Copyright

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First published in Great Britain by HarperCollinsPublishers 2020

Copyright © Dilly Court 2020

Map Copyright © Liane Payne 2019

Jacket Photographs: © Gordon Crabb/Alison Eldred (Girl); Claire Ward (building); Shutterstock.com (all other images)

Cover design by Claire Ward © HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd 2020

Dilly Court asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

A catalogue copy of this book is available from the British Library.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

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Source ISBN: 9780008287795

Ebook Edition © March 2020 ISBN: 9780008287801

Version: 2020-02-12

Dedication

For Nicky and Sarah, and the hardworking and devoted staff of Jelly Babies Day Nursery

Map

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Map

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

The Country Bride

Keep Reading …

About the Author

Also by Dilly Court

About the Publisher

Chapter One

Little Creek, Essex, April 1869

Daisy stood at the top of the grand staircase, clutching her bridal bouquet. The old manor house was eerily silent, all the servants having left for the village church, with the exception of James, the footman, who was waiting to assist her into the carriage.

‘You look beautiful, Daisy.’ Sidney Marshall gazed up at his niece with misty eyes. ‘Jay’s a lucky fellow.’

Slowly, mindful of her long train, Daisy made her way downstairs. Was it her imagination, or were the portraits of stern-faced dignitaries actually smiling down at her? She was blissfully happy, and yet at the back of her mind there was a niggling worry that she could not explain.

‘This is all so different from our rushed ceremony on Christmas Eve, Uncle.’

‘It’s nothing less than you deserve, my dear.’

Daisy was still not convinced. ‘I hope people won’t think it’s too much.’

Sidney proffered his arm. ‘Of course not. They’ll all be thrilled to share your happiness.’

‘I hope so.’ Daisy laid her hand on his arm. ‘We’d better leave now. I don’t want to keep Jay waiting.’

The Saxon church was bathed in spring sunshine, and the dark shapes of the yew trees contrasted dramatically with the daffodils swaying gently in the breeze, their yellow trumpets creating bands of gold amongst the neatly kept graves. It was several degrees cooler inside the building, and the smell of musty hymnals contrasted sharply with the scent from the floral arrangements, and just a hint of mothballs emanating from the congregation. The whole village had turned out to celebrate the wedding, and everyone had dressed in their Sunday best. There was a low buzz of conversation, as if people were afraid to raise their voices in such a holy place.

‘I know that Daisy is your niece, Eleanora, but this isn’t what I’d call a proper wedding.’ Grace Peabody, the vicar’s wife, pursed her lips and turned her head to stare at the guests, who were rapidly filling the pews. ‘It should simply be a blessing of the marriage that took place at Christmas. Heaven alone knows why my husband has gone to all this trouble, but it’s typical of John – he would have been too soft-hearted to refuse. Personally, I don’t see the need for all this fuss and bother. It’s not as if Daisy and Jay are real gentry.’

Eleanora Marshall gazed at Grace in dismay. ‘Jay insisted that Daisy should have her big day with all the family present. I think he felt that she had been cheated out of a proper wedding.’

‘That’s nonsense, Eleanora. Of course the ceremony on Christmas Eve was the real thing. Do you think my husband would have agreed to anything less?’ Grace gave her a quelling look. ‘It’s just a pity you weren’t there.’

‘It was the weather,’ Eleanora said apologetically. Somehow she always felt at a disadvantage when she was in Grace’s company, and compelled to explain the reason for their absence from Daisy’s wedding ceremony for the umpteenth time. ‘We couldn’t get back from London because of the snow. The roads were blocked and the trains had stopped running.’

‘You don’t have to remind me.’

‘I would have liked them to wait, but I wouldn’t wish the young couple to live together in …’ Eleanora lowered her voice to a whisper, ‘… you know what I mean, Grace. At least they were married in the eyes of God.’

‘Well, I suppose Daisy wanted a big reception and all that it entails.’

‘Oh, no. Daisy isn’t like that. It’s Jay who always wants to be the centre of attention.’

‘That doesn’t surprise me. He was always in the public eye as a young boy, and invariably for the wrong reasons.’ Grace turned her head yet again, squinting as a beam of sunlight danced through the stained-glass window, momentarily dazzling her. ‘I see that Daisy’s brother has arrived with his fiancée. How did he feel about his sister’s rushed nuptials to someone like Jay Fox? I suppose I should try to call him Jay Tattersall now, but it doesn’t trip easily off my tongue.’

‘Jay is entitled to use his real father’s name, Grace. As for Toby, he takes everything in his stride.’ Eleanora tossed her head, forgetting the precarious angle at which she had pinned her new straw hat. The ostrich feathers, which had looked so charming in the shop window, tickled her nose and threatened to make her sneeze.

Ignoring Eleanora’s struggle with her fashionable headwear, Grace turned her attention to Jay and his best man, Dr Nick Neville, who were waiting patiently at the altar. She shook her head, oozing disapproval from every pore. ‘I see that Jay’s sister is seated in the front row, flaunting herself as if she was already married to the doctor.’

‘I believe they’re almost engaged,’ Eleanora said nervously.

Grace rolled her eyes. ‘Not so long ago Dove Fox was keen on the schoolmaster, and her sister, Linnet, was making eyes at the doctor. Now they seem to have swapped partners, as if life was like some sort of country dance. Those girls are flighty, if you ask me.’

‘Young people today aren’t bound by the strict rules that you and I had to abide by, Grace.’

‘It’s not that I disapprove of someone like Dr Neville courting one of his servants, but Dove ought to be more circumspect. That’s all I’m saying.’

‘She’s Daisy’s sister-in-law now, and that makes her part of our family,’ Eleanora protested, stung by this further attack on those close to her. ‘It’s perfectly proper for her to sit there with her mother and young Jack.’ Eleanora shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Hard wooden pews were no doubt designed to make sure that the congregation did not fall asleep during long sermons, but she wished she had a cushion. She shot a sideways glance at Grace, who, as the vicar’s wife, had set herself up as unofficial arbiter of manners and morals in Little Creek. Although it was not in Eleanora’s nature to be humble, she was a relative newcomer to the village and had been careful not to offend Grace, but she was a fair woman and she felt the need to stand up for Dove. ‘I’m sure she will make him a good wife,’ she added.

‘I disagree, Eleanora. Dr Neville could do better for himself. The Fox girls should know their place in society, that’s all I’m saying.’

‘I think you’re forgetting that their brother is now lord of the manor,’ Eleanora said mildly. ‘I’m sure that Jay will try to live up to the responsibilities that he’s inherited.’

Grace raised her gloved hand to shield her mouth. ‘I remember when Mary Fox was married to that bully of a first husband, she wore rags and had to send her children out to work when they were barely out of petticoats.’

‘That’s all in the past,’ Eleanora protested.

‘Mary might have risen from being a skivvy by marrying the squire, even if it was on his deathbed, but you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. A real lady would keep her servants in their place, and yet she’s brought the entire staff of the manor house with her. It simply isn’t the done thing.’

Eleanora had finally had enough of Grace’s uncalled for malice, and she rose to her feet. ‘I can hear a commotion outside. The bridesmaids must have arrived, so I’d better go and see if I can do anything to help.’ She hurried down the aisle, nodding and smiling at friends and acquaintances.

Toby Marshall reached out to catch Eleanora by the hand as she was about to walk past him. ‘Is anything wrong, Aunt?’

‘No, dear. I was just going to make sure that the little ones were behaving. Daisy should be here at any moment.’

Toby glanced at Jay, who was standing before the altar with his best man. ‘The bridegroom looks nervous. I’d have thought this would be easier the second time around, although why he would want to put himself through this again is a mystery to me.’

‘Hush, Toby.’ Minnie clutched his arm, stifling a giggle. ‘Someone will hear you.’

He turned to his fiancée with a broad grin. ‘Everyone knows they were married in a rush at Christmas, Minnie. It’s not as if Daisy’s in the family way.’

‘Really, Toby, I don’t appreciate your sense of humour,’ Eleanora said crossly. ‘This is the house of God; you should be more respectful, and that sort of idle chatter gives the gossips something to talk about.’

‘Sorry, Aunt.’ Toby sank back onto the pew. ‘I think you’d better go and see to the bridesmaids. It sounds as if they are getting impatient.’

‘Yes, I’d better help Hilda, but you must mind your manners, Toby. You’re not in London now.’ Eleanora hurried out of the church into the warm spring sunshine.

Minnie nudged Toby in the ribs. ‘That wasn’t fair, Toby. You shouldn’t say things like that to your aunt.’

‘Well, all this palaver is a bit silly, considering that my sister and Jay have been happily married for months. Anyway, it will be our turn next. I’ll make certain that our wedding is twice as grand as this one.’

Minnie smiled. ‘I think my parents will have something to say about that, darling. Papa will want to marry us in his church, and Mama will have the last word when it comes to the wedding breakfast.’

Toby leaned over to brush Minnie’s cheek with a kiss. ‘Let’s run away to Gretna Green. I don’t think I could go through all this again.’

She chuckled and squeezed his hand. ‘But you will, and I rather fancy being a summer bride rather than waiting until the autumn.’

‘As soon as I’ve found us somewhere to live we’ll get your father to post the banns.’

Outside the church Hilda was rearranging her younger daughter’s tumbled curls after the carriage ride from the manor house.

‘You girls look splendid.’ Eleanora said, smiling at ten-year-old Judy, who was wearing a white muslin dress made for her by the village dressmaker, which exactly matched the one worn by seven-year-old Molly. ‘Did you leave the boys with Mrs Fuller, as I suggested, Hilda?’

‘Yes, Mrs Marshall. I wasn’t going to bring them anyway. They’re too young to know how to behave on such an occasion.’ Hilda clutched her daughters’ hands. ‘We have to wait here until Daisy and her uncle arrive, and then you walk very slowly up the aisle, scattering the contents of your baskets. You know what to do, Judy.’

‘So do I,’ Molly lisped. ‘We practised yesterday, didn’t we, Judy?’

‘Yes, Ma. Stop worrying.’ Judy tossed her head. ‘We’re very important because we scatter the herbs that will keep away evil spirits.’

Eleanora stared at her aghast. ‘Who’s filling your head with that nonsense?’

Judy eyed her warily. ‘Cook said so. She knows a lot of things.’

‘Well, dear, I don’t think you’ll find any evil spirits in the church. It’s a holy place, and you and Molly are going to make a pretty carpet of flowers and leaves for the bride to walk on.’

Hilda nodded. ‘Yes, indeed. Listen to Mrs Marshall, girls.’ She turned her head at the sound of an approaching carriage. ‘Here comes Daisy now.’

The Tattersalls’ landau had been taken out of the coach house, dusted off, cleaned and polished and decorated with swags of greenery and white ribbons. Daisy sat beside her uncle, who was beaming with pride as the carriage drew to a halt, and the footman leaped off the box to open the door and put down the steps.

‘Do be careful, Sidney,’ Eleanora said anxiously. ‘We don’t want any accidents on Daisy’s special day.’

‘Don’t fuss, my dear. I’m as agile as a man half my age.’ Sidney clambered to the ground, groaning as his arthritic knees took his weight, but he managed a weak grin. ‘You see.’

‘I see an old man pretending to be younger than his years.’ Eleanora took the children from their mother. ‘You can go and sit with Mrs Ralston, Hilda. I’ll keep an eye on the girls. Come along, my dears. We’ll wait in the porch.’

Hilda frowned and opened her mouth as if to argue, but a stern look from Eleanora made her change her mind and she went to sit at the end of the pew where the Creek Manor servants were waiting expectantly.

‘Are you ready, Daisy?’ Eleanora asked as she was about to shepherd the bridesmaids into the church.

Daisy alighted from the landau with the help of her uncle and the footman. She shook out the voluminous skirts of the ivory silk gown that Jay had insisted she had made for the occasion, although if she were honest she would have preferred to wear something less formal. Her veil was held in place by a simple wreath of white camellias, and she carried a matching bouquet.

‘You look beautiful, my love,’ Sidney said, wiping tears from his eyes. ‘You are so like your mother. I remember how lovely she was. It was no wonder that my poor brother fell hopelessly in love with her.’

‘Thank you, Uncle.’

Daisy was suddenly nervous. Until now she had taken everything in her stride, but she could hear the buzz of conversation emanating from the church, and as she approached the porch on the arm of her uncle, she could see that every seat was taken. There were people standing at the back of the nave and a few late-comers were outside, hoping to squeeze in after the wedding party. This was simply a blessing on her marriage to Jay, she had told herself during the drive from the manor house to the church, only this time there were many well-wishers. It was all so different from the actual ceremony last Christmas Eve, when she and Jay had tramped through the snow on their way to the church. The only guests then had been Guppy and Ramsden, two of the crew from Jay’s ship, the Lazy Jane, with Mrs Peabody and her maid to act as witnesses.

‘Are you ready, Daisy?’

She glanced at her uncle and smiled. ‘Yes, I am.’

‘We’re coming, Eleanora.’

‘All right, Sidney. No need to shout.’ Eleanora shooed the young bridesmaids into the nave and stood aside. She watched anxiously as they processed slowly up the aisle, concentrating on their important task with set expressions, while Miss Creedy, the regular church organist, hammered out the ‘Bridal Chorus’ from Wagner’s Lohengrin, occasionally hitting the right note.

With her hand resting on her uncle’s arm, Daisy followed them, fixing her gaze on Jay. He turned to look at her and his smile still had the power to make her heart beat faster. She could hear the music and the soft shuffling of the congregation as they rose to their feet and stood in respectful silence, but for Daisy it might have been Christmas Eve all over again. The only person she could see was the man she had married in the depths of winter. The last four months had been the happiest she had ever known, and now she could look forward to a lifetime together, with the added blessing of any children that might come from their blissful union. It had not happened yet, but she lived in hope.

Nick Neville turned his head to give her an encouraging smile. It was odd, she thought dreamily, at one time she had been certain that Nick was the man for her, but then Jay had quite literally swept her off her feet and she knew now that he was the love of her life. They were already legally married, and this ceremony – merely the affirmation of the bond that they shared – was mainly for the benefit of others. Daisy herself would have been quite happy to continue as they had been since Christmas, making every effort to right the wrongs that Squire Tattersall had committed in his selfish lifetime, but the title of lord of the manor carried with it heavy responsibilities. The old squire had been neglectful and greedy, and now Jay was intent of making reparation for his father’s wrongdoings.

