trod on a fallen branch, which snapped, sending a sound like a pistol shot echoing across the water.

‘Who’s there?’ Lemuel demanded angrily. ‘You’ve frightened off the fish.’

Daisy emerged from the cover of the bushes. ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t see you until too late.’

‘What are you doing here, Daisy?’ Sidney demanded, reeling in his line. ‘Is something wrong?’

‘Not at all, but I’m glad I came across you.’ Daisy moved to the water’s edge, balancing precariously on the slippery bank. ‘I’ve decided to return to London and look for work.’

Sidney waded towards her. ‘This is very sudden, my dear.’ He gave her a searching look. ‘Has this anything to do with our visit to the manor house? I noticed how quiet you were on the way home, and quite honestly I didn’t like the way the squire treated you. I would have said something, but your aunt told me to be quiet.’

Daisy eyed Lemuel warily, although he did not seem to be listening. ‘It has in a way, Uncle.’ She lowered her voice, just in case Lemuel was more interested than he appeared to be. ‘You’ll hardly credit it, but the squire proposed to me. He made it clear that if I didn’t comply he would refuse to renew the lease on Creek Cottage, or he would make the terms prohibitive.’

‘The bounder. I’ll have it out with him man to man. This has nothing to do with you, Daisy. I won’t stand by and see you treated like this.’

‘Please don’t get involved, Uncle. Squire Tattersall is a nasty man and he holds the lease on Creek Cottage. I don’t know why, but he seems to be hellbent on evicting people from their homes.’