The Christmas Wedding. Dilly Court

I said, Jay is tough. We might have gone in different directions, but we’re still friends, so you’ve no need to worry.’

      ‘I thought he was dead when I first saw him.’

      ‘You probably saved his life. If you hadn’t found him when you did the outcome could have been very different. As it is I’m sure he’ll make a full recovery.’

      She smiled. ‘I did what anyone else would have done.’

      ‘Not everyone, it seems. Abel Perkins walked off and left a girl and an old man to manage on their own. I’m sure Jay will thank you both when he’s fully recovered.’

      ‘It was fortunate for Jay that you hadn’t gone to see your aunt. I was afraid we might have missed you.’

      ‘I had some things to do, so I decided to go tomorrow.’ Nick met her worried gaze with a smile. ‘Mrs Bee and Dove will take care of Jay while I’m gone, and I don’t imagine he’s in any real danger. At least, not now.’

      ‘Perhaps we’d better rescue him from Hattie’s ministrations,’ Daisy said, chuckling. ‘The last I saw of her she was making him a mustard footbath, which she swears by as a cure for just about anything.’ She led the way to the kitchen where Jay was seated in a chair by the range with his bare feet soaking in a bowl of hot water laced with yellow mustard. His fair hair had been washed and it curled wildly around his head, giving him the look of a fallen angel. One eye was half closed and would be blackened by morning, but his good eye was an interesting shade of blue edged with long thick lashes that would make any female jealous. He was dressed in some old clothes that Toby had left behind when he decided they were not smart enough for a professional gentleman. The trouser legs were rolled up to keep them away from the mustard water, but the jacket sleeves were far too short, exposing Jay’s bony wrists and muscular forearms.

      ‘How are you feeling?’ Daisy asked anxiously. ‘Does your head hurt?’

      He managed a lopsided grin. ‘Not too much, thank you, miss.’

      ‘He’ll be fine,’ Linnet said casually. ‘Jay has a thick skull. If he fell on his head as a child we knew he would be all right.’

      Hattie pursed her lips. ‘He should be tucked up in bed with a hot-water bottle.’

      ‘I’m all right,’ Jay said abruptly. ‘I wish everyone would stop fussing. I said, I’m fine.’

      ‘I need to keep an eye on you, Jay.’ Nick picked up a towel and tossed it at him. ‘Dry your feet. I’m taking you to Creek Hall whether you like it or not.’

      ‘I should go home, Nick. I’ve been away too long.’

      ‘Your parents are far from well at the moment and they can’t be expected to look after you. It’s best if you come home with me. Mrs Bee will delight in fussing over you.’

      Linnet picked up a towel and began to dry her brother’s feet. ‘You’ll do as you’re told for once, Jay Fox.’

      ‘I wish you’d all leave me alone,’ Jay said with a groan. ‘I’m quite capable of looking after myself.’

      ‘Well, you haven’t been very successful, considering you’ve just been fished out of the river, half dead.’ Hattie gave a disapproving sniff. ‘Gallivanting around won’t do you any good.’

      ‘Don’t worry, Mrs Cribb,’ Nick said smoothly. ‘Jay will be well cared for, and I’m sure you have enough on your hands with young Jack.’

      Jack had been sitting quietly at the table, munching cake, but he looked up and grinned. ‘It was worth breaking an arm to come here and be treated like a young gent. Mrs Cribb makes the best cake ever.’

      Hattie puffed out her chest. ‘Flattery will get you nowhere, young man.’

      ‘You’d best be ready to see your teacher,’ Daisy said hurriedly. ‘Mr Massey is coming here after school with some books for you to study while your arm heals.’

      Jack’s mouth drooped at the corners and he pushed his plate away. ‘I thought it was too good to be true. I don’t like Mr Massey.’

      ‘I thought he was charming,’ Daisy said firmly. ‘And you need to work hard in order to keep up with the rest of the class.’

      ‘You’ll have me to answer to now, Jack. I won’t stand any nonsense.’ Jay attempted to rise but subsided with a groan.

      ‘Your brother will be around for a while yet.’ Nick helped Jay to his feet. ‘I need to give you a more thorough examination, Jay. You might have cracked a couple of ribs.’

      Jack pulled a face. ‘I bet he’s on the run from the coppers again.’

      ‘Cheeky brat.’ Jay made to cuff Jack round the head as he limped past, but missed. ‘I’ll get you next time, nipper.’

      Jack poked out his tongue and was scolded by Hattie and Linnet in unison.

      ‘Maybe you ought to come with us to Creek Hall,’ Nick said severely. ‘You need someone to keep you in order, young fellow.’

      ‘I’ll be good. Don’t take me away from here. I never had such lovely grub, nor such a soft bed. Let me stay, please.’

      ‘Of course you’ll stay with us.’ Daisy gave him an encouraging smile. ‘I’m going to help you with your lessons.’

      ‘Can I join the class, too, teacher?’ Jay said, chuckling. ‘My spelling ain’t up to standard.’

      Nick grabbed him by the arm. ‘You’ll behave yourself now you’re home. I’d like to know what got you in this state in the first place.’

      Jay’s reply was lost as Nick propelled him out of the room and the door closed behind them. Daisy and Hattie exchanged worried glances.

      ‘Don’t worry about my brother,’ Linnet said calmly. ‘Jay might have got in with the wrong company at one time, but whatever happened to him I’m sure it wasn’t his fault.’

      ‘That’s right,’ Jack added. ‘Jay’s a good ’un.’

      ‘Never mind all the chit-chat,’ Hattie said briskly. ‘We’ve got work to do, Linnet. There’s water to fetch, wood to chop, and make sure the fire doesn’t go out in the front parlour. We don’t want the schoolmaster to think we can’t afford to live decently.’