Daisy smiled tenderly as Jay took her hand and John Peabody began the ceremony, speaking in a deep, rich voice that echoed off the vaulted ceiling of the old church.

It was over and the bride and groom left the church to cheers, clapping, and people tossing handfuls of rice. Hand in hand Daisy and Jay walked the short distance to the latest innovation in the village, designed and financed by Jay himself. The manually operated chain ferry was ready to take the guests across the water to a landing stage on the far side, and transport had been laid on to take the bridal party to the manor house for the wedding breakfast. Jay handed Daisy into the boat, followed by his mother, Eleanora and Sidney, Hilda and the two bridesmaids, and lastly eleven-year-old Jack, who jumped aboard at the last minute and went to sit beside Judy. There were more cheers as the ferry was winched across the water, and when they disembarked it was winched back to collect the rest of the family and the guests in relays.

‘That’s a wonderful contraption, my boy,’ Sidney said appreciatively. ‘I just hope it doesn’t affect the fishing grounds.’

Jay smiled and shook his head. ‘It won’t, sir, I promise, and you are welcome to fish in the lake, if that appeals to you.’

‘My husband is obsessed with the sport,’ Eleanora sighed. ‘I must admit I’m getting a little tired of eating trout and I dislike pike; it tastes muddy.’

‘Cook can do wonders with that particular fish,’ Hilda said eagerly. ‘She stuffs it with breadcrumbs and herbs and I don’t know what, but it’s very good to eat.’

‘Lemon juice, Ma.’ Judy met her mother’s surprised gaze with a grin. ‘I learn a lot from watching Cook at work.’

Sidney patted Judy on the back. ‘I can see we have a budding chef in our midst, Hilda.’

‘Maybe Hilda doesn’t want her daughter to work in a kitchen.’ Eleanora shifted from one foot to the other as her high heels sank into the muddy track. ‘Are we getting in the carriage with you, Daisy? Or do we have to wait for another to come and pick us up? I have to say, I don’t want to travel on a farm cart. It would ruin my new gown.’

Jay handed Daisy into the waiting landau. ‘There’s room for two more and the little ones, because they don’t take up much room. There’s another carriage on the way, but it’s not too far to walk.’

‘I hope you’re not suggesting that we ladies trudge up the hill on the muddy track,’ Mary said crossly. ‘I agree with Mrs Marshall. We should travel in the carriage with you.’

‘I’ll walk,’ Sidney said firmly. ‘But Mrs Begg ought to ride.’

‘I’ll come with you, Mr Marshall,’ Jack said eagerly. ‘I feel like a walk after sitting through all that hymn singing and praying.’

Sidney ruffled Jack’s curly brown hair. ‘I couldn’t agree more, son. Perhaps Judy and Molly would like to come too, and we’ll have a look at the lake. We might see a few carp.’

Hilda was about to protest, but Judy had already skipped on ahead. ‘You ride, Ma,’ she called over her shoulder. ‘I want to see the fish.’

‘Me, too.’ Molly ran after her.

‘See what you’ve started, Sidney.’ Eleanora wagged her finger at him, but her husband merely smiled as he handed her into the carriage. ‘The children need to wear off some of their youthful high spirits, my dear, and I enjoy a bit of exercise.’ He held his hand out to Hilda.

‘Thank you, sir. But you will make sure the girls don’t fall in, won’t you? Their dresses are new and they cost a pretty penny. Daisy paid for them herself.’

‘Let the girls enjoy themselves,’ Daisy said, chuckling. ‘They’ve played their part today and behaved perfectly in church.’ She moved closer to Jay, slipping her hand through the crook of his arm. ‘Let’s go home.’

He brushed her lips with a kiss. ‘Drive on, Fuller. We have guests to entertain.’

‘Who would have thought that Creek Manor would one day play host to the whole village?’ Mary Tattersall edged into the corner of the seat to make room for Hilda and Eleanora. ‘If you’d told me that when I was a girl, I’d never have believed it.’

Eleanora turned her head away. ‘We were in London then. Sometimes I wish we’d stayed in Whitechapel.’

‘Surely not, Aunt,’ Daisy said anxiously. ‘Would you really prefer to live above the shop than here in Little Creek? You have a comfortable cottage, and it’s all yours.’

‘I suppose so.’ Eleanora uttered a loud sigh. ‘But I miss the hustle and bustle of the city, and the shops.’

‘Some people are never satisfied,’ Mary said darkly. ‘If you’d suffered the hardships I’ve had to endure you’d be grateful for what you’ve got, Mrs Marshall.’

‘I’m sure we count ourselves very fortunate to have come to such a delightful part of the country.’ Daisy spoke before her aunt had a chance to argue. ‘I love Little Creek and I’m more than happy to live in Creek Manor.’ She held Jay’s arm a little tighter. ‘I am the luckiest woman in the world to have such a wonderful husband and family. I couldn’t ask for more.’

‘My sentiments exactly,’ Jay said, smiling. ‘I’m married to the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known, and we have everything we could possibly want, so let’s not spoil the day with petty arguments.’

‘I’m sure I wouldn’t want to be a wet blanket.’ Eleanora shot a wary glance in Mary’s direction.

Mary nodded and managed a tight little smile. ‘I didn’t mean to offend you, Mrs Marshall. It’s just that I’ve been the subject of unkind gossip for so many years that I sometimes speak out of turn.’

‘Quite so, and as we’re related by marriage I think it only proper that you call me Eleanora. We must support each other, Mary.’

Daisy leaned against Jay, inhaling the masculine scent that was his alone. She felt at this moment as though her heart would burst with happiness, and the sun was shining. It was a perfect spring day.

After greeting the guests Daisy and Jay led them into the dining hall, where more tables and chairs had been brought in to seat everyone, and a feast had been laid out in readiness. Wine, ale and cider flowed and, although subdued at first, the guests began to relax and enjoy themselves. Their voices rose in a crescendo, adding to the clatter of knives and forks on china plates and the clink of glasses.

When at last everyone was satiated with food and drink, there was the traditional cutting of the wedding cake, and then Sidney rose to his feet and raised a toast. Jay made a brief speech in response and announced that there would be dancing in the great hall to the tuneful accompaniment of Mr Keyes, the village shopkeeper, on the concertina and Constable Fowler on the pianoforte. The instrument had been found tucked away beneath a tarpaulin in the coach house, and Mary vaguely remembered the first Mrs Tattersall having the piano in the morning parlour where she spent many an hour playing soulful music. A piano tuner had been summoned from Maldon and now it was as good as new, or almost. Daisy was no expert, but when she had been governess to the Carringtons’ youngest child, she had sat beside Master Timothy in the drawing room of the London mansion while he did his five-finger exercises. The Steinway, which had been imported from Germany at enormous expense, had made the most wonderful sound, even though the young musician was there under sufferance, bribed by the promise of a poke of humbugs if he completed a half-hour practice. The manor house pianoforte could not compete with such a superb instrument, but if the notes were tinny no one seemed to notice, and George Keyes played his concertina with more enthusiasm than expertise.

Jay and Daisy took the floor and led the dancers in a waltz, followed by a lively polka and then a gavotte. Breathless and smiling, they stopped to take a rest while the guests formed a circle for the country dance, Gathering Peascods.

‘This really is a day to remember, Jay,’ Daisy said softly. ‘You were right, it’s good to share our happiness with everyone.’

He smiled and leaned over to kiss her on the lips. ‘Here’s to a lifetime together, Daisy mine. I’ll never leave you.’

It was her turn to smile. ‘Not even to refurbish the Lazy Jane – I know she’s the second love of your life.’

‘No, sweetheart. My days at sea are over. I’ll pay another master to take care of the old girl, but this time they’ll trade in legitimate goods. No more smuggling for me.’

‘I’m glad. It might have ended so badly.’ Daisy looked up at the sound of someone calling Jay’s name and a young man pushed his way through the dancers.

‘Captain, I need to have a word.’

Jay rose to his feet. ‘What is it, Lewis? I didn’t see you at the wedding breakfast.’

‘I was called down to the creek, sir. There’s been a spot of bother.’

‘What’s happened?’

The note of anxiety in her husband’s voice made Daisy reach out to clutch his hand. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘I don’t know, but the boy seems to be in a state.’ Jay turned back to Lewis, who was sweating profusely and panting as if he had run a considerable distance. ‘Calm down and tell me what’s happened.’

Lewis shook his head. ‘You need to come with me, Captain. You’re the only one who can save the Lazy Jane from them Dornings.’

Daisy leaped to her feet. ‘No, Jay. You can’t leave in the middle of the reception. Whatever it is can surely wait for a few hours.’

Jay shook his head. ‘It’s not like Lewis to panic. I’ll go and sort it out and be back before you know it. Save the next waltz for me, my darling.’ Jay blew her a kiss and hurried after Lewis, who was already halfway towards the door.

‘What’s going on, Daisy?’ Mary was at her side, staring anxiously after her son. ‘Why has Jay rushed off after that boy? I sense trouble.’

Daisy frowned. ‘I don’t know, Mary. But he promised to come back soon. Jay always keeps his word.’ She watched the man she adored leave the great hall and she felt the cold draught as the door closed behind him. She shivered suddenly as cold fingers of fear ran down her spine.

Chapter Two

Toby slipped his arm around Daisy’s shoulders. ‘I’m sure he’ll be back soon.’

‘Yes, of course,’ Daisy said without much conviction.

‘I’d stay, but I have to report for duty at the hospital tomorrow morning.’ Toby gave her a searching look. ‘And I need to get Minnie back to Mrs Wood’s lodging house before she is locked out. I’ve bribed the maid to let her in, but she might fall asleep.’

‘Will you be all right, Daisy?’ Minnie asked anxiously. ‘It seems wrong to leave you like this.’

Daisy managed a smile. ‘Jay would never miss his own party. But of course you must go now. Fuller will take you to the railway station.’

Toby gave her a hug. ‘He’d better treat you well, or he’ll have me to deal with.’

‘Jay is the best of husbands. He’ll be back soon. I know he will.’ Daisy watched her brother and his fiancée as they took their leave of their aunt and uncle, and she waved to them as they left the great hall. She forced herself to smile, but she had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. Something was wrong, but Jay would make it right, of that she was certain.

The dancing grew more energetic and the company more raucous with every glass of fruit punch, ale or cider that was drunk, ceasing briefly when the musicians demanded a break. Daisy tried hard to put her worries to the back of her mind. She told herself that the emergency had been exaggerated and that Jay would return soon. They would laugh about this later, when all the guests had gone home and the house was relatively quiet, but after two hours and no sign of her husband, she was beginning to be restive. She had to fend off questions from her aunt and Mary, both of whom had seen Jay leave with Lewis, and Daisy tried to sound confident when she said that Jay would return within the hour. It was becoming apparent that whatever had called him away must be far more serious than she had thought, and by the time the last guests had left for home Mary was frantic and Daisy had stopped pretending that all was well.

‘Should we stay with you tonight?’ Eleanora asked anxiously. ‘Your uncle and I will gladly keep you company until Jay returns home. He’s very thoughtless to leave you like this.’

Mary bristled visibly. ‘There must be a good reason for Jay’s continued absence. He was always a considerate child and he hasn’t changed.’

‘Well, it appears that something very urgent must have kept him away,’ Sidney said mildly. ‘The poor fellow has missed a good party.’

Eleanora turned on him angrily. ‘Trust you to say something silly like that, Sidney Marshall. Can’t you see that Daisy is distraught? Who knows what might have befallen him?’

‘Come, come, my love. I don’t think he’ll have been attacked by wild animals or savage natives in Little Creek.’

‘Don’t be ridiculous, Sidney. Of course neither of those things will have happened to him, but he might have had an accident of some sort, or fallen into the sea.’ Eleanora turned to Daisy. ‘Can he swim?’

Daisy glanced out of the window. It was dark outside and the grandfather clock in the great hall had just struck the hour. ‘I don’t know, Aunt,’ Daisy said vaguely. ‘The subject never came up.’

‘Then you should find out … And you ought to learn to swim, Sidney. You’re always wading into the river with that fishing rod of yours. What would happen if you slipped and fell? I’d be a widow and how would I manage then?’

Sidney slipped his arm around her shoulders. ‘Ellie, my love, you’re getting worked up about nothing. I think we ought to go home and leave Daisy in peace. Jay is a sensible fellow and I’ve no doubt he’ll return soon.’

‘But he might have drowned!’ Mary’s face paled to ashen. ‘You’re right, Eleanora. An accident must have occurred to keep Jay from his own wedding reception.’ She covered her face with her hands and her shoulders shook.

‘There, Aunt. See what you’ve done,’ Daisy said crossly. ‘Of course he hasn’t drowned. We don’t even know why Jay was called away, but there must be a good reason for his continued absence.’

Sidney gave Daisy a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. ‘I’ll take her home, if your man will send for the carriage.’

Daisy beckoned to Molesworth, who was standing at a respectful distance. ‘Please send for the carriage to take my aunt and uncle home.’

‘I’m not crossing the river in the dark,’ Eleonora protested.

‘The ferryman only works in daylight hours, Aunt,’ Daisy said patiently. ‘You’ll have to go the long way round, but it’s a fine evening. You should get home within the hour.’

Mary paced the floor, wringing her hands. ‘Anything could have happened. If he didn’t go to the ship, he might have gone to one of the farms. He might have been trampled by cows or gored by a bull.’

Daisy slipped away. She had had enough of such unhelpful speculation and she was growing more and more concerned with each passing minute. Ignoring the fact that she was still wearing her bridal gown and satin slippers, she hurried through the house to the servants’ quarters and snatched a rough woollen cloak from a peg near the rear entrance. A lantern was always left near the door and she unhooked it, struck a match and lit the wick. She left the house unnoticed by the servants, who, judging by the sounds of jollity coming from their quarters, were continuing the celebrations. Daisy smiled in spite of her anxiety. Tomorrow would be a very different story and those who were drinking too much wine and beer would suffer accordingly. But this was a special day, or rather it had been before Jay’s mysterious disappearance.

Holding the lantern high enough to illuminate the pathway, Daisy quickened her pace as she made her way to the summerhouse. It was the first time she had ventured alone into the underground passage that had not so long ago been used to bring smuggled goods ashore, but she was too worried to think about anything other than finding Jay. If he had stayed aboard Lazy Jane just to help plug a leak or mend a broken mast she would be very angry.

