‘I don’t want tea,’ Doris said fiercely. ‘I want to see my husband.’

‘I’m afraid that’s not possible just yet. Please, Mrs White, sit down.’

Doris felt light-headed and the room began to swim round her, so she let the young woman help her to sit, and tried desperately to regain her wits. ‘What happened?’ she asked eventually.

‘He was knocked down by a car in the High Street,’ she replied. ‘He has several broken bones, and a very nasty bump on the head, I’m afraid.’

‘But he’ll be all right, won’t he?’ she rasped. ‘He’ll pull through?’

‘I’m sorry, Mrs White, I really can’t say anything until the doctor has finished examining him. Is there anyone you’d like me to call to be with you?’

‘Are you saying his injuries are serious?’

The nurse’s expression said more than any words could convey, and she pressed her hand on Doris’s shoulder in sympathy as she asked again if there was someone she could call.

‘My sister,’ she managed. ‘My sister, Peggy Reilly. She’s at work, but … but …’ Doris burst into tears.

‘It’s all right, Doris. I’m here,’ said a breathless Peggy. ‘I saw you running hell for leather away from the factory and knew something must have happened.’

She put her arm about Doris’s heaving shoulders and tried to soothe her as the nurse explained about John. ‘I’ll stay with her for as long as she needs me,’ she promised.

Doris eventually dried her eyes, but she was shivering with shock, her heart heavy with dread. ‘I can’t lose him, Peggy,’ she said tremulously, clasping her hand tightly.

Peggy gripped her arm. ‘No one said anything about losing him, Doris,’ she said firmly. ‘We just have to believe he’ll come through this. John’s a fit man for his age and broken bones can heal. Please try not to think the worst.’

They sat there, hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder, for what felt like hours until a doctor came out to see them.

‘Your husband has come round momentarily, but he was very groggy. We’re taking him down to theatre to repair his broken pelvis and the fractures in his left leg. I must warn you that all surgery carries certain risks, but it’s vital we repair the damage as soon as possible.’ He handed her a clipboard. ‘You need to sign this consent form.’

Doris stared up at him, her whole body trembling with fear. ‘But he’s a very fit man for his age,’ she managed tearfully. ‘Why should there be complications and risk?’

‘It’s the way it is with even the simplest operation, Mrs White,’ he said rather impatiently. ‘Please sign the form so the surgeon can get on.’

Doris signed the form, her hand shaking so much it was all but illegible. ‘How long will he be in theatre?’

‘For several hours,’ he replied, taking the form from her. ‘Perhaps it would be better if you went home, and I’ll get someone to telephone you once it’s over.’