Ivy sniffed and nodded and both studiously avoiding any mention of Jeremy they tried to enjoy the rest of the time they had. Cook did them a wonderful lunch of cold meat left over from Christmas Day and pickles, followed by mince pies and Christmas cake.

‘Crikey, I’m so full I don’t want to move now.’ Holly grinned once she had carried the dirty pots through to the kitchen and washed them up for Cook, who was enjoying a glass of sherry with her feet up by the fire. ‘But unfortunately I’ve got to go and pack my case and make a move.’

‘I’ll come to the station to see you off,’ Ivy offered but Holly shook her head.

‘I don’t think that’s a very good idea. You’re still not able to walk too far with those broken ribs,’ she pointed out. And so half an hour later Ivy trailed miserably behind Holly to the front door.

‘I’m goin’ to miss you so bloody much!’ she declared.

Holly tried to make her smile. ‘It won’t be for long, I promise. Everything will work out, you’ll see. But now I really do have to go. Take care of yourself, Ivy.’ And with a huge lump in her throat she set off, blinking back fresh tears as she made her way to the station.

It was bitterly cold and dark by the time she arrived back in London and a thick smog hung across the streets. She found her way cautiously back to the flat, barely able to see more than a hand in front of her. As she inserted the key into the lock a wave of loneliness swept through her making her eyes smart. The rooms above would be cold and quiet with no welcoming fire to greet her and no one to talk to. Even when Ivy had moved out she had at least been close by, but now she was truly alone in the big city and it felt daunting.

Chapter Twenty-Three

‘Ah, it’s nice to see you back, Nurse Farthing,’ Matron greeted Holly when she arrived at the hospital and reported for duty the next morning. ‘I trust your friend is recovering from her injuries?’

‘She’s doing very well, Matron,’ Holly answered politely, trying her best to conceal the sadness she felt inside.

Matron went over the list of new recruits from the Red Cross who would be arriving that morning and when they had finished, Holly went to greet them and settle them in their allocated wards.

It was two days before she caught a glimpse of Richard; two days of not knowing if he was even still at the hospital. But then at last she entered the canteen for a rather late lunch one day and there he was, standing at the counter being served. He looked a little tired and dishevelled, with his hair sticking out at odd angles, but to Holly, he looked just as handsome and dear as she remembered him.

She slipped in behind him with a wide smile on her face and when he caught sight of her his eyes lit up.