‘Julian might change his mind,’ Daisy said hopefully. ‘I’m sure his mother knew something, and maybe she persuaded him that he was making a mistake.’
‘To be swayed so easily is not a good sign. He sounds like a weakling. You’d be better off with a decent local man than a milksop who’s afraid to stand up to his mother.’
Daisy gazed at the daguerreotype on the mantelshelf portraying her parents on their wedding day, which was the image that she had clung to during her childhood. She could see how pretty and appealing dark-haired, dark-eyed Marguerite must have been to young James Marshall, and Aunt Eleanora swore that Daisy was the image of her late mother. Daisy never quite believed her aunt, but she loved to hear the story of how her parents had met. In fact she had heard it so many times that she could recite it word for word. It was a true romance of a young woman whose family considered themselves to be upper middle class and a man whose family were in trade. James had come to their house in Finsbury Square to deliver a new saddle, and it had been pure chance that had led him to the front door instead of the tradesmen’s entrance at exactly the moment when Marguerite Gifford had just returned from a shopping expedition. It was, as Eleanora was fond of telling her niece, love at first sight. After that the young couple had met secretly, and in the face of much opposition from both families they had eloped to Gretna Green. Daisy studied the smiling faces of her parents in their bridal finery. Perhaps she would never know the love and happiness they had shared, albeit so briefly, but she owed it to their memory to stand firm. She would not waste her tears on someone who was too weak to fight for the woman he loved.
‘You’re right, Aunt. But now I must look for another position. At least Mrs Carrington was fair enough to give me a good reference.’
‘A sap to her conscience,’ Eleanora said with a wry smile.
‘And I’m fortunate to have you and Uncle Sidney and a nice home,’ Daisy added hastily. ‘You’ve always been good to me, Aunt. Both Toby and I know how lucky we’ve been.’
Eleanora sank down on the nearest chair. ‘I have something to tell you, Daisy. Take a seat, please. Looking up at you is making my neck ache.’
‘What is it? You seem upset.’ Daisy perched on the edge of a chair. Surely there could be nothing worse than the news she had received earlier that day?
‘Your uncle has sold the business and we intend to retire and move to the country. There, I’ve said it. Don’t look at me like that, Daisy. We were going to break it more gently, but you’ve forestalled us by leaving the Carringtons.’
‘It wasn’t my choice, Aunt.’ Daisy hesitated for a moment as a confused jumble of emotions threatened to overcome her. The apartment above the shop had been her home ever since she could remember; she knew all the shopkeepers in the vicinity, and the names of all the residents of Meggs’ Almshouses, who benefited from Aunt Eleanora’s generosity at Christmas and Easter. She had enjoyed theatrical presentations at the New Royal Pavilion Theatre, including pantomimes, and she had taken omnibus rides to the West End, where exciting department stores were being opened. Daisy’s lips trembled – it was all too much to bear, and it was Christmas.
‘I know you’re upset, Daisy, and this doesn’t help, but I had to be honest with you.’
Daisy took a deep breath. She must not cry like a baby, even though her heart was breaking. ‘Where are you going to live?’
‘An elderly aunt has died and left me her cottage in Essex. It’s where I grew up and it has enough land to enable us to keep a pig and some chickens, and grow our own vegetables. The country air will be good for your uncle, and I don’t want him to work himself into an early grave.’
Daisy stared at her in astonishment. ‘But I thought you were happy here. Uncle Sidney isn’t an old man.’
‘He’s been in this business since he was a boy, and we’ve saved enough to keep us quite comfortably. The dirt and smoke in the city isn’t good for his health, nor mine, come to that. We’ll have a better life in the country.’
‘But what do I do if I can’t find another position?’
‘We’ll be here for another week or two, Daisy. I’m sure you’ll find something, or you can come and live in the country with us. It’s not a huge cottage, but there is room enough for you, should you decide to accompany us.’
‘But what about Toby? I know he lives in at the hospital but he’s about to qualify. Where will he go then?’
Eleanora smiled. ‘You can ask him yourself. He’s just walked into the room.’
Daisy jumped to her feet, turning to face her brother. ‘Did you know of this, Toby?’
‘That’s a nice welcome. I haven’t seen you for weeks. Is that all you can say?’ Toby crossed the floor in long strides and enveloped her in a brotherly hug.
‘Did you know that Uncle Sidney is retiring to the country?’ Daisy demanded as he released her and went to kiss his aunt on the forehead.
Toby straightened up, facing her with a sympathetic smile. ‘Yes, I did, but why are you here? I thought you were spending Christmas with the Carringtons.’
Daisy sent a warning look in her aunt’s direction. Now was not the time to tell Toby about Julian. Her brother was fiercely protective and she knew he would be furious. She would tell him later, when she was feeling less fragile. ‘I’m no longer needed there,’ she said calmly. ‘Master Timothy is being sent to boarding school, but Mrs Carrington has given me a good reference.’
‘I’m sorry, Daisy. I know you liked the little fellow.’ Toby’s concerned expression gave way to a wide grin. ‘But I’ve got news that will cheer you up.’
‘You’ve passed your exams?’
‘Yes, I’m a qualified doctor.’
Daisy reached up to brush his cheek with a kiss. ‘Well done. I knew you could do it.’
‘Yes, well done indeed,’ Eleanora added, smiling. ‘Your uncle will be so proud.’
Toby slipped his arm around Daisy’s shoulders. ‘There’s something else, too.’
‘What is it?’ Daisy asked anxiously. ‘I don’t think I can take another shock. What are you trying to tell us, Toby?’
Toby looked from one to the other, obviously savouring the moment. Daisy could see that he was enjoying himself, but her nerves were on edge, and she was not in a mood to cope with another piece of earth-shattering news.
‘All right. Don’t look daggers at me, Daisy.’ Toby paused for effect, but a stern glance from his aunt made him continue hastily. ‘I’ve always wanted to specialise in surgery, and I’ve been offered a position as a junior houseman at the London.’
Daisy flung her arms around his neck. ‘Congratulations, Toby. That’s wonderful.’
‘But what will you do now, Daisy?’ Toby’s smile faded. ‘Have you applied for another position?’
‘I’ve told Daisy about our move,’ Eleanora said firmly. ‘I hope she’ll decide to come with us.’
‘That sounds eminently sensible.’ Toby took Daisy by the hand, giving it an encouraging squeeze. ‘The change of air would do you good, and who knows? You might get swept off your feet by a handsome landowner.’
Daisy snatched her hand free. ‘Why does everyone assume that marriage is the answer to everything? I want to prove that I’m worth something in my own right, if only to myself.’
‘Good heavens, Daisy! You’re not turning into one of those