an accident, Lemuel. I think Jack has learned his lesson, and he won’t be doing much climbing for a while.’ He gave Lemuel a searching look. ‘How long have you had that cough?’
‘It’s nothing, Doctor. Just the usual winter ailment, same as the missis upstairs, only she’s took to her bed.’
Nick took a small brown bottle from his bag and laid it on the kitchen table. ‘You might find this helps. The instructions for taking it are on the label.’
‘I don’t want it, Doctor. I can’t pay.’
‘It’s a commercial traveller’s sample; it cost me nothing, so it’s just taking up space in my bag.’ Nick snapped the locks together and made for the doorway. ‘I’ll call again tomorrow. Make sure you behave yourself, young Fox.’ He placed his hat on his head as he stepped outside into the cold, clear morning air.
Daisy followed him to the cart. ‘That wasn’t a free sample, was it?’
‘It will give Lemuel and his wife a little ease from the chest complaint.’
‘Consumption?’
‘That would be the worst diagnosis, but it could be simply inflammation of the lungs caused by the damp conditions and poor food. It’s what happens to people who live in poverty, and I’ve seen it all too often at the London.’
‘Is there nothing you can do for them?’
Nick handed her onto the driver’s seat and climbed up to sit next to her. ‘I wish there were, but all I can do is to hand out laudanum and advice as to their diet, which I know they cannot follow on such a limited income.’
‘You’ve employed Dove and you sent Linnet to us,’ Daisy said gently. ‘At least the girls are looked after, but what will happen to Jack?’
‘The boy will have to leave school and look for work. He has an elder brother, but Jay fell foul of the law and came to no good, according to Mrs Bee, who loves to fill me in with all the village gossip.’ Nick flicked the reins. ‘Walk on.’
Relieved to get away from the depressing subject of illness, Daisy was intrigued by the Fox family. ‘The girls have birds’ names, but Jack is presumably short for James or John.’
Nick laughed and encouraged the horse to trot. ‘I believe he was christened Jackdaw, but understandably prefers the shortened version.’
‘And the other son?’
‘Jay is the black sheep of the family. We used to play together as boys, but then I went to boarding school and university and we went our separate ways.’
‘Perhaps someone ought to inform Jay that his parents are ill?’
‘You’re right, of course, although I wouldn’t know how to contact him. I’ve been away from the village for a very long time.’
‘But Mrs Bee might be able to help. You said that she knows everyone.’
‘Again, you’re quite right. I’ve learned how to diagnose and deal with disease, but it seems I still have much to learn about dealing with patients’ problems. Maybe I’m more suited to working at a big hospital or in Harley Street. Perhaps Toby has the right idea.’
‘My brother isn’t like you, Nick. I think you would make a very good country doctor, and I suspect that the people in places like Little Creek are in desperate need of your services. London is full of hospitals and doctors’ practices, but you said yourself that the villagers have had no one to look after them since your father passed away.’
‘That is true but my position is untenable. If I can’t make the repayments to the squire I’ll have to sell the property.’ He concentrated on the road ahead. ‘Anyway, that’s my problem. Will you stay in Little Creek? You didn’t seem too keen on the idea yesterday.’
‘It’s different for me,’ Daisy said, sighing. ‘I really don’t want to go back to being a governess, but I’m not qualified to do anything else.’
‘Then we’re both at a crossroads, and neither of us knows which way to go.’
He drove on in silence until they reached Creek Cottage, where he reined in and drew the horse to a halt. ‘Come to dinner this evening, Daisy. I’ll show you the rest of Creek Hall and you’ll see the extent of my problem. Nothing has been done to preserve the old house for many a year despite my father’s attempts to renovate the building. I’m afraid it might be too late to save it now.’
‘That’s not the most exciting invitation I’ve ever had,’ Daisy said, laughing. ‘But I would like to see more of the house. It just needs some loving care to bring it back to life.’
Nick leaped to the ground and helped her to alight from the chaise. ‘I’ll call for you at six, if that’s convenient.’
‘Thank you. I’ll look forward to it.’
Dove served their meal in the dining room. Candlelight reflected off the old oak panelling, adding to the feeling of warmth and comfort, and the steak and kidney pie was excellent, but Daisy’s thoughts were with the Fox family, living in squalid conditions less than a mile away.
‘You aren’t eating, Daisy,’ Nick said gently. ‘Isn’t the food to your liking?’
She looked up with a start. ‘No, I mean yes. The pie is delicious. I was thinking of Jack and his family.’ She hesitated, at a sudden loss for words.
Nick sat back in his chair, eyeing her thoughtfully. ‘Their situation really bothers you, doesn’t it?’
‘Yes, but I hope I didn’t show it in front of Jack’s father. I should imagine he’s a very proud man.’
‘You were very quiet. It’s more what you haven’t said than anything else.’
‘Is their home part of your estate?’
‘It was once, but my father sold the properties in the hope that the new landlord would make the necessary improvements. Sadly this doesn’t seem to have happened.’
‘Did you say that the squire owns them now?’
‘Yes, I did. The wretched fellow lives in the manor house on the other side of the river, and I should think he owns half the county. He’s also the local Justice of the Peace.’
‘Perhaps someone ought to tell him that his tenants are living in slum conditions.’
‘He’s not the sort of man who would take kindly to criticism, even if well meant.’
‘I don’t like the sound of Squire Tattersall. Thank goodness my aunt owns Creek Cottage.’
‘She might own the building, but I dare say the squire retained the leasehold. I believe he is an astute businessman, whatever people say about him.’
‘I’ll have to ask Aunt Eleanora, although she might not be aware of such a thing. The cottage was left to her by a relative.’
‘Then I suggest she takes advice from a solicitor. Tattersall is not the sort of man to
