‘Thank you. A cup of tea would be most welcome,’ she sighed, sinking gratefully into a chair.

The cup of tea had revived her somewhat, and out of curiosity she’d cycled past the Grove on the way back to the clinic. It was all in darkness and the street was deserted. Stanislaw had clearly not waited, but then she could hardly have expected him to hang about in his condition.

Danuta sorted out her instruments, restocked her bag and stuffed her dirty apron in the laundry basket. She took off her cap, brushed out her hair and headed back outside to her bicycle. Smothering a vast yawn, she slowly pedalled home, still a little shaken by the traumatic events of the evening.

Parking her bicycle alongside the deckchairs beneath the sheet of tarpaulin, she trudged into the basement of Beach View and up the steps to the kitchen.

‘There you are at last,’ said Peggy brightly. ‘We were wondering where you’d got to.’

‘I say to Peggy she not worry. You working and something important must have happened to keep you so late.’ Stanislaw struggled to his feet from the fireside chair.

Shocked to see him in Peggy’s kitchen, Danuta’s fogged and weary mind couldn’t form a reply and she just stared at him.

‘I did wait for you as I promised,’ he said. ‘But they close early on Sundays, so I had to leave. I hope you are not angry that I come here?’

‘No, not at all,’ she stammered. ‘Just a bit surprised.’ She dumped her medical bag on the table and took off her coat. ‘I’m sorry if I appear rude, but it’s been a difficult night.’

‘You haven’t eaten either,’ said Peggy. She quickly uncovered the plate on the table to reveal ham, potatoes and salad. ‘Mary brought the ham and the pickles,’ she explained, placing jars and a plate of bread and margarine on the table. ‘Now sit down and enjoy all that while I make another pot of tea.’

Stanislaw seemed to sense she would feel awkward eating in front of him, and reached for his coat and hat. ‘Now that you are home safely, I will leave you to relax and enjoy your supper,’ he murmured.

Danuta instantly felt guilty. ‘You don’t have to go,’ she said.

‘But I must.’ He smiled down at her and reached for her hand. ‘You are tired and hungry, little one. I shall telephone tomorrow, if I may, and arrange another outing.’

‘But how will you get back to Cliffe?’

‘Ron has very kindly offered to take me. He will be waiting outside now, I think, as he said he would be here at this time.’

Danuta smiled up at him. ‘I’m sorry all your plans were spoiled, but babies come when they are ready regardless of how inconvenient it might be.’

He kissed her hand. ‘To see you smile is worth the wait.’ He turned to Peggy and kissed her cheeks. ‘We will meet again, beautiful lady,’ he murmured before turning away and slowly walking into the hall with Peggy fluttering nervously behind him in case he should trip or fall.