It was cold below ground level, and damp rose from the mud beneath her feet as she trod carefully on the slippery stones. The thin beam of light from the lantern bobbed with every step she took, and sinister shadows seemed to close in on her. There was no turning back now and she was determined to find Jay, whatever the cost. The sound of her footsteps echoed off the walls, and for a terrifying moment she thought she could hear someone panting so close to her that she could touch them, until she realised it was her own erratic breathing that she could hear.

After what seemed like an eternity she saw the entrance to the tunnel illuminated by a shaft of moonlight, and she broke into a run. Once outside she took deep breaths of the fresh sea air, and she could hear the sound of the waves breaking on the shingle. Emerging through the undergrowth, she scanned the horizon for any sign of the Lazy Jane, but there was just the reflection of moonlight on the water. Stunned and barely able to believe her eyes, Daisy realised that the ship had sailed, apparently taking Jay on some mysterious and unexpected voyage. Months ago he had promised her that he would never set sail again, and he had promoted his first mate, Clem Guppy, to handle the ship while trading on the right side of the law. She could not believe that he would have willingly broken that solemn promise.

She stood for some minutes, wrapping the coarse cloak around her as a chilly east wind rustled the branches of the trees that overhung the beach. She scanned the water again and again in the vain hope of catching a glimpse of the vessel, but apart from a few white-tipped waves, the creek was calm and glassy. Then the thought struck her that perhaps Aunt Eleanora had been right. Lewis had seemed agitated when he came for Jay: maybe there had been a crisis at his father’s farm. She had not seen Mr and Mrs Johnson, Lewis’s parents, at the church or at the reception, so maybe there was something seriously wrong. Daisy retreated into the tunnel and this time the horrors had gone – after all, it was just a short cut back to the summerhouse at the end of the rose garden.

She entered the house, once again without being seen, and the sounds of merriment were even louder than before. She smiled to think that at least some of the household were enjoying what should have been the happiest day of their mistress’s life, only now it was turning into a nightmare. Daisy had intended to walk to the Johnsons’ farm, but it was a mile away at least and her dancing slippers were already ruined. Besides which, if she turned up at the farm wearing her wedding gown and in an obvious state of distress it would make Jay appear foolish, if he was there – and if he was not, she could hardly bear to imagine what else might have befallen him. She decided to go to their room, although she knew that sleep would evade her until Jay returned. Flashes of lightning lit the room, followed by cracks of thunder that were so close together it sounded like a fusillade of bullets being fired at the house. Daisy jumped into bed, closed her eyes and pulled the covers over her head.

Next morning, after a restless night when she had barely slept, Daisy reached out as she had done every day since they were married, but Jay’s side of the bed was cold to the touch. She snapped into a sitting position, running her hand through her tousled hair. So it was not simply a bad dream. Jay was still missing, and the worries she had attempted to dismiss came flooding back with a physical force that made her gasp.

She leaped out of bed and stripped off her nightgown, allowing it to fall to the floor. The maid had not appeared to light the fire but Daisy was oblivious to the early morning chill. She threw on her riding habit and dragged a comb through her long, dark hair, securing it in a chignon at the nape of her neck. This was not the time to worry about her looks or the latest fashion; her greatest need was to discover Jay’s whereabouts and it was just possible that Lewis’s father, Farmer Johnson, might have the answer.

Daisy left the house, startling the bleary-eyed footman who rushed to open the door for her. ‘If Mrs Tattersall asks where I am, James, you may tell her that I’ve gone for a walk.’

He nodded mutely and stood to attention as she walked past him. She caught a whiff of stale alcohol on his breath, and it was obvious from his bloodshot eyes and hangdog demeanour that he had been celebrating into the early hours. However, that was the least of her worries. She set off towards the stables, but as she entered the cobbled yard she saw Faulkner, the head groom, with his head held under the pump. He straightened up abruptly at the sound of her voice and made a grab for a grimy towel, which he wrapped around his bare torso.

‘Mrs Tattersall, ma’am. I’m sorry, I wasn’t expecting to see you here.’

‘It’s all right, Faulkner. I apologise for disturbing your ablutions, but I need my horse saddled immediately.’

He glanced over her shoulder. ‘Will the squire be riding with you, ma’am?’

‘Not this morning.’

‘Shall I accompany you, ma’am?’

‘No, thank you. I’ll go alone.’

Faulkner opened his mouth as if to argue, but he closed it again, nodded and backed away. ‘I’ll have your mount ready in a few minutes, Mrs Tattersall.’

Daisy had had plenty of time to practise her equestrian skills since her marriage, and Jay had taken pleasure in showing her parts of the county that she had not previously seen, but now she was going out alone in the hope of discovering her husband’s whereabouts. Since last evening she had gone through a range of emotions from puzzlement to anger, and from anger to desperation. She waited impatiently and at last the stable boy brought her bay mare to the mounting block and held her head while Daisy settled herself in the saddle.

He eyed her warily. ‘Mr Faulkner said I could go with you, ma’am. If you so wished.’

Daisy was about to refuse, but she had second thoughts. ‘You grew up in Little Creek, didn’t you, Barney?’

‘Yes, Mrs Tattersall.’

‘Then you’ll know Lewis Johnson.’

‘Yes, ma’am. We was at school together.’

‘Saddle up then, Barney. I want you to find out anything you can about Lewis’s whereabouts yesterday. If he’s at home all the better, but if not then it’s vital that I know anything that would give me a clue as to why he came to the manor house in such a state last evening.’

‘I’ll be like one of them detectives then, ma’am.’ He gave her a wide grin and raced back into the stable, returning so quickly that Daisy was certain Faulkner had assumed that she would allow the boy to accompany her, and had the pony saddled and ready. She dug her heels into the mare’s sides and clicked her tongue against her teeth. ‘Walk on, Cinders.’ They rode sedately until they were out of sight of the main house and then Daisy encouraged Cinders to a trot, then a canter and finally a gallop over the fields to the Johnsons’ farm. She dismounted in the farmyard, tossing the reins to Barney.

‘I won’t be long.’ She strode across the yard, causing the hens pecking for food to scatter with loud squawks of protest and the sheep dog rushed at her, wagging his tail. She patted his head absently as she made her way to the back door and knocked.

It was opened by Mrs Johnson, who was red-eyed as if she had been crying. ‘Oh, Mrs Tattersall, ma’am. I weren’t expecting you.’ She wiped her hands on her apron and stood aside. ‘Won’t you come in?’

‘Thank you.’ Daisy stepped inside and was immediately assailed by the delicious aroma of baking bread. Two large hams were hung in the chimney breast, curing in the smoke from the blazing fire, and a kettle hummed merrily on the hob. A girl of about fourteen, whom Daisy recognised as being Lewis’s younger sister, Janet, was kneading dough at the vast pine table in the centre of the beamed kitchen. The flagstone floor was white with flour dust in a large circle around her.

‘You’ll have to excuse the mess, ma’am,’ Mrs Johnson said apologetically. ‘We wasn’t expecting visitors this early.’

‘I think you know why I’ve come.’ Daisy decided that the direct approach was best. ‘Your son Lewis came to our house last evening with a message for my husband.’

Mrs Johnson looked away, twisting the folds of her apron in her work-worn hands. ‘Yes, I believe he did.’

‘Might I see Lewis? I need to speak to him urgently.’

‘He didn’t come home, missis.’ Janet continued to pummel the dough as if it were her worst enemy.

‘Mind your tongue, Janet,’ Mrs Johnson said crossly. ‘Who asked you, anyway?’

‘Well, it’s true.’ Janet flipped the dough over and punched it with both fists.

‘Lewis is a good boy.’ Mrs Johnson met Daisy’s anxious glance with a sidelong look.

‘Yes, I know that,’ Daisy said earnestly. ‘I got to know him quite well when I was on board the Lazy Jane. But I’m here to ask for your help because my husband hasn’t returned home either. Do you know what it was that Lewis had to tell him?’

Mrs Johnson shook her head. ‘No, ma’am. Except that it was to do with the ship.’

‘Lewis wants to go to sea again,’ Janet volunteered. ‘He don’t want to work the farm like our brothers.’

‘Hush, Janet. No one asked you.’ Mrs Johnson’s eyes filled with tears and she blinked them away. ‘Lewis can’t settle to life on shore.’

‘Was the Lazy Jane anchored in the creek yesterday?’ Daisy asked anxiously.

‘If it was, our Lewis would know.’ Janet shot her mother a rebellious glance. ‘He watches out day and night for its return.’

‘I’m afraid he’ll get into bad company,’ Mrs Johnson said desperately. ‘Lewis is a good boy but he hangs around with some of those in Burnham that are out-and-out rogues.’

‘I’m sorry.’ Daisy looked from one to the other. ‘But that doesn’t explain why he came to fetch my husband or why neither of them has returned home.’

‘I can’t help you, ma’am. I wish to God that I could.’ Mrs Johnson covered her head with her apron and sank down on the nearest chair, sobbing.

Janet abandoned the bread dough and rushed to her mother’s side. ‘Look what you done now, missis. Go away and leave us be.’

Outside in the relatively cool air of a late April morning, Daisy beckoned to Barney, who was holding the reins of both animals while he chatted to one of the farm workers. He broke away and led the horses towards her.

‘Did you discover anything useful?’ Daisy asked when he drew near.

‘I dunno, missis. It might or it might not be what you want to hear.’

‘Just tell me, Barney. Let me be the judge.’

‘Well, I was chatting to Lewis’s older brother, Wilf, and he said that Lewis had been hanging around with the Dorning brothers.’

Daisy stared at him, frowning. ‘I don’t know them.’

‘You wouldn’t want to, missis. They’re not the sort of people you’d wish to know.’

‘So what are you saying, Barney?’

‘I’m saying nothing, missis. It’s just that the Dorning boys is, or I should say was, also Benny Sykes’s cousins.’

‘And you think that Benny’s death has something to do with Lewis’s disappearance?’

‘Like I said, missis, I dunno nothing. I’m just telling you what Wilf said.’

Daisy thought for a moment. ‘Where does Mrs Sykes live? I seem to remember it’s somewhere close by – it was the pig man’s cottage, but I’ve lost my bearings.’

‘It’s not far. Down the lane, about a quarter of a mile. Shall we go there next?’

‘Help me up onto the saddle. We’ll call on Mrs Sykes. I should pay my respects.’

Mrs Sykes was up to her ankles in dung as she cleaned the pigsty. Her hair was tied up in a ragged scarf and she was enveloped in a large none-too-clean apron, her feet encased in boots several sizes too large so that she was in danger of stepping out of them each time she moved. She leaned on the shovel, staring at Daisy with a suspicious frown.

‘Mrs Sykes, I’m sorry to interrupt when I can see how busy you are,’ Daisy said hastily.

Mrs Sykes stared at Daisy, the lines on her face deepened by a frown. ‘Can I help you?’

‘I don’t suppose you remember me, Mrs Sykes.’

‘Yes, I do. You and Captain Jay came to see me after my Benny’s terrible accident in the galley. He were always a clumsy boy, but he didn’t deserve to die in such a painful manner and without his ma to hold his hand.’

‘As I said then, I’m very sorry for your loss.’

‘But that ain’t why you’ve come all the way here today, is it?’

‘No, it isn’t. I do need your help, as it happens, Mrs Sykes. You must know that Lewis didn’t return home last evening.’

‘Yes, so I heard.’

‘Lewis came to the manor house with an urgent message for my husband. They left together and no one has seen them since.’

‘I don’t see how I can help.’

‘I’ve heard that Lewis is close to his cousins, the Dorning brothers. I was wondering if they might know something.’

‘I don’t have nothing to do with my brother’s boys. They turned out bad, and I told Lewis not to have anything to do with them.’

‘I understand,’ Daisy said gently. ‘But I’d like a word with them.’

‘I don’t advise it, ma’am.’

‘Where would I be likely to find them, Mrs Sykes?’

‘The Anchor Inn or the White Hart. Everyone in the area knows the Dorning brothers, to my shame. Thank the Lord my brother died of a fever some years back. He never lived to see the family name dragged through the estuary mud.’

Daisy backed away. ‘I’m sorry, Mrs Sykes. But thank you for your help.’ She started back up the lane to where Barney was waiting with the horses.

‘You might find out things best left forgotten,’ Mrs Sykes called after her.

Daisy returned to the manor house, and she made an excuse to go out again after a quick luncheon with her mother-in-law. Mary, like herself, was growing more worried with every passing minute that there was no news, but Daisy had no intention of giving Jay’s mother false hope and she did not mention her conversation with Mrs Sykes. The Dorning brothers might be exactly what their aunt said, a pair of good-for-nothings, but on the other hand they might know what had distressed Lewis and made him seek Jay’s help. The message he had given Jay was the key to the whole mystery, and Daisy knew that something serious must have happened to keep Jay from her, particularly on their wedding night. She would discover the truth, no matter what it cost.

Daisy entered the smoke-filled taproom of the Anchor with Barney at her side. The old pub on the water’s edge was crowded with fishermen and farm workers, and the air was heavy with the smell of ale and rum. A driftwood fire crackled in the hearth and straw covered the flagstones, absorbing the mud brought in on the men’s boots. Conversation ceased abruptly as heads turned to stare at the well-dressed young woman who had suddenly entered their domain. The potman hurried up to Daisy.

‘This ain’t the place for a young lady like yourself, miss. Why not try the hotel in the main street?’

‘I haven’t come to stay,’ Daisy said hastily. ‘I’m looking for the Dorning brothers.’

The silence grew more intense and the atmosphere changed noticeably. Daisy could feel a buzz of unease in the room, as if a beehive had been disturbed by robbers after the honey.

‘You’ll not find them here.’ The potman edged her towards the door. ‘I’d go now, if I was you, miss.’

‘At least tell me where I might find the Dornings,’ Daisy said in desperation.

‘Aye, boss. We know their cousins,’ Barney added. ‘Got a message from the family, so to speak.’

‘Why didn’t you say so afore?’ The potman shooed them outside. ‘I wouldn’t say so in front of them in there, but I’ll give you this bit of advice. Try the old chapel on the edge of the marsh, but don’t say I said so.’

‘Where is it exactly?’ Daisy asked eagerly.

‘The boy will take you there.’ The potman turned to Barney. ‘You know the one I mean, son?’

‘I think I do.’

The potman chuckled. ‘That’s right, boy. Don’t give a straight answer, or you might find yourself in hot water.’

