‘That would never have worked.’ Holly shook her head as she carefully dried one of the crystal goblets. ‘But I think they’ll be happy together and the children are clearly thrilled with the news.’

‘Hmm.’ A thought had just occurred to Ivy and her hands became still in the soapy water. ‘But what about you an’ me? What I mean is, yer mam will no doubt move into Mr Dolby’s house once they’re wed but what will we do?’

‘I can answer that question.’ Gilbert Mason was bringing in yet more dirty pots and both girls started. They hadn’t seen him come in. ‘Things for you two will go on just as they are now if that’s what you wish.’ He smiled. ‘I do understand, of course, that you may wish to go with your mother, Holly, and if that’s the case I’ll raise no objection. But if you prefer to stay here that’s all right too. In fact, from a selfish point of view I’d prefer that you did. I quite enjoy our times poring over the newspapers together and discussing world affairs. And you, Ivy, well you’ll still be needed to help Cook. Does that answer your question?’

‘Yes, Mr Mason, it does.’ Ivy flashed him a smile and he left to share a glass of port and a cigar in the study with Walter.

It had been a truly happy day but Holly was on night duty that evening at the hospital so at seven o’clock she set off, leaving them all to a game of tiddlywinks. It had been a cold but dry day with no sign of snow as yet so she made good time and on entering the hospital she found everyone in good spirits. The staff had pinned paper chains to the ceilings in the wards and even Matron had relaxed the rules just for this special day. A choir came into the wards at eight o’clock to sing Christmas carols and were served with hot mince pies and mulled wine and then it was time to get the children settled in Mary Ward.

As Holly tucked the babies into their cots she wondered what Robbie would be doing. She knew that Sunday and Tom always ensured that the children had a wonderful day and it gave her a little thrill to think that probably for the first time in his short life Robbie would be getting the sort of Christmas he deserved. Again, thoughts of Richard and how he was spending Christmas flashed across her mind but she pushed them firmly away.

On New Year’s Eve the whole family were invited to Walter’s for dinner but Holly was working once again. She had put her name down for every shift going over the festive period because while she was working she didn’t have time to think of anything or anyone but the patients she was caring for.

It was just before midnight and most of the children on Mary Ward were fast asleep although a few of the older children were still awake, waiting to welcome the New Year in, when Dr Nason appeared with a young man.