As soon as Grace went on duty she went to check on Albie Sallis. He had been tired and listless since his friend Gordon had left. Grace missed his jokes and his cheery laughter ringing down the ward.

As usual, the first thing Albie did was to ask her if she had heard anything of his friend.

Grace shook her head regretfully. ‘I’m sorry, Corporal Sallis. No one’s told me anything.’

‘I hope he’s all right.’ Albie Sallis’ brow was furrowed with concern. ‘I haven’t had a letter from him yet.’

‘It’s only been a couple of days. I expect he’s still settling in.’

‘I expect you’re right, Nurse.’ But Albie did not look reassured. ‘I worry about him, y’see. He’s a shy lad, needs someone to bring him out of his shell. And I worry how he’ll manage with his exercises if I ain’t there to nag him. You know he has to practise his walking every day …’

‘Rest assured, Corporal, your friend is doing very well.’

Grace swung round to see Dr Logan standing behind them. She glanced at the clock. It was only just turned seven. It was very unusual to see a doctor on the ward so early. But then she remembered the night sister had summoned him to attend to a new patient who wouldn’t settle.

Albie Sallis sat up, propping himself against his pillows. ‘You’ve heard from him?’

‘I knew you were concerned, so I telephoned the convalescent home. They say Private Gordon has settled in very well. His condition is improving, and he has started to make friends.’

The doctor didn’t glance Grace’s way at all as he spoke. It was as if she was invisible.

Albie looked back at him intently. ‘You’re sure?’

‘I spoke to the medical officer myself.’

‘And he’s doing his exercises?’

‘At least twice a day, so I understand.’

Albie’s face relaxed into a smile. ‘That’s all right, then.’

Dr Logan drifted off, and Grace set about making Albie comfortable.

‘That’s good news, isn’t it?’ she said as she straightened his bedclothes. ‘I daresay you’ll get a letter from him soon.’

‘Oh, I don’t mind about that,’ Albie dismissed with a wave of his hand. ‘I told you, I ain’t really one for letters. So long as I know he’s all right, that’s all that matters.’

Grace finished tucking in his bedclothes and looked down at him. Albie’s face was haggard and grey against the snowy pillows. Worry had obviously taken its toll on him.

‘Try to get some rest,’ she said.

‘Oh, I will. I daresay I’ll be able to get some proper kip now.’

‘Perhaps we could have a game of whist later, if you feel up to it?’

He smiled. ‘I’ll only beat you.’

‘You never know, I might surprise you.’

Grace turned away to see Dr Logan still lingering nearby. He was studying the chart of a sleeping patient.

Grace straightened her shoulders and went to pass him. As she drew level, he suddenly said, ‘I’m surprised to see you here this morning.’