‘Tell me where this place is, if you please.’ Daisy was growing impatient. It was late afternoon and in an hour or two it would be too dark to find their way. She had a sudden vision of Jay facing some unknown danger and she could do nothing to save him.

‘… And then you keep on following the coastline until you come to the chapel. Did you get that, miss?’

Daisy stared at the old potman. Her thoughts had been miles away, but out of the corner of her eye she could see Barney nodding, and she managed a smile. ‘Yes, thank you. You’ve been very helpful.’ She took her purse from her reticule and gave the man a silver sixpence. He raised her hand to his lips and bowed his head.

‘Ta, miss. You’re a real lady.’

‘We’d best go now, missis,’ Barney said in a low voice. ‘We’ve still got a long way to go.’

The haze of doubt and longing cleared from Daisy’s brain and she took a deep breath. ‘Fetch the horses, Barney. We’ll be on our way.’

They rode for several miles and the sun, which had come out briefly, was now plummeting to rest behind a bank of purple clouds. A chill, salt-laden wind blew in from the sea and Daisy was glad of her thick riding habit and leather gloves. Barney was not so well wrapped up, but he did not seem to feel the cold and he was obviously enjoying his time away from his normal routine in the stables. They had left the village behind and were now in open countryside with a distant view of the sea. Daisy was beginning to think they were lost when Barney pointed excitedly and over the rise she saw the roof of the small Saxon chapel.

‘Best let me go first,’ Barney said in a low voice. ‘If the boys are there and you ride up they’ll either run or they might turn nasty.’

‘Surely they wouldn’t attack a woman?’

‘I wouldn’t count on it, ma’am.’

‘All right, but don’t take risks. If they seem unfriendly just walk away. If they seem reasonable ask for a parley.’

‘For a what, ma’am?’

‘Tell them that Captain Fox’s wife would like to speak to them. They might know my husband by his former name.’

With a nod and a wave of his hand, Barney urged his horse to a trot and headed for the chapel. Daisy could only wait and hope that if the Dorning boys were there they would be willing to cooperate. She leaned over to pat Cinders’ neck, crooning softly to the horse, who showed her appreciation with a gentle whinny. But dusk was rapidly swallowing up the saltings, and in less than an hour it would be dark, with no lights to guide them on their way home. Daisy waited anxiously and was beginning to think that something dreadful might have befallen Barney when she heard the muffled sound of hoof beats on the tussocky grass and he rode into view.

‘Well?’ She could hardly wait for him to catch his breath.

He shook his head. ‘No one there and no sign of anything untoward, missis. They’re not stupid enough to leave anything for the law to find, and it didn’t look as if anyone had been there for quite a while.’

Disappointed, but not surprised, Daisy nodded. ‘Thank you for trying, Barney. I think we’d better head for home. It’ll be nightfall soon and it looks like rain.’

The rain came down in sheets, not little dainty spots, but a torrential shower that soaked through Daisy’s clothing in minutes, despite the thickness of the material. They rode on in silence as darkness enveloped them, blotting out the landscape. Daisy had to rely on Cinders’ surefootedness to get them across the clifftops to the lane, which led eventually to the gates of Creek Manor. The gatekeeper rushed out to admit them, and if he was surprised to see the lady of the manor dishevelled and soaked to the skin, he was too well trained to show any emotion. Daisy rode on and dismounted outside the main entrance, leaving Barney to lead Cinders to the stables for a rub down and a well-earned feed and a rest.

James stood by the open door, staring straight ahead, for which Daisy was grateful. She caught sight of herself in one of the long mirrors as she headed for the staircase and she was shocked by her bedraggled state. It was one thing to feel wet and uncomfortable and quite another to see her wet hair hanging loose around her shoulders and her perky little riding hat totally ruined. She doubted if her habit could be saved, but that would not have mattered an iota had she come home with news of Jay’s whereabouts. She reached the top of the stairs and was about to enter her bedroom when Mary came hurrying towards her.

‘Oh, my goodness, just look at you, Daisy. Where have you been?’

Hilda was close behind her. ‘Never mind that. You need to get out of those wet clothes or you’ll catch your death.’

‘I thought you were going for a ride around the estate,’ Mary said, frowning.

Daisy opened her mouth to reply, but her knees buckled and she drifted into unconsciousness.

Chapter Three

Daisy suffered nothing worse than a mild chill and she recovered quickly, although Mary insisted that she must rest in bed for a few days. Keeping to her room was a way for Daisy to evade the inevitable questions about her attempt to find the elusive Dorning brothers. Their apparent disappearance was explained when she was glancing through the local newspaper, and their names were mentioned in a report on the assizes in Chelmsford. The Dornings had been convicted of some minor crime, and were languishing in prison – so much for seeking their help. Daisy was disappointed but even more determined to discover what had happened to her husband. She refused to believe that he had abandoned her and his family, but there was no word of the Lazy Jane, and the mystery deepened.

Although Jay’s continued and unexplained absence haunted her night and day, the estate had to be managed. Mary was too distraught about her son’s disappearance to be any practical use when it came to running the house, even with the help of her old friend Ida Ralston. Daisy learned that the two women had started work at the manor house as young girls, and Ida knew all about the late squire’s unwanted advances, which had left Mary pregnant with Jay, alone and unprotected. Even so, Mary seemed unable or unwilling to take on the responsibilities that had been thrust upon her since she had married Squire Tattersall on his deathbed.

After a visit from a frantic Mrs Ralston, who thrust a sheaf of unpaid bills and demands for payment at her, Daisy decided that lying about in bed or on the chaise longue in her boudoir was not going to help. She washed and dressed in one of her best morning gowns and sent for Hilda, who had shown a marked aptitude for hairdressing. She put up Daisy’s hair in a very becoming style, and when Daisy looked in the mirror at her wan face, Hilda suggested the application of a little rouge to her cheeks and lips. The result was very effective and the reflection smiled back at Daisy, making her feel able to cope with almost anything. Daisy went downstairs to the study, taking with her the unpaid bills. She sat down at the large, leather-topped desk and opened the ledger containing the household accounts.

The amount outstanding was quite frightening to someone unused to handling such matters. Jay had managed the finances since he inherited the estate, but it did not take Daisy long to realise that he had let things slide. The debts were huge, and the servants had not been paid since the beginning of the last quarter. When she opened the safe there was very little cash in the strongbox, and she realised now that leaving financial matters to her husband had been a terrible mistake. She had believed him when he said he was capable of running a large estate, and she had been content to trust him, but now she regretted her complacency.

She had abetted him when it came to spending money on the refurbishment of the cottages they owned in Little Creek, which the late Squire Tattersall had allowed to fall into rack and ruin. Mary had raised her children in one of these dwellings, which were unfit for human habitation – even pigs would have turned up their snouts if they had been housed in any one of them – so Jay had first-hand knowledge of what it was like to live without even the most basic amenities. It was from the overflowing privies of these hovels that the cholera epidemic had stemmed last summer. Improving the cottages was a project that she and Jay had begun immediately after Christmas, and the tenants had been moved to Creek Hall, Dr Neville’s family mansion, which he had turned into a cottage hospital. The very young and the elderly were all in need of medical care, and those who were reasonably fit were treated for minor ailments and either continued their outside occupations or helped with the cleaning or found work in the kitchen garden. Perusing the accounts book, Daisy was horrified to discover just how much money Jay had paid out, and there was still money owing. He might return today or tomorrow, but his continued silence did not bode well. Daisy realised that she must take control and the first step would be to visit the bank in Maldon. She reached for the bell pull to summon a servant and send for the carriage.

The bank manager was polite, but wary, and the reason for this as Daisy discovered, was that Jay had withdrawn a large sum of money the day before his sudden departure. Whether or not he had visited the bank in person was something that the manager could not confirm. He sat behind his large imposing desk, steepling his fingers as he rested his elbows on the tooled leather top.

‘I’m sorry, Mrs Tattersall. I’m unable to give you any more information.’

‘But I need to know my financial situation, sir.’

‘The account is in your husband’s name. I cannot divulge any details, even to you.’

‘But I want to withdraw money. I need it to pay the servants and run the estate in my husband’s absence.’

He shook his head. ‘I’m afraid not, Mrs Tattersall. Your husband didn’t make any such arrangement.’ His expression softened. ‘I’m sure he will return very soon and you will not need to worry.’

Daisy stared at him in dismay – if only she could be so certain. Jay had once told her that he was a wanderer at heart, and maybe the chance of one last trip at sea had been too tempting to refuse. Whatever the reason for his disappearance, it was unforgivable to leave her and the estate virtually penniless. She rose to her feet.

‘I can see that I’m wasting your time and mine,’ she said stiffly. ‘Thank you for being so frank with me.’

He stood up awkwardly. ‘I’m so sorry I can’t be of assistance, Mrs Tattersall. But rest assured …’

Daisy did not wait to hear the end of the sentence. She left the office and walked out of the bank to find Fuller waiting with the carriage. James leaped from the box to open the door and put down the steps. She climbed in and sat down, still feeling dazed and disorientated.

‘Do you wish to go home, ma’am?’ James asked anxiously.

She shook her head. How would she break the news to Mary, let alone the servants? Unless Jay returned within the next few days they would face bankruptcy. ‘I want to go to Creek Hall first.’

‘Yes, ma’am.’ James closed the door and she heard him climb back onto the box and pass on her instructions to Fuller.

The carriage lurched forward and Daisy closed her eyes. She needed to speak to someone, and her first thought was her old friend Nick Neville.

Nick poured sherry into a glass and handed it to her. ‘You look as though you need this, Daisy. It’s purely medicinal, so drink up.’

Her hand trembled as she took the glass from him and she sipped it slowly. It would not do to be drunk in the early afternoon. ‘Thank you, Nick.’

He pulled up a chair and sat beside her. ‘This is about Jay’s sudden departure on your wedding day, isn’t it? From the state you’re in I’d guess that he hasn’t returned.’

‘No, he hasn’t. I haven’t heard a word from him.’

Nick took her hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. ‘I’ve known Jay all my life, and this wouldn’t be the first time he’s gone missing. I know it’s different now you’re married, but for a man who’s spent almost half his life on board ship, it can’t have been easy for him to give it up.’

She took another sip of the sherry. ‘Are you saying he’s run away to sea?’

‘No, of course not, but he still owns the Lazy Jane, and don’t take this the wrong way, Daisy, but that bundle of wood and canvas was his first love. If the master he put in charge was cheating him or running the vessel into danger, Jay would go to the rescue.’

‘Yes, and that’s the thought that I’ve been clinging to. But I paid a visit to the bank this morning and, apparently, the day before he left so suddenly, Jay withdrew a large sum of money. He must have gone to the bank, knowing that he was leaving me to run the estate, but he made no provision for me to draw funds.’

‘I’m so sorry, Daisy. That does look bad, but I know that Jay loves you, if that’s any comfort.’

‘You always say the right things, Nick. I wish I could believe you, but I just don’t know what to think.’

He released her hand and reached for his glass. ‘You’ll manage until he returns, and if there’s anything I can do to help, you have only to ask. I haven’t much money, but if you need a loan …’

‘No, Nick. That’s not the answer, although it’s very generous of you to offer. You’ve helped enormously. I was panicking, but you’re right – I can cope, and I will. I’ll find a way to keep things going until Jay returns.’

‘You’re a very competent nurse. I’d employ you willingly, although I couldn’t afford to pay you much.’

She smiled and placed her empty glass on the table. ‘I think Dove might have something to say about that, Nick.’

‘She’s a wonderful woman, but I run the cottage hospital and I make all the decisions.’

Daisy pulled a face. ‘That should change when you’re married.’

‘We have an understanding, it’s true, but I haven’t proposed marriage yet.’

‘But you will.’

‘Almost certainly, but I need to be very sure that I’m doing the right thing, for both our sakes.’

Daisy rose to her feet, gazing down at the man she had once thought she might marry. Nick had many good points, but she herself could never live with a man who wanted to dominate her so completely, and she felt almost sorry for Jay’s sister. Dove was a nice young woman and she deserved a husband who would love her unreservedly and treat her as an equal.

‘Thank you for the sherry and for listening to me so patiently, but I must go back to the manor house. I have a lot to think about and some important decisions to make.’

Nick stood up and grasped her hand, giving it a squeeze. ‘If there’s anything I can do, or if you simply want to talk, you know where to find me.’

When Daisy arrived home she went straight to the drawing room where she found Mary seated by the fire, mending a small garment.

‘Well, what happened at the bank? Did they give you enough money to pay the servants?’

Daisy perched on the edge of a chair, clasping her hands tightly in her lap. ‘It’s not good news. Jay withdrew a large sum of money, but he made no provision for me to draw on the account.’

‘The servants have to be paid and the tradesmen won’t wait for ever. We can’t exist on credit much longer.’

‘I know, and then there’s the renovations to the Little Creek cottages. They will have to cease for the time being. We will just have to economise and hope that Jay returns very soon.’ Daisy tried to sound positive, but for the first time in her life she was at a loss as to what the next step should be.

‘You’ll think of something, Daisy. You’re a bright girl and Jay was fortunate to marry someone like you. I know you’ll make the best of things. I just wish I knew what had happened to my son.’

‘I’m sure we’d have heard if there had been an accident of any kind, Mary. We just have to trust him and hope he comes home soon.’ Daisy tried to sound positive, but with every passing hour her hopes were fading. She rose to her feet. ‘I’m going to my room to take off my outdoor things. I’ll see you at dinner.’

In the sanctity of the room she had shared so blissfully with her husband, Daisy sat on the dressing-table stool and took off her bonnet. She was a married woman but she owned nothing. Everything was in her husband’s name and even if she had money of her own before their marriage, it would now belong to Jay. It was something she had never had to think about before now. It was a sorry state of affairs, and meant that she was unable to raise the money to settle their debts. She knew nothing about the process of bankruptcy, but unless she could work miracles, it was more than a possibility. Then there was the disgrace and scandal – the name of Tattersall, which had been tarnished by the old squire’s actions, would be permanently dishonoured.

Suddenly she needed some air and time alone. Daisy hurried from the bedchamber and made her way unnoticed out of the house, using the door of the flower room, which led straight into the garden. The air was fresh and clean after a sudden shower, and sunlight sparkled on the raindrops that were left hanging from the branches of the cherry trees. She walked towards the summerhouse, admiring the daffodils as they nodded their golden trumpets, and the sweet scent of pink and blue hyacinths wafted around her like expensive French perfume. Birds were nesting and it seemed as though the world was beginning anew.

