Before Lily could do more than open her mouth to reply, Ivy jumped out into the rain and ran through the school’s gates, up the steps, and into the shelter of the door.

Lily could only shake her head and keep walking toward the hospital. She couldn’t imagine actually bucking her father’s orders, regularly and with planning. She still lived in his house. She would obey his rules.

But then again, she also couldn’t imagine going on like this much longer.

A few minutes later, she shook the water off her brolly and pulled open the door to the hospital. She stepped inside, immediately enveloped by the quiet that reminded her of how loud the rain had been.

“Oh good, you’re here.”

Lily looked up and frowned at the white-faced specter moving toward her. Arabelle, obviously, as no other nurse here was so tall. But . . . “Why are you wearing a mask?”

Ara held out another one toward Lily. “You know how I said we had a train full of troops coming in last night, a few of whom had three-day fever? Well, it seems to be rather contagious. The three on the train has turned into seven. We’re shorthanded as it is, so let’s be cautious, shall we? I’ve quarantined them as best I can. We don’t need the whole ward vomiting and delirious.”

Lily’s brows pulled down as she took the mask from her friend’s outstretched fingers. “Is it as bad as all that?”

Ara shrugged. “It could well be that the other four had already contracted it before they were in close quarters on the train. Or that the train itself acted as an incubator—we’ve certainly seen that before. But regardless, no one else wants it. So wear the mask, and do take care to wash your hands regularly, especially after contact with any of the newcomers.”

“Yes, nurse.” She smiled and then covered it with the cloth.

Arabelle glanced at the watch pinned to her bodice. “I think you’re the last of the morning VADs. But if you notice anyone else come in, direct them to me for a mask. Otherwise, the breakfast trays are ready.”

Lily nodded and followed her friend up to the fourth-floor ward. She was soon delivering porridge and tea to the men, handing it off to those who could manage it on their own and settling on a chair to assist one in need of help. It was odd to smile at him from behind a mask, but aside from a few jests, none of them seemed to mind. No doubt because Arabelle was right that no one else wanted to catch three-day fever. They had problems enough.