They sat in silence for a while, both watching the cricket match.

‘Why did you leave me your medal?