‘That’s what I must do,’ Daisy said out loud. ‘I must begin again.’ Without thinking she mounted the steps and lifted the trapdoor.

It was dark and musty in the passageway that led to the cove, but Daisy managed to light the candle that was always left at the bottom of the steps together with a tin box containing matches. She made her way carefully at first, and when she saw a glimmer of light she quickened her pace. She felt an urgency and a quiver of excitement in her belly as she burst out into the fresh, salty air.

There, a hundred yards or so from the shore, was a sight that made her cry out with joy. The Lazy Jane was bobbing gently at anchor in the cove, and a jolly boat had been beached and apparently abandoned on the shingle.

She cupped her hands round her mouth and shouted. ‘Ahoy there.’

When there was no response she called again, but there did not appear to be anyone on board. If Jay had returned he would have come straight home, of that she was certain, and the feeling of elation faded into one of concern. He would not have left the ship unmanned. For a moment she was tempted to row out to the vessel, but climbing the Jacob’s ladder in a voluminous silk morning gown would be difficult, not to say impossible. She hesitated, torn between the desire to go on board and the practicalities of such a venture. Besides which, she might have missed Jay. Perhaps he had seen Lewis home, in which case their paths would not have crossed. She turned and made her way back to the tunnel, negotiating it in the dark and feeling her way along the walls. Next time, she would bring a lantern, but if Jay was at home she vowed she would never venture below the ground again.

Daisy searched the house, but there was no sign of Jay. She was tempted to ask the servants if he had been seen, but something held her back. Perhaps it was fear of what she might learn, or maybe she already knew the answer. Jay had not come home. Disappointment and depression threatened to overwhelm her but Daisy had little choice – to give way to despair was unthinkable. She changed out of her best gown and dressed in one of her oldest and plainest skirts and a simple white blouse. Wrapping a shawl around her shoulders she set off to walk to the Johnsons’ farm, but a brief chat with one of the workers convinced her that Lewis had not returned, and she retraced her steps. Then she remembered that Jay’s first mate, Clem Guppy, lived close by, and she made her way to the cottage where he lived with his mother when he was between voyages.

A small wizened woman in her sixties opened the door just a crack, peering suspiciously at Daisy. ‘What d’you want?’

‘I’m Mrs Tattersall and I’m looking for your son, Mrs Guppy.’

‘He ain’t here.’

‘Do you know where I can find him? I need to speak to him urgently.’

‘I don’t know nothing.’

Mrs Guppy was about to shut the door when a voice Daisy recognised called out, ‘Let her in, Ma.’

Reluctantly his mother stood aside. ‘Don’t come here causing trouble, missis. You might be lady of the manor, but I won’t have my son put on by the likes of you.’

The door was wrenched unceremoniously from her hand and Guppy lifted his mother bodily aside. ‘Good afternoon, Mrs Tattersall. What can I do for you?’

‘The Lazy Jane is at anchor in the cove,’ Daisy said boldly. ‘Did you bring her back to Little Creek?’

‘She’s out to cause trouble, Clem. Send her on her way.’ Mrs Guppy glared at Daisy, but Clem brushed her aside.

‘Go and put the kettle on, Ma. Where are your manners? That’s what you’re always saying to me.’

‘Cheeky devil!’ Mrs Guppy retreated into the house, leaving her son standing in the doorway.

‘Are you going to invite me in?’ Daisy looked him in the eye. ‘I’m not leaving until I have some answers, Clem.’

He stood aside. ‘You’d best come in then, but Lewis is here, too.’

‘His family are worried about him. He should go home.’

‘He will, when the time is right.’ Clem ushered her into the room that served as kitchen and living room with a staircase on the far side, leading to the first floor.

Lewis was seated at a table, but he leaped to his feet at the sight of Daisy and his face split into a wide grin.

‘It’s good to see you again, missis.’

‘And you, Lewis.’ Daisy sat down in the chair Clem pulled up for her. ‘Where’s my husband?’ She looked from one to the other. ‘Come on – you must know. Especially you, Lewis. You were the one who came for him on our wedding day.’

Lewis’s fair skin flushed to a deep pink. ‘I dunno, ma’am. I truly don’t know where the captain is now.’

‘Neither of us does,’ Clem added hastily.

‘So you were in on it, too.’ Daisy met his gaze with a stubborn lift of her chin. ‘I’m not leaving until you tell me everything you know.’

Mrs Guppy slammed a Brown Betty teapot down on the table. ‘Never let it be said that Clara Guppy don’t know how to treat a guest. Clem, get them cups and saucers down from the dresser and wipe them on your shirt-tail. The drying cloth got ate by the goat.’

Clem obeyed his mother without a murmur. At any other time Daisy might have smiled to see a big man so obviously under the maternal thumb, but at this moment she was more concerned as to Jay’s fate. ‘What happened to the captain, Lewis? Please tell me everything you know.’

Lewis shot a wary glance at Clem, who nodded and sat down, folding his arms across his chest.

‘Well,’ Lewis began tentatively, ‘I found out that the Dorning brothers planned to board the Lazy Jane on the night of the wedding, when they knew that nearly everyone in the village would be enjoying the celebrations at Creek Manor.’

‘But they’re in prison. I found that out for myself.’

‘Not all of ’em,’ Clem said grimly. ‘There are four Dornings and the father, and they’re all bad lots, every one of them. They blame the captain for the accident that killed Benny Sykes. He was a relation of theirs, and they’re a clannish lot. Of course, it wasn’t Captain Jay’s fault, but you try telling that to the Dornings.’

‘But what’s happened to my husband?’ Daisy repeated anxiously. ‘Where is he?’

‘We don’t rightly know, missis.’ Clem filled a cup with strong tea and handed it to her.

‘Stop shilly-shallying and tell the woman the truth,’ Mrs Guppy said angrily.

Daisy shot her a sideways glance. ‘Tell me, please.’

‘Clem, do you speak or do I?’ Mrs Guppy stood arms akimbo, glaring at her son.

He cleared his throat noisily. ‘Well, Mrs Tattersall, ma’am, we managed to get on board, but they’d hired a gang of roughs from Burnham and we was overpowered.’

‘They set sail,’ Lewis continued eagerly. ‘Because they knew if we was put ashore we’d have the law on them.’

Clem nodded. ‘And when we was a good way out to sea they put us in a jolly boat and cast us adrift.’

Daisy’s hands flew to cover her mouth as she gasped in horror. ‘But you’re both here. Where is Jay?’

‘A storm blew up, missis,’ Clem added reluctantly. ‘We was caught broadsides by a huge wave and swept overboard. The boat broke in two and the captain was clinging to one half, and me, Lewis and Ramsden to the other. It were pitch-dark and we lost sight of him.’

‘But you’re here, safe and well,’ Daisy said in desperation. ‘How did you get ashore?’

‘We was picked up by a fishing boat and landed a bit further up the coast. Lewis and I had to walk most of the way until we got a lift in a farm cart.’

‘How could you save yourselves and leave my husband to drown?’ Daisy leaped to her feet, struggling with the tears that threatened to overwhelm her. ‘Where is Ramsden? I want to hear his side of the story.’

‘He went home to his missis. But he’ll tell you the same as us. There weren’t nothing we could do.’

‘Why didn’t you alert the authorities?’ Daisy demanded angrily. ‘Why didn’t you report this dreadful deed?’

‘We got no proof, ma’am,’ Guppy said humbly. ‘It’d be our word against the Dornings, and they’re as slippery as eels.’

‘It weren’t their fault.’ Mrs Guppy put a skinny arm around Daisy’s shoulders. ‘Sit down and drink your tea, my duck. You’ll feel better in a while.’

‘The fishermen did what they could,’ Clem said gently. ‘But the storm was so bad we was lucky to get ashore in one piece.’

‘Aye, that’s true enough.’ Lewis eyed her warily. ‘We’re real sorry to give you such bad news.’

‘Are you saying there’s no hope?’ Daisy’s throat constricted so that she could barely speak above a whisper.

Mrs Guppy frowned at her son and shook her head when Lewis opened his mouth to respond. ‘We could tell you that there’s always hope,’ she said firmly. ‘But we’d be setting you up for disappointment later. Best get used to the idea now, if you ask me.’

‘But the Lazy Jane is at anchor in the creek.’ Daisy looked from one to the other, in a mute plea for a glimmer of hope. ‘Why would they bring the ship back if they’d stolen it? And why wasn’t anyone on board, not even a man on watch?’

Clem shrugged and shook his head. ‘I dunno, missis. Maybe they got no use for her right now, or maybe they don’t want to get done for piracy and murder.’

A shudder ran down Daisy’s spine and she shivered convulsively. ‘I – I think I’d better go now.’ She headed for the doorway, but Clem was on his feet in an instant and moved quickly to hold it open.

‘What shall us do about the ship? You’re the gaffer now, I suppose.’

‘I suppose I am,’ Daisy said dazedly. ‘Well, I’m putting you in charge, Guppy. You must go on board and wait until I’ve decided what to do next.’

‘That I’ll do. Shall I see you home, missis?’

She shook her head. ‘No, thank you. I’ll be all right.’

‘I’m going your way.’ Lewis jumped to his feet and crossed the floor in a couple of strides. ‘I got to go anyway. My folks don’t know that I’m safe so I need to put their minds at rest.’ He proffered his arm. ‘I’m sorry about the captain, ma’am. He was a good sort – the best.’

Daisy was too upset to argue and she leaned on Lewis’s arm as they walked slowly towards the manor house, parting at the gates of the Johnsons’ farm.

‘You will be all right, won’t you?’ Lewis asked anxiously. ‘I could walk the rest of the way with you.’

She managed a weak smile. ‘I’ll be fine, thank you, Lewis. You go home and let your mother and father see that you’re safe and well.’

He nodded and went to open the gate. A sheepdog raced towards him, barking hysterically and wagging his tail.

Daisy sighed. She felt cold as ice and numbed with shock, too heartbroken for tears as she put one foot in front of the other, trudging slowly towards Creek Manor. All the hopes and plans they had made for the future had been shattered by what she had just heard. How she would break the news of Jay’s tragic end to his mother was something that Daisy could hardly bear to imagine. To put the dreadful news into words meant acknowledging that Jay was gone forever, and that was something she could not, would not believe.

The old manor house loomed closer, looking foreboding now as the clouds gathered, threatening yet another heavy shower. The first drops fell just as Daisy entered the grounds and the warm rain trickled down her face, mingling with her own tears. She could not face the family yet and she took shelter in the summerhouse where, just a few hours ago, she had emerged filled with joy because Jay’s ship had returned. Now she knew the truth she would like to see the Lazy Jane sink to the bottom of the sea. It would be retribution for making her a widow when she had only recently become a wife. Now she would never bear Jay’s children or grow to old age in his company. She held her head in her hands and wept.

Chapter Four

When the storm of crying ceased, Daisy drew a deep breath and wiped her eyes. Giving way to grief would not help Jay, and she refused to believe that he was dead. Surely, after being so close that they seemed to be of one mind she would know if anything terrible had happened to him? She sat for a while, composing her thoughts before venturing into the house to break the news that Jay was missing, which allowed the possibility that he might still be found alive.

She found Mary and Hilda in the morning parlour. Mary turned to her with a hearty sigh. ‘Daisy, we’ve just been going through the storerooms with Mrs Ralston, and we’ve only enough provisions to last another week or so. I’ve already spoken to the head gardener and we’ve almost gone through the winter store of root vegetables. It will be some time before the kitchen garden is producing enough to feed us all.’

Hilda gave her a searching look. ‘What’s the matter, Daisy? You’ve been crying.’

‘I’m afraid I’ve just had some bad news.’

Mary threw up her hands and collapsed onto the nearest chair. ‘I knew it – something terrible has happened to my boy.’

‘We don’t know exactly,’ Daisy said cautiously. ‘Clem Guppy told me that the Dornings are related to the poor fellow who died after an accident on the Lazy Jane and they’ve been harbouring a grudge against Jay ever since. Anyway, they boarded the ship and took it out into the North Sea, where they set Jay and his crew adrift in a storm. The jolly boat was wrecked and Guppy, Ramsden and Lewis were picked up by local fishermen, but they don’t know what happened to Jay.’

‘What are you saying?’ Mary demanded angrily. ‘If you’re trying to tell me that my son is drowned, then say so.’

‘They lost contact with him, but it’s possible he was rescued by another boat. I won’t believe that he’s dead. He’s alive somewhere, I know he is.’

Mary stared at her, pale-faced but suddenly calm. ‘It’s my punishment for my past sins. I should never have agreed to marry the old squire. He was a dying man and he didn’t know what he was doing. Now my son has been taken from me.’

‘The squire might have been dying,’ Hilda said calmly, ‘but that man knew exactly what he was about. He’s got you trapped here for life, Mary. It was his twisted way of punishing you for making him face his wicked past.’

Mary shook her head and her eyes filled with tears. ‘We’re finished, Hilda. We can’t afford to live here, but we haven’t got the money to move elsewhere, and now this. It’s all too much.’

‘We’ll manage somehow.’ Daisy went to sit next to Mary on the sofa, and clasped her hands. ‘I won’t believe that Jay is gone for ever. I know he’s out there somewhere and he needs our help.’

‘How can we do anything? We can’t manage without Jay and we’ll soon be homeless.’

‘I’m not giving up.’ Daisy rose to her feet. ‘There must be a way out of this.’

‘You could sell the manor house,’ Hilda said warily. ‘There are the empty cottages that belong to you, too.’

Mary brushed tears from her cheeks. ‘I lived in one of those for more than twenty years. I wouldn’t house pigs in them as they are.’

‘They’re uninhabitable at the moment,’ Daisy added, frowning. ‘We were renovating them, but there’s no more money to pay the workmen, so that’s out of the question. There must be something I can do – I need to think.’

‘I have a terrible headache.’ Mary put her hand in her pocket and pulled out a crumpled handkerchief, but as she did so a slip of paper fluttered to the floor. ‘I’ll go to my room and lie down.’ She bent down to retrieve the note and handed it to Daisy. ‘This came for you earlier. I’d quite forgotten.’

‘I’ll get Cook to make a tisane for you,’ Hilda said gently as she helped Mary to her feet. ‘Do you want me to come with you?’

