Filip was waiting outside the ward with his eyes closed and his arms still crossed. He opened his eyes and stood up as Ellen approached. ‘Is all well?’ he asked.

‘He’s alive.’ Her voice was choked. ‘Thank you, Filip. Thank you so much for your concern and kindness.’

He shook his head. ‘No,’ he said. ‘You have shared your home with us and given us the hand of friendship. It is we who must thank you; and we will pray that Harry recovers soon.’

Dr Lucan opened the door behind them, nodded to Ellen and glanced at Filip. ‘Dr Lucan,’ Ellen said for no reason she could think of, ‘this is our friend Filip Bosco, who was kind enough to bring me to ’hospital.’

Dr Lucan extended a firm hand to Filip. ‘Very considerate of you,’ he said. ‘I’m sure Mrs Randell appreciates your help. Good day to you both.’ He then ran swiftly down the stairs and Ellen, with Filip holding her arm, followed more slowly.

Outside, Filip asked, ‘Do you feel able to walk home? We will cut through the streets as the driver say.’

Ellen said yes, but in truth she did not feel at all well and doubted if she could walk so far without taking frequent rests, but she was very conscious that she was taking up Filip’s precious time. She saw the doctor climb into a trap drawn by a young pony and give a boy a coin, presumably for looking after it, before pulling away towards the gate, but before he reached it he drew to a halt and waited until they were abreast of him.

‘Do you have transport home?’ he asked.

Ellen shook her head. Filip said, ‘No, sir, we have no carriage. We must walk.’

‘Where do you live? Is it far?’

‘Wincomlee, not far from Tannerson’s mill,’ Ellen said, hoping that was the area the doctor was travelling towards.

He jumped down from his seat. ‘You can’t be allowed to walk so far, Mrs Randell. Please, come with me. I’m going back to the mill to see other casualties.’

He helped Ellen into the trap and looked earnestly at her. ‘Are you unwell, Mrs Randell? You said you were with child,’ he added in a low voice.

‘I am,’ she whispered, close to tears. ‘But I – something isn’t right.’

‘Very well. Mr Bosco, are you going the same way? Please, let me give you a ride home too.’

‘It is good,’ Filip said as he climbed in next to Ellen. ‘English people are generous. We are lucky to meet.’