‘Tess, Tess,’ she said in a tiny, cracked voice which Albert hardly recognised. ‘I knew . . . I knew . . .’

‘You knew I’d come,’ Tess said tenderly. ‘And you were right; as soon as I got Albert’s telegram Jonty and I set out for the station. Oh, Gran, now that I’m here you’ve simply got to get well!’

Albert went quickly over to Tess where she stood by the side of the bed. ‘Wait until we tell the staff,’ he whispered. ‘They’ve been waiting for her to speak, and now she’s done it I’m sure she’ll begin to improve. But we mustn’t tire her. Just reassure her that you won’t go far, and you’ll be here for her when she wakes tomorrow.’

Tess did so, and Albert took her arm and was about to lead her from the ward when Gran spoke again. ‘Dear Albert, thank you,’ she said. Albert looked back eagerly, but Edie’s eyes had closed once more and she turned her head into the pillow, making it plainer than words could that she just wanted to sleep.

Albert and Tess left the small room together, to find Jonty awaiting them in the corridor. He grinned sheepishly from one to the other. ‘I didn’t want to come in. It didn’t seem fair somehow to see your gran for the first time when she’s so ill,’ he explained. ‘But I gather from your expressions that you’re pleased about something. I’m so glad.’

Albert beamed. ‘She’s spoken, and recognised us both,’ he said joyfully. ‘Sister Bowen said that once she came round getting better would just be a matter of time. She’d had a bang on the head during the coach accident, you see, and they were afraid there might be brain damage, though Sister Bowen thought it a remote possibility. But we must find someone in authority . . .’ He broke off as a figure approached them, and when she got close enough Tess could see that it was a sister. She glanced at Albert and saw that he was smiling once more as he went to meet the nurse. ‘Sister Bowen, Mrs Williams has come round and recognised us,’ he said. ‘As you know, I could hardly bear to leave her side while she was unconscious, but now we’ll go home and return tomorrow morning, if that’s acceptable.’

Sister said it was and accompanied them to the foyer. ‘But don’t come too early, because Doctor does a ward round in the mornings,’ she told them. ‘Just get yourself a good night’s sleep.’ She turned to Tess. ‘I don’t know whether your uncle has told you, but he didn’t escape unscathed from the accident himself. He’s nursing a broken collarbone and a great many contusions, but nothing that won’t mend so long as he doesn’t try to do too much.’

‘I won’t; I’m not such a fool. I’ve got to get fit so I can keep an eye on Edie,’ Albert said. ‘Good night, Sister, and thank you for everything.’