‘I’m quite capable of getting to my room on my own, thank you.’ Mary brushed off Hilda’s restraining hand and swept out of the room without a backwards glance.

‘Grief takes people in different ways,’ Daisy said hastily. ‘She’s just upset, Hilda. Don’t take it to heart.’

‘I know, dear. I’ve been through it, too. My poor Stanley didn’t deserve to die like that – run over by an omnibus in full view of the passers-by. I still have nightmares about the accident that cost me so dear, and I don’t enjoy hopping about with my peg leg like one of them kangaroos they’ve found in Australia.’

Despite her sadness this made Daisy smile. ‘You don’t look like a kangaroo, Hilda. No one would guess that you received such a terrible injury. That’s one advantage of wearing long skirts.’

‘You and I are born to survive, Daisy. But never mind all that – what’s in the note?’

Daisy unfolded the sheet of expensive writing paper and studied the contents. ‘It’s from Mrs Harker, the colonel’s wife. She wants me to visit her at Four Winds tomorrow to discuss “a business matter”.’

‘We nursed her daughters back to health during the cholera outbreak,’ Hilda said, thoughtfully. ‘Maybe she wants to show her gratitude in some way.’

‘There’s only one way to find out.’

‘They say that she’s the one who holds the purse strings,’ Hilda said thoughtfully. ‘She inherited a huge fortune and the colonel only had his army pay until he married into money.’

‘I could certainly do with some money myself – or a small miracle – but I won’t be beaten, Hilda. Tomorrow morning I’m going to pay a call on Mrs Harker and find out what she wants.’

The drawing room at Four Winds was large, light and filled with spring sunshine. The chintz-covered chairs and sofas were made even more inviting by the addition of brightly coloured cushions, and bowls of hyacinths filled the air with their sweet scent. Elegant in a lavender silk afternoon gown trimmed with lace, Mrs Harker motioned Daisy to take a seat.

‘I heard about your troubles, Daisy. I wanted to tell you how sorry I was to hear of your loss.’

Daisy stared at her, nonplussed. ‘But it was only yesterday that I discovered what happened to my husband.’

‘I’m sorry, but one of my maids is related to Eli Ramsden. She heard about the shipwreck last evening, and I’m afraid news like that gets round very quickly. You have my sincere condolences.’

‘Thank you, but I haven’t given up hope, Mrs Harker. I think I’d know if anything terrible had happened to Jay.’

‘You were married for such a short time, and I’m afraid we missed your wedding. The girls and I would have loved to attend, but we went to Portsmouth to see my husband off. He’s returned for another tour of duty in India.’

Relieved to have a change of subject, Daisy managed a smile. ‘How are your daughters, Mrs Harker? I hope they are fully recovered from their bout of cholera last year.’

‘They are very well now, thanks to you and Dr Neville, and I’ve made a point of raising funds to keep the hospital going. Little Creek might be a small village, but it serves quite a large area.’

‘Dr Neville is as dedicated as his father was, and now he can carry on the late doctor’s work, largely thanks to you.’ Daisy eyed her warily. ‘I don’t wish to sound impertinent, but you said in your note that you had a business matter to discuss.’

‘Yes, that is so.’ Mrs Harker tugged at an embroidered bell pull. ‘Would you prefer tea or coffee, Daisy?’

‘Tea would be lovely, thank you, Mrs Harker.’ Daisy sat back on the sofa, wondering what was coming next.

‘I think we can dispense with formalities, Daisy. You must call me Marjorie, and I want you to think of me as your friend.’ She sat down in a chair by the fire, which blazed up the chimney even though it was a mild spring day. The sincerity in Marjorie Harker’s voice and the look of sympathy in her grey eyes was almost too much for Daisy, and she had to swallow back tears before she could respond.

‘Thank you.’

‘I realise you must be in a difficult situation, and if there is anything I can do to help, please say so.’ Marjorie looked up at the sound of a tap on the door followed by the appearance of a neatly uniformed maid.

‘You rang, ma’am?’

‘Yes, we’ll have tea and cake, Nora.’ Marjorie shot a worried glance in Daisy’s direction. ‘On second thoughts, bring the brandy decanter, two glasses and some dry biscuits, too. I think we’re in need of a little resuscitation.’

Nora curtsied and left the room.

‘Are you all right, Daisy? I didn’t mean to upset you.’

‘I’d be lying if I said that all was well. There is money in the bank, but it’s in my husband’s name and I can’t withdraw even the smallest amount. I can’t pay the servants or the tradesmen’s bills.’

‘I understand, of course.’

‘It’s mortifying, and frustrating because there’s so little I can do to alleviate the situation.’

‘Yes, I can see that. In fact I might be able to help you.’

‘I wasn’t looking for a loan, Mrs Harker. I hope you don’t think that.’

‘Of course not, Daisy.’ Marjorie hesitated at the sound of teacups rattling. ‘Enter.’

Nora edged her way into the room, bearing a tea tray, a decanter, two glasses and a plate piled high with small savoury biscuits. ‘Thank you, Nora. Put it on the table, please.’

‘Shall I pour, ma’am?’

‘No, you may go. I’ll see to it myself.’ Marjorie waited until the door closed. ‘I’m sure she’s disappointed because they’ll be agog with curiosity below stairs.’ She reached for the decanter and poured two tots. ‘My husband is hoping for promotion, but it’s by no means certain.’

‘I’m sorry, but I don’t see how that affects me.’

‘I love Four Winds. It’s my home and my daughters grew up here, although they were born in India. But if Roland is to succeed in his ambition I feel that he needs a little help. I have the money and the connections, but Four Winds isn’t large enough to entertain in style or to throw the kind of parties I have in mind. I realised that you must be finding it difficult to run the manor house without your husband’s financial support and that gave me an idea.’

Daisy accepted a glass of brandy and took a sip to calm her nerves. ‘What are you suggesting, Mrs Harker?’

‘We’ll work it out in a business-like manner, but I would be prepared to rent the Manor House for up to one year, and I would pay handsomely for the privilege, including settling any debts that you have already accrued. Don’t look so surprised, my dear. I know very well what it costs to run a large establishment, and I know it sounds vulgar, but money is no object as far as I’m concerned.’

‘That sounds very interesting,’ Daisy said cautiously.

‘There is another reason, Daisy. To put it bluntly, my daughters are unlikely to find husbands in Little Creek.’

‘But they must have opportunities to meet young, unattached army officers.’

‘My husband is based somewhere on the North-West Frontier, not the sort of place for wives and daughters, and he’s likely to be there for another year or more. My girls are in their prime now, but it won’t be long before they are on the shelf. I want them to meet young men with ambition and resource – what I don’t want are fortune-hunters who will take advantage of their youthful naivety. Do you understand what I’m saying?’

‘But are there no eligible army officers?’

‘I don’t want my girls to become soldiers’ wives. It’s not the sort of life they ought to endure – I know because I’ve been married to the colonel since I was sixteen.’

‘I’m sorry,’ Daisy said, frowning, ‘but how would moving to the manor house help? Wouldn’t your daughters be moving in similar circles?’

‘Not quite.’ Marjorie’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. ‘I’ll make sure that my guest lists are very comprehensive, and that is why I want the manor house. Just imagine the parties and assemblies we could have there.’

‘We?’ Daisy eyed her warily. She sensed that there was a sting in the tail of this seemingly heaven-sent offer.

‘Yes, of course. I’m not throwing you out on the street, but I would expect you to work for your board and lodging. If there isn’t enough room in the servants’ quarters, bearing in mind that I’m taking my staff with me, then perhaps there’s a dower house or a keeper’s cottage that would suit you and your mother-in-law. And there’s that rather strange woman who lost her leg, and I believe she has children – of course I couldn’t have them living in the house. But I’m sure you’ve already thought of that, Daisy.’

‘What exactly would my position in the household be? Am I to be a servant?’

Marjorie threw back her head and laughed. ‘No, of course not. You’ll be there more as a paid companion with a few other duties thrown in. I haven’t thought that out yet, but you would be like one of the family. What do you say?’

Daisy opened her mouth to refuse. She could see herself being reduced to the status of an underling in her own house – and Mary would be back below stairs, where she had started – but the truth was pressing down on her like a lead weight. She had little choice: she must either accept Marjorie Harker’s terms or face bankruptcy.

Daisy left Four Winds, having shaken hands on an agreement that would free her, at least temporarily, from the burden of running the manor house. She had a generous amount of cash with which to pay immediate bills, and an iron-clad determination to see that the changes went seamlessly. She set off for home, taking a detour to Guppy’s cottage. There was another matter that simply could not be ignored: the Lazy Jane must be put to good use. Maybe in future Jay’s ship would provide her with a decent living.

She found Clem alone in the cottage, his fearsome mother having gone to the village to buy some groceries. Clem ushered her into the kitchen.

‘Take a seat, missis.’ He pulled up a chair for her. ‘What can I do for you?’

‘I’m seriously thinking of going into business, Clem. The Lazy Jane is mine, to all intents and purposes, and I don’t want the Dorning gang to get their hands on her again. Besides which, she’s a stout vessel and should be put to good use.’

He stared at her as if she were speaking a foreign language. ‘You want to take up free trading, missis?’

‘No, I was thinking of a more legitimate business. There must be work out there for a ship that size.’

‘Even if I got the crew together we’ve no captain.’

‘I put you in charge yesterday, and now I’m making you captain.’

‘I’ve no experience, missis. I take orders.’

‘Then there’s no finer way to gain the necessary qualifications, Clem. I’m convinced that you could do it, and I’m putting my trust in you. If I find the cargoes, would you be prepared to take up the challenge?’

‘Begging your pardon, but it’s a man’s trade. I don’t know of any women involved.’

‘There has to be a first. At one time I was desperate to become a doctor, but I settled for training as a nurse. This is different and I’m not prepared to step back simply because I was born female.’ Daisy rose to her feet, leaning her hands on the table as she fixed Clem with a penetrating stare. ‘Are you prepared to work with me?’

He grinned sheepishly. ‘Don’t seem like I have much choice, missis.’

‘That’s right.’ She stifled a sigh of relief. ‘I leave it to you to choose your crew and get the ship ready to sail.’

‘I’ll need money for provisions.’

‘Of course.’ Daisy took a leather pouch from her reticule and laid it on the table in front of him. ‘That should be enough for a start.’

‘What cargo will we be shipping, missis?’

‘I’ll let you know when it’s settled.’

Guppy leaped to his feet and saluted. ‘Aye, aye, Captain.’

She smiled. ‘I’m merely the owner. You’re the captain, Guppy.’

Daisy left the tiny cottage, mounted her horse and rode homeward, taking the longest route in the hope of finding an empty cottage on Creek Manor land that was large enough to take herself, Mary, Hilda and the children. There was no dower house, as Marjorie had suggested, and the tied cottages were all occupied, except for one on the edge of the estate.

Daisy dismounted and tethered the horse to a stunted tree. She approached tentatively just in case there were some itinerant workers who had come across the empty dwelling and decided to make it their own. The front door was badly damaged and hanging from one hinge. She peeped inside but the only occupants seemed to be the huge spiders hanging from ornate webs, although, judging by the scuffling behind the skirting boards there were also rodents in residence. The windows were broken and the range was rusty, its grate spilling over with ashes, birds’ feathers and bits of moss. The accommodation appeared to be one reasonably large room downstairs, and Daisy had to pluck up courage to take the narrow staircase to find out what she could expect from the bedrooms. She fought her way through a mesh of cobwebs and cockroaches scuttled in all directions at the sound of her approach. The smell they left made her reach for her hanky and she held it to her nose, but once she reached the tiny landing she discovered two bedrooms, each containing an iron bedstead and piles of leaves blown in during the winter storms. The good news was that the roof seemed to be sound; there was no sign of a leak anyway. A quick look out of the window revealed a small back garden complete with a well and an overgrown vegetable bed. A wooden henhouse had seen better days, but could possibly be rebuilt, although there was no sign of a privy.

Daisy made her way downstairs and out into the bright sunshine. She dusted off her riding habit and untied her horse, mounting with the aid of a tree stump, and she set off for home.

She dismounted at the foot of the manor-house steps, and handed the reins to Jack, who had come running from the stables where he had chosen to train under the aegis of Faulkner, the head groom.

‘Is it true, Daisy? Is Jay lost at sea?’

She gave him a hug. ‘I’m sure I’d know if he was, Jack. The truth is we don’t know what happened to him, but Guppy and the others were picked up by another vessel. We can only hope that Jay might have been as lucky.’

Jack wiped his eyes on his sleeve. ‘They told me he was drowned.’

‘We don’t believe that, do we?’

He shook his head. ‘No, we don’t.’

‘That’s a good chap. Take Cinders to the stables for me, please. You’ll be the first to know if I get any news.’

He nodded and walked off, leading the horse. Daisy stood for a moment, gazing up at the timbered building that had been her home for a few short months, although it felt like much longer. She had grown fond of the old house, with its narrow corridors and beamed ceilings, but Creek Manor was about to enter a new phase in its four-hundred-year history. A new, if temporary, lady of the manor would be greeting her guests and presiding over dinner parties in an attempt to further her husband’s career, as well as finding husbands for her two daughters. Daisy suspected that she herself would be expected to carry out a great many more duties than Marjorie Harker had suggested, and her position in the household would be something akin to that when she was governess to the Carringtons’ younger son. She would no longer be mistress of the household and that would be hard to take, but she braced her shoulders and mounted the steps to the front door. First of all she had to convince Mary and Hilda to go along with Marjorie Harker’s wishes. It was not going to be easy.

Having spent an hour or two using all her powers of persuasion on those closest to her, Daisy was exhausted, and she knew that the hardest was yet to come. Mary had been adamant that they would have to move out of the manor house, which was self-evident, and Hilda had then been riddled with guilt for allowing Daisy to support her and her children after the accident. She talked about the workhouse as if it was the only way out and it took a supreme effort from Daisy to convince Hilda that she needed her support as well as her friendship. In an effort to convince both Hilda and Mary, Daisy took them to look at the cottage, but that only made matters worse. Mary was now talking about moving back into her old cottage in the village, because it was more familiar and in only a slightly worse condition. It was only when Daisy promised to have all the available ground staff working to renovate the little house that Mary and Hilda finally agreed to consider a move.

That night Daisy fell into bed exhausted and slept until dawn.

