‘On the terrace? But he never goes outside!’

She saw she had said the wrong thing when Staff’s brows rose. ‘I didn’t realise you were such an expert on Sergeant Trevelyan,’ she said. ‘Why are you so fascinated by him, Nurse?’

‘I’m not, Staff. I – I was just curious, that’s all.’

‘Well, kindly stop being curious and get on with your work.’

‘Yes, Staff.’

She was aware of Nurse Hanley’s gaze following her as she made her way down the ward towards the linen store. As she passed the French doors leading out to the terrace, she could see several men and their families sitting outside. She didn’t dare stop to look because Veronica Hanley was still watching her keenly from the other end of the ward.

Dulcie quickly gathered up sheets and blankets for making up the bed. As she emerged from the linen store, she noticed Nurse Hanley berating a tearful VAD who had managed to drop a cup of tea all over the polished floor. While she was distracted, Dulcie darted to the French doors and peered outside.

It took her a moment to spot Sam among all the other men. He was surrounded by his family, half hidden from her view. He was in a wheelchair, which surprised Dulcie, since he’d always refused one before. His mother sat beside him on a bench, holding his hand. Two children, a boy and a girl, perched on his knees. The little girl had her arms wrapped around his neck, her face pressed into his shoulder. An older boy, tall and upright, stood before them, pointing out something a few feet away. Christopher, she thought.

He was only a kid. Sixteen years old, only four years older than my son …

‘Nurse Moore?’ Dulcie heard Staff Nurse Hanley’s voice but ignored it, craning her neck to see Sam’s face. He was in profile, so she couldn’t read his expression.

‘Nurse Moore! I hope you’re not daydreaming again?’

Then Christopher must have said something because Sam threw back his head and laughed.

Dulcie stood rooted to the spot, watching him. Then, suddenly, she found she was filled with an absurd burst of happiness. It was all she could do not to laugh, too.

‘Nurse Moore!’

She turned. Nurse Hanley was bearing down on her, face like thunder.

‘Wipe that silly smirk off your face, girl. You won’t be smiling when your name’s in the ward book, I’m sure.’

But Dulcie was still smiling when she went to make up bed eight with Miriam Trott.

‘You look pleased with yourself,’ Miriam commented sourly.

‘I am.’

‘And why is that, may I ask?’

Before Dulcie could answer her, Dr Logan walked over.

‘Well, Nurse, I see your experiment worked.’

Dulcie beamed at him. ‘Yes, Doctor.’

‘Keep up the good work, won’t you?’ As he turned to walk away, Dulcie could have sworn he winked at her.

Miriam Trott looked fit to burst. ‘What was all that about?’

‘I did a good deed.’ Dulcie explained about writing to Sam Trevelyan’s family. Miriam listened, eyes round with astonishment.