She held out the note as he approached to take it from her. “There’s a nasty fever going around the ward. She said she wouldn’t be able to make your lunch date.”

His frown didn’t lessen any. “So she intends not to eat?”

Lily shrugged. “Let us pray things relax a bit and she can steal a few minutes away. But it’s a bit frantic there right now. A man just died. She and the matron have everyone wearing masks.”

Camden’s face went darker still. “It’s that contagious?”

“I’m sure they’re just being cautious.”

He didn’t look convinced.

“Lily?”

She spun, smiling despite the grim news when she saw Zivon emerging from the room across the hall, a piece of paper in his hands that he held out to Camden. The major took it without a word; he must have been waiting for it. “Good morning,” she said to Zivon.

“You are here early.”

She explained again, quickly, ending by saying, “But I had better get down to my desk. Mama will be coming by at one to get a list from me.”

As she’d hoped it would do, that brought Zivon’s brows up. “I will walk with you. And this is good news, yes? You and your mother are working together on something?”

“On a little garden party for this Saturday. You’ll come, of course, won’t you?”

He paused with his elbow extended for her. “Saturday?” His gaze searched hers. And a small, sad smile touched the corners of his mouth. “You remembered the date.”

She tucked her hand into its place and gave his arm a squeeze. “Of course I did. And you shan’t pass it alone.”

“You are too good to me.” They started down the corridor.

“Nonsense. Besides, it gives Mama and me something to work on together.”

“And this is a good thing indeed.” He covered her fingers with his opposite hand. “Of course I will come. To be honest, I will welcome the excuse to stay longer away from my flat.” Amusement saturated his words.

“I think I’m missing some information.”

He chuckled and pushed open the door at the end of the hallway. “I told you of the enthusiastic welcome I was given at the Orthodox church.”

“You did, yes.” He’d seemed genuinely humbled by it. And she’d felt a bit of satisfaction in realizing that her words to him in the park had been what spurred him to make that connection.

“I seem to have underestimated exactly how small and close a community the Russians in London are. All the mothers and grandmothers have descended upon me with borscht and blini—and endless talk of their eligible daughters and nieces and sisters.” He shook his head, but his eyes still sparkled.

Lily may have exaggerated her frown, but she didn’t force it. “Should I be jealous?”