She awakened next morning ready to face the inevitable. She had been putting off a visit to her aunt and uncle, knowing that they would try to dissuade her from moving out of her home, but it was important to get to them before the gossips had broadcast the news.

Eleanora listened patiently enough, although judging by her prune-like pursed lips and raised eyebrows, Daisy had a feeling that her aunt had already got wind of her change of circumstances.

‘Have you been listening to village gossip, Aunt?’ Daisy tried not to sound impatient but she realised that she was getting nowhere. The atmosphere in the parlour was tense and Eleanora was clearly not going to be easily mollified.

‘It’s a sorry day when Mr Keyes in the village shop knows more about one’s family than oneself.’

‘It all happened very quickly,’ Daisy said hastily. ‘You don’t understand, Aunt.’

Eleanora sniffed and turned away. ‘I might have understood had you deigned to tell me of your decision to move into a derelict cottage. Your uncle is very upset and so am I.’

Daisy reached out to clutch her aunt’s hand. ‘Listen to me, Auntie. I find myself in a very difficult situation. Jay has disappeared, although I refuse to believe he’s dead, but he had made no financial provision for me to manage in such an emergency.’

‘You could have come to us, Daisy. Your uncle and I are not wealthy, but we would have helped out.’

‘I doubt if you could cover the sum needed to pay the servants’ quarterly wages and the bills from the tradesmen for the wedding breakfast. Inheriting somewhere like the manor house comes at a price, Aunt.’

‘But surely there must be money in the bank, my dear.’

‘Possibly, but I cannot draw on it. The Lazy Jane is the only asset over which I have any control, and I’m hoping to go into business, even if it’s in a small way at first.’

‘And what about Jay? Have you forgotten him already?’

Daisy jumped to her feet. ‘That’s cruel. Of course I haven’t forgotten him, but there’s very little I can do, and I have people depending on me. I can’t just curl up and die, even if I feel like it sometimes.’

Eleanora’s eyes opened wide. ‘Don’t say things like that, Daisy.’

‘I’m just trying to put your mind at rest, Auntie. The agreement with Mrs Harker is only for a year, and during that time I hope to be able to build up a business with the ship.’

‘What will your brother say? He won’t approve of you moving into that dreadful cottage.’

‘You haven’t seen it, Aunt. It’s a roof over our heads and there just isn’t room for us in the servants’ quarters.’

‘Servants’ quarters?’ Eleanora’s cheeks reddened and her eyes watered. ‘What have you come to, Daisy?’

‘It’s no worse than being governess to Timothy Carrington. At least I have the respect of the servants and they’ll understand that I’m doing this to save the manor house.’

‘Well, if you put it like that I suppose I’ll have to suffer the disgrace.’ Eleanora wiped her eyes and stuffed her lace-trimmed hanky up her sleeve. ‘Will you stay for luncheon, Daisy? Hattie will want to see you before you go.’

‘I’ll stay to eat with you, but then I have other errands to run, so I hope that Uncle Sidney decides to join us.’

‘He loves you, dear, but unless you develop fins and a tail I doubt if he’ll notice that you’re missing.’

After an emotional time spent comforting Hattie, while attempting to impress upon her that leaving the manor house was only a temporary measure and not a total disaster, Daisy was relieved when Linnet returned from shopping in the village. Hattie was clearly put out to discover that Linnet had been told of the coming upheaval by her mother.

‘Why am I the last to know about this?’

‘Daisy and I are sisters-in-law, Hattie,’ Linnet said cheerfully. ‘Ma tells us everything.’

Hattie tossed her head. ‘At least Creek Cottage is bought and paid for. No one is going to put us out on the street. You’d better be careful, young lady. Don’t get ideas above your station just because Daisy married your brother.’

Linnet’s pale skin flushed scarlet. ‘You know I didn’t mean it like that, Hattie.’

Daisy put her arm around Linnet’s thin shoulders. ‘I’m proud to have you and Dove as my in-laws, and young Jack, too, although we don’t see so much of him now that he’s working in the stables. He seems happy enough there and Mrs Harker is going to keep all the servants on.’

‘Jack always loved animals,’ Linnet said, smiling. ‘He’s a good boy, but he could have gone the other way if you and Mrs Marshall hadn’t taken him in hand, Hattie.’

‘Oh, well, we do what we have to do.’ Hattie puffed out her chest and ladled soup into a tureen. ‘Lay up the table in the dining room, if you please, Linnet. Daisy is staying for luncheon.’

‘I’ll give you a hand, Linnet.’ Daisy followed her to the dining room. ‘I’m going to see Nick after luncheon.’

After a rather tense meal with her aunt, who kept reverting to the subject of Daisy being forced out of her home, Daisy was glad to escape and ride the short distance to Creek Hall. She went straight to the kitchen where she hoped she would find Mrs Boynton, Nick’s housekeeper, and sure enough she was there, seated at the deal table, drinking a cup of tea. She put the cup down and rose to her feet.

‘Mrs Tattersall, this is a lovely surprise.’

‘I’m still Daisy to you, Mrs Bee. How are you?’

‘I’m fine, dear.’ Mrs Bee sank down again, eyeing Daisy warily. ‘But how are you? I heard what happened.’

Daisy pulled up a chair and sat opposite her. ‘I’m coping as best I can, Mrs Bee, but it’s not easy.’

‘I know it must be hard, but it’s only temporary. You won’t be living in the cottage for ever, and of course I was sorry to hear that Jay might have – well, you know what I’m saying, dear.’

Daisy smiled and shrugged. ‘All I can do is to hope for the best, and we’ll manage somehow. Anyway, is the doctor at home? I was hoping to catch him in between his rounds and surgery.’

‘Yes, he is. We’ve only got two in-patients and he’s seeing to their needs.’

‘Is Dove here?’

‘I used to hope that you and Master Nick would get together. You seemed so well suited.’ Mrs Bee sighed, shaking her head. ‘Then those Fox girls came onto the scene and it seems that they can’t decide which man they want. I can’t keep up with them and their airy-fairy ways.’

‘So Dove is staying on here?’

‘Well, so it seems. I don’t think Master Nick knows quite what’s happening, although to be fair I think Dove is far more suited to be a country doctor’s wife than her flighty sister.’

‘I must speak to Nick.’

‘I’m losing patience with them all. We didn’t behave like that in my day.’

‘I don’t know what’s got into young people nowadays,’ Daisy said, chuckling.

‘You may laugh, Daisy, but this will all end in tears – mark my words.’

Leaving Mrs Bee to finish her tea and brood over the failings of the younger generation, Daisy made her way through the familiar passageways of the old house where she had once thought she might become mistress. She went upstairs and met Nick as he left one of the rooms set aside for in-patients.

‘Daisy, this is a pleasant surprise.’

‘Nick, I have something to tell you.’

Chapter Five

‘Are you sure this is the right thing for you?’ Nick ushered Daisy into the small bedroom that had been turned into an office. ‘You’re still in a state of shock after losing your husband.’

‘He has a name, Nick. I know you didn’t approve of my marriage to Jay, but I love him and I refuse to believe that he’s dead.’

Nick pulled up a chair for her and he went to sit behind his desk. ‘It’s all round the village that the Dorning gang were involved in his disappearance. Don’t you think you’d have heard from him by now if he had been rescued?’

‘Not necessarily. He might have been picked up by another vessel and taken to a foreign port. I’d know in my heart if anything dreadful had happened to him.’

Nick shook his head. ‘But giving up your home for a year isn’t going to solve anything.’

‘What do you suggest? I can’t touch the money in Jay’s bank account and I can’t run the estate on air. I’ve got tradesmen dunning me at the gates and the only asset I have is the Lazy Jane.’

‘But you don’t seriously think you can make your fortune as a ship owner, do you? You have no business experience, and no one to help and guide you.’

‘By letting out the manor house I can pay off my creditors and keep the staff employed. If I don’t take control of the Lazy Jane the Dornings will almost certainly use her for their own purposes. I can’t afford to pay the crew to idle about doing nothing.’

‘Yes, I see that, but do you have to move into that tumbledown cottage? I know the one you mean because the shepherd who once lived there was one of my father’s patients.’

‘There isn’t room for us at the manor house and it would be difficult living there with Marjorie Harker as mistress instead of myself. I’ve given it a lot of thought and I’m sure this is the only way forward, Nick.’

‘It seems that you’re set on this, so you obviously don’t need any advice from me.’

‘I just didn’t want you to hear about it second-hand. We’re old friends, aren’t we?’

‘I thought we were more than that.’

‘At one time, maybe, but you have someone else close to you now.’

‘Yes, I’m very fond of Dove and she’s a good nurse – untrained, of course, but I prefer that. I like to do things my way and not be dictated to by a domineering matron.’

‘I hope you’ll be good to her, Nick. Just remember she’s my sister-in-law now. I have a wider family to consider.’

Nick gave her a searching look. ‘You’re not speaking for yourself, are you?’

‘No. Sadly I’m not in the family way. It might have been easier had that been so, and at least I would have had something of Jay’s to build my life around. As it is, I have to go on the best I can, and I’d like to think that my friends are with me.’

A reluctant smile creased his lean features. ‘You can always rely on me, Daisy. If all else fails I’ll take you on as matron here. You’re a very good nurse.’

‘Thank you,’ she said, smiling. ‘I might have to take you up on that one day.’

‘There’s just one thing, Daisy. Does Toby know about this move of yours?’

‘He knows that Jay is missing, of course, but I haven’t told him that Marjorie is taking over the manor house. I’ll write to him tonight, but there’s nothing he can do. There’s nothing that anyone can do.’

‘I wish I had enough money to pay your debts for you.’ Nick took her hand in his. ‘You know where I am if you need me, Daisy.’

Marjorie Harker and her daughters were due to move in at the end of the following week, leaving Daisy very little time to make the cottage habitable. She left the packing to Mary and Hilda, and while she was still in charge she put the outdoor servants to work on renovations to the small dwelling that would be her home. The domestics were sent to sweep, scrub and clean every part of the building, and the handyman fixed the damaged woodwork and mended the broken windows. The gardeners were set to dig over the vegetable bed and plant seedlings grown in the greenhouses on the estate, and Mrs Ralston organised a search of the Manor attics to find oddments of furniture and rugs that were no longer required in the main house. Hilda altered discarded curtains to fit the windows and Cook raided the pantry, sorting out jars of jam, jellies and pickles to stock the small pantry.

Daisy wrote to her brother, explaining why she had taken such a drastic course of action, but knowing Toby’s lackadaisical attitude to everything other than his profession, she did not expect to receive a reply.

Considering her duty done, she left Hilda to supervise the preparations at the cottage while she rode to Maldon in search of a legitimate cargo for the Lazy Jane. Guppy had kept her up to date with his efforts to find a crew and the ship was now ready to sail. Daisy was afraid that if she did not find a cargo quickly, Guppy and Ramsden might take it into their heads to follow their old illegal trade, and that was something she wanted to avoid at all costs.

Having left early in the morning, Daisy arrived in Maldon soon after midday, and the moment she started making enquiries at the various shipping offices she realised that it was not going to be easy to break into a business dominated entirely by men. The reception she received at her first encounter with an agent was one of polite disdain, and she was made to feel so uncomfortable that she left the premises minutes after entering. She received similar treatment from the next one and the next, and walking along the quay proved to be such hostile territory that she was beginning to wish that she had brought Guppy or Ramsden with her. It was a warm day and she was hot and thirsty. She had not eaten since breakfast, and then she had only nibbled a slice of toast. She decided to venture into a respectable-looking inn, but the landlord was not welcoming.

‘We don’t serve your sort in here.’

Daisy stared at him in dismay. Abel Perkins, the landlord of the local pub in Little Creek, was always polite to the extent of being obsequious, especially since she had become mistress of Creek Manor. ‘I just want a glass of cider,’ she protested. ‘And a pie or anything you have to eat.’

‘I don’t serve women on their own. It’s against the law and you ain’t welcome here, missis.’

‘This lady is with me.’

Daisy spun round to see who had spoken in such a confident manner. The man met her surprised gaze with a humorous smile.

‘I believe you asked for a glass of cider, isn’t that so, my dear?’

Daisy nodded mutely, too shocked to argue.

‘And my lady requires sustenance, landlord. What have you to offer?’

The man behind the bar smiled and nodded. ‘Why, Mr Walters, the lady only had to mention your name and she would have been shown into my private parlour.’

‘I dare say, but you haven’t answered my question. We are both hungry. What is on the menu?’

‘My wife makes a very tasty beef stew, sir. With her freshly baked bread it’s a great favourite, followed by her apple pie and cream.’

‘Then that’s what we’ll have, and two glasses of cider. I take it that’s acceptable to you, my dear?’ His dark eyes twinkled with amusement as he met Daisy’s stunned gaze.

‘Er, yes, thank you,’ she said vaguely.

‘Of course, sir. Will you come this way?’ The landlord lifted the hatch in the bar counter and led them through the taproom to a private parlour. ‘Make yourselves comfortable. Your order will be brought to you.’

The door closed behind him and Daisy turned to face her champion. He was obviously a gentleman, judging by his expensively cut jacket, breeches and riding boots, and his voice was cultured with a hint of merriment, as if he were ready to laugh at any moment. She eyed him warily.

‘Who are you?’

‘You’ll pardon the liberty, Mrs Tattersall, but I saw the way you were treated in the shipping agent’s office, and the appalling rudeness of the landlord, so I had to step in.’

‘You were in the agent’s office?’

‘My name is Marius Walters and I am a merchant.’

‘A merchant?’

‘I trade with foreign countries and I gather from what I overheard that you have a ship for charter.’

‘Yes, I do.’

‘Then we might be able to do business, but I suggest we eat first, and get to know each other a little better.’

‘I’m not sure I ought to be here.’ Daisy glanced round anxiously. They were alone in the private parlour, and even though this man seemed genuine, and instantly likeable, she was nervous. ‘I know nothing about you, and you don’t know me.’

He drew up a chair and held it for her. ‘Then shall we start with your name, or must I continue to call you Mrs Tattersall?’

‘I’m Daisy Tattersall from Creek Manor.’ She paused, frowning. ‘Or rather, I own Creek Manor, but I’m living temporarily in a cottage on the estate.’

He pulled up another chair and sat down beside her. ‘How fascinating. I assume there must be a good reason for this?’

Daisy hesitated as a young barmaid entered the room bringing their drinks, which she laid on the table. ‘Grub’s coming in a minute,’ she said brusquely as she retreated, leaving the door to close of its own accord.

