The revelation that the Home Office was advising British passport holders not to travel to Poland had come as a surprise, but it seemed to underline the dangers Stanislaw had warned her about, and went some way to easing her guilt at changing her mind about going. However, the tone of the message suggested that Peggy’s visit to the factory had caused some disagreement between Solly and his wife, so she decided she would do her rounds before going to see them.

The morning flashed past as she dressed ulcerated legs and bathed the elderly patients who couldn’t do it for themselves. She attended the ante-natal clinic straight after a lunch of Spam sandwiches, and once it was over, approached Sister Higgins.

‘I am sorry to make things difficult for you, Florence,’ she began hesitantly. ‘But would it be all right if I took back my notice and stayed on?’

Florence’s broad face broke into a beaming smile. ‘Oh, my dear. You don’t have to apologise. Of course you can stay. I’m just so relieved you aren’t going back to Poland. Dr Sayers and I were very worried about you.’ She regarded Danuta fondly. ‘What changed your mind?’

‘I realised that this is my home now. I have Peggy and Ron, and work that I love. It seemed to me to be very foolish to leave when I have so many things here to be grateful for.’

Florence threw her arms about her and held her to her generous bosom. ‘Dear Danuta, I’m so very happy you’re staying – and I know Peggy and all your patients will be too. You’ve become an important part of our lives, and we really didn’t want to lose you.’

Danuta enjoyed being cuddled by Florence, for it was like being embraced within layers of soft cushions, but still shy of such strong emotions, she gently disentangled herself. ‘Did you read my report on Mrs Wilson?’ she asked, straightening her cap.

‘Yes, and you did very well, Danuta. It was a tricky one, and not always resulting in a happy ending. I’ve seen the trick with the cold water done once before, although I doubt the powers that be would approve. Still, if it works when nothing else has, it’s definitely worth a try – as you proved.’

‘I am hoping to visit Mrs Wilson later to see how she and the babies are doing.’

‘There’s no need, dear. I went in early this morning. Mrs Wilson is blooming, as is baby Daniel, and little Evie is safe in an incubator and expected to pull through as long as she doesn’t get an infection.’

‘Peggy will go to see Mr Wilson tonight to make sure he’s managing,’ said Danuta, packing away her instruments. ‘But I think he knows he must cope and will do his best.’

Florence sighed. ‘Yes, the poor man isn’t capable of much and was turned down for enlistment on medical grounds. His nerves, I believe. But by all accounts he’s a wizard when it comes to Cliffehaven’s gardens, and the council know they’re jolly lucky to have him. He planted the carpet gardens, you know – the ones on the bomb site of the Grand Hotel. Lovely, they are. You should take time to go and see them while they’re still at their best.’