‘Appalling service, but excellent food,’ Marius said, smiling. ‘I always eat here when I’m in Maldon.’

‘So where do you come from?’ Daisy raised her glass to her lips and drank thirstily. The cider was refreshing, but on an empty stomach it proved quite potent and she hoped the food would arrive soon.

‘Here and there, Daisy. I may call you Daisy?’

‘I don’t see why not, since we’re breaking all the rules.’

‘Rules are there to be broken.’ He sat back, eyeing her curiously. ‘Why did you come all the way to Maldon, on your own, knowing nothing about the shipping industry?’

She felt the blood rush to her cheeks. ‘That’s my business.’

Marius’s smile faded. ‘I am sorry. I seem to have upset you quite unintentionally.’

‘I’m recently widowed,’ Daisy said, looking away. ‘It’s not easy to talk about it.’

‘Again, I apologise for my clumsy remark. Have you no one to handle business matters for you?’

She turned to give him a straight look. ‘I’m perfectly capable of managing my own affairs, and quite frankly it has nothing to do with you, Mr Walters. I’m very grateful to you for trying to help, but perhaps I’d better go now. I think this is a mistake.’ She was about to rise but he caught her by the sleeve.

‘Don’t go. It would be a shame to waste the stew, which I’m sure will prove to be delicious.’

The humorous gleam in his dark eyes was hard to resist and brought a reluctant smile to Daisy’s lips. ‘Well, I am hungry.’

‘Then you’ll stay?’

‘I will.’ She sat down again. ‘But then I must try to find an agent. I can’t allow the ship to lie idle.’

‘Let’s enjoy our meal,’ he said as the door opened and the barmaid staggered in with two large bowls filled with savoury-smelling stew. She left and returned moments later with a basket of hot rolls and a large pat of butter. She took cutlery from the pocket in her apron and laid it on the table.

‘Eat up,’ she said cheerfully. ‘There’s folks who would kill for Mrs Tompkins’ beef stew.’

Daisy and Marius exchanged amused glances.

‘Thank you.’ Marius slipped a coin into the girl’s outstretched hand and she grinned appreciatively.

‘Ta, mister.’ She left the parlour, closing the door carefully this time.

The food was delicious and they ate largely in silence, pausing only to make favourable comments. They finished the meal with apple pie smothered with a generous helping of cream, followed by coffee.

‘That really was delightful,’ Daisy said earnestly. ‘But I think you must be extremely interested in the Lazy Jane, or you wouldn’t have gone to all this trouble for a complete stranger.’

He laughed. ‘You’re not a stranger now, Daisy. I know your name and a little about you, but what I do know is that you’re a very brave woman. It must have taken a lot of courage to come here on your own, let alone attempting to enter a business about which you obviously know nothing.’

‘I have little choice. The ship is the only asset I have at present.’

‘I won’t press you for more details. I can see that it’s difficult for you to talk about your situation, but might I make a suggestion?’

She met his serious gaze with a straight look. ‘Please do.’

‘Allow someone to help you.’

‘By that I assume you mean yourself.’

‘Precisely. I’m not making any promises, but I would like to see the Lazy Jane, and then I can judge whether or not she’s suitable for my purposes.’

‘Might I ask what type of goods you trade in?’

‘Anything and everything, from coal and iron to corn. I’ve recently parted company from my shipping agent, and I was thinking about chartering a ship purely for my own use. Your vessel sounds promising.’

‘When would you like to see her?’

‘I’m free now. Are you planning on returning to Little Creek … did you say that’s where she’s at anchor?’

‘I don’t think I mentioned it, but yes, she’s anchored in one of the creeks. Perhaps we could ride together. I didn’t enjoy riding here on my own.’

He chuckled. ‘I can imagine the locals’ faces when they saw a young lady travelling without a groom or a chaperone. It was a bold move, Daisy, but not without risks.’

‘I thought the days of highwaymen were ended.’

‘Maybe, but you would have been in difficulties if you were thrown from your horse. They can be temperamental creatures if something scares them.’ He held up his hands in a gesture of surrender. ‘All right, Mrs Tattersall, I know you’re perfectly capable of handling even the friskiest of animals. Shall we go?’

It was late afternoon when they arrived at the creek where Lazy Jane lay peacefully at anchor.

‘She’s a fine vessel,’ Marius said with a nod of approval. ‘Just the right size for what I have in mind.’

Daisy glanced at the jolly boat, which had been hauled up onto the shingle so that it was above the high-water mark. ‘There’ll be someone on watch, but I’d have to contact Guppy to take you out to her.’

‘Guppy?’

‘Clem Guppy was Jay’s first mate. I made him captain because he’s a good man and he’s reliable.’

‘This looks like the ideal spot to land illicit cargoes.’

Daisy shot him a speculative glance. ‘You’re not a revenue officer in disguise, are you?’

‘Would it matter if I were?’

The sparkle in his eyes gave him away and she breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Not now, but it might have done in the past. The old squire was involved in such dealings, but I want nothing to do with anything illegal.’

‘Very wise, Daisy. My business depends on trading honestly and fairly. I’d be stupid to risk my reputation for a short-term gain, but I would like to see over the ship. Perhaps you could get your man to arrange it for tomorrow.’

‘Yes, I’ll call at Guppy’s cottage on my way home, but what will you do? Will you return to Maldon now?’

‘No, I think my horse deserves a rest. Does Little Creek boast an inn where I might stay the night?’

‘It does, but I’m still mistress of the manor house until Friday. After what you did for me today the least I can do is to offer you accommodation and a meal. We can call in on Guppy on the way home.’

‘That sounds perfect, if you’re sure I’m not putting you out.’

‘I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t mean it, and tomorrow you can take a good look at the Lazy Jane, and speak to Guppy. He’ll tell you anything you want to know.’ She wheeled her horse round and set off at a canter without waiting to see if Marius was following, but she knew without looking back that he was close behind. She had been in his company for a few hours only, but she felt as though she had known him all her life. After the maelstrom of emotions and traumas of the past weeks it was good to have someone she felt she could trust. She might be an independent woman, but if Marius were to charter her ship it would ease the burden of worry and raise some much-needed cash.

Guppy was at home and so, unfortunately, was his mother. Mrs Guppy was stirring a pot on the range, looking even more like the wicked witch from storybooks than before. Her grey hair hung in wispy strands around her face and when she closed her mouth, which was not often, her toothless gums met together, bringing her chin so close to her nose that she resembled Mr Punch.

‘I dunno what you want by turning up at mealtimes,’ she grumbled, continuing to stir the noxious-smelling mixture. ‘My Clem don’t get this sort of food on board ship. He’s a boy what needs his mother’s cooking, and regular mealtimes, which he don’t get because you keep turning up uninvited, missis.’

‘Ma, that’s no way to speak to Mrs Tattersall,’ Clem said mildly. ‘She’s the boss now that the captain’s not around.’ He sent an apologetic look in Daisy’s direction.

‘I’m sorry to interrupt your meal, Mrs Guppy.’ Daisy managed to keep a straight face although Clem’s mother referring to him as a boy had made her want to laugh. ‘We won’t take up more than a minute or two of your time.’

Guppy rose from his seat at the table. ‘Where’s your manners, Ma? Ask the missis if she wants a cup of tea.’

‘Ask her yourself. I’m busy. I got no time for toffs.’ Mrs Guppy turned her back on Daisy and Marius, and continued to beat the contents of the saucepan to a pulp.

‘I just came to introduce you to Mr Walters, who is interested in chartering the Lazy Jane. I said you would take him out to her tomorrow, Clem.’

Marius held out his hand. ‘How do you do, Guppy?’

‘How do, sir?’ Guppy wiped his fingers on his trousers before shaking hands. ‘What time would suit you?’

‘Shall we say nine o’clock? I have to travel on afterwards and I have business in Colchester.’

‘Where shall I meet you, sir?’

‘Come to the manor house, Clem,’ Daisy said hurriedly. ‘Mr Walters is my guest tonight, since it’s too far for him to ride home. I’ll come with you.’

‘You will?’ Marius stared at her, eyebrows raised. ‘Are you familiar with the vessel, Mrs Tattersall?’

‘I travelled from London to Little Creek in her not so long ago, although it was not by choice.’

‘You’re all fine talk now,’ Mrs Guppy said in a low voice. ‘But we all knows you were in service afore you come here, and then you was wiping people’s unmentionables in Dr Neville’s house.’

‘That’s enough of that, Ma.’ Guppy ushered Daisy and Marius outside into the fresh air. ‘You’ll have to excuse the old girl. She don’t mean half of what she says.’

‘That’s quite all right, Clem.’ Daisy laid her hand on his arm. ‘We won’t take up any more of your time. We’ll see you tomorrow morning at nine o’clock.’

‘Yes’m.’ Clem stepped back into the cottage and closed the door.

Marius held Daisy’s horse while she mounted. ‘Are you sure it will be all right for me to stay at the manor house? I don’t want to inconvenience you.’

Daisy smiled down at him. ‘I am still the lady of the manor, despite what Mrs Guppy says.’

Marius mounted up. ‘I look forward to a long talk after dinner. You’ve had a very interesting past, according to that lady.’

‘And I want to know more about you, sir. You might be a felon, for all I know.’

‘Would that be an end to our business dealings, ma’am?’

‘Not necessarily. My husband had served time in prison before I met him, and he’s the most honest man I’ve ever known.’ She encouraged her horse to a brisk trot, leaving Marius to follow in her wake.

Mary was obviously impressed with Marius, who kissed her hand and gave her a smile that brought roses to her normally pale cheeks. But Hilda and Mrs Ralston stood back, lips pursed and brows furrowed as they looked him up and down. Daisy could see that they were sizing him up and suspicious of his motives, but she was happy to go ahead with a business deal regardless of what secrets were locked away in his past. All her instincts told her that she could put her trust in him to do his best for her and the Lazy Jane. Her brief attempt to enter the world of commerce had ended in humiliation, but with a little help from Marius she would prove them all wrong. The name of Tattersall would be well known again, only this time it would be for the right reasons.

‘Mrs Ralston will see that a room is made ready for you, Mr Walters,’ Mary said eagerly. ‘And Hilda will inform Cook that there is one more for dinner.’

‘You’re lucky that Jack went rabbiting last evening.’ Hilda folded her arms, glaring at Marius beneath a lowered brow. ‘It’s stew, unless that’s not good enough for a gentleman like yourself.’

‘Hilda!’ Daisy frowned at her, shaking her head.

‘I’m particularly partial to rabbit stew,’ Marius said, smiling affably. ‘Please don’t go to any trouble on my behalf, I’m very grateful for a comfortable bed for the night and a home-cooked meal. I travel a great deal and it’s nice to be in such a delightful home.’

Mrs Ralston managed a hint of a smile, but Hilda tossed her head and marched off in the direction of the kitchen.

‘I’ll give you a hand, Ida.’ Mary and Mrs Ralston hurried after Hilda.

‘It seems that I have a lot to prove,’ Marius said with a wry smile. ‘Your servants are quite right to be protective, but I assure you that my intentions are honourable.’

Daisy ushered him into the drawing room. ‘I’m sure they are, Marius. Would you like a glass of sherry? Or would you prefer something stronger?’

‘Sherry would be fine, thank you.’

Daisy tugged on the bell pull and waited, but no one came. She tried to make idle conversation, but she was secretly annoyed by both Hilda and Mrs Ralston: their attitude left a lot to be desired and Daisy’s nerves were on edge anyway. This business deal was too important to be vetoed by servants who knew nothing about such matters. She rang again and when the summons went unanswered she made an excuse and left the room.

Hilda was in the kitchen and she was chattering away to Cook but she stopped the moment she saw Daisy. ‘Is anything wrong, Daisy?’

‘You know very well what you’re doing, Hilda, and I won’t have it. I’ve been ringing the bell and no one came, but worse than that, you were rude to my guest and that’s unforgivable.’

Hilda pouted ominously. ‘You only just met him today. You shouldn’t put your trust in a man like that – he’s too smooth talking, and he smiles a lot.’

‘He’s just being pleasant, and you can’t make snap judgements about someone just because he smiles too much. Mr Walters helped me out of a very difficult and embarrassing situation today. He’s a merchant, and if he charters the Lazy Jane we’ll all benefit, and perhaps I won’t have to rent out the manor house in the future.’

‘You always speak first and think afterwards, Hilda,’ Cook said severely. ‘You want to watch your tongue.’

‘You was interested enough while I was telling you about our guest. We might all be murdered in our sleep with a strange man in the house.’

Cook’s eyebrows shot up to disappear under the frill of her mobcap. ‘Don’t say things like that. I’ll have to put a chair under the doorknob tonight.’

‘You’re both being silly.’ Daisy threw up her hands. ‘Hilda, I want you to keep your opinion to yourself, and I want sherry and two glasses in the drawing room. Send the tweeny if you can’t bring yourself to be civil to my guest.’

Daisy swept out of the kitchen and hurried back to the drawing room. Soon she would be reduced to the status of a servant in her own household, but tonight she was still Mrs Tattersall of Creek Manor, and tomorrow she hoped to make a trade agreement with Marius Walters that would secure the future of the Lazy Jane, the ship that Jay had loved with all his heart. Keeping the vessel safe and using her to make money that might provide enough income to keep the estate from bankruptcy had become the most important thing in her life. If Marius could provide the business she was prepared to overlook almost any transgression he might have made in the past. She took a deep breath, painted a smile on her lips and entered the drawing room. This would go well, she told herself, despite the surliness of the servants.

Next morning, at nine o’clock, Clem rowed Daisy and Marius out to the ship. Daisy had dressed for the occasion and had left off the steel crinoline cage that she normally wore beneath her petticoats. She was wearing a simple linsey-woolsey skirt, a cotton blouse and a light shawl, and her only nod to fashion was her straw bonnet trimmed with a single silk rose. She managed to climb the Jacob’s ladder without any help from Clem, although Marius held out his hand to assist her when she boarded ship. It was an unconscious action and done without making her feel awkward or embarrassed, for which Daisy was extremely grateful. Her liking for Marius Walters had increased greatly, but this was a commercial venture, and personal feelings must be put aside. She left Clem to show him around the ship.

They met up again in the saloon where Ramsden had provided coffee.

‘Well?’ Daisy said casually. ‘What do you think, Marius? Are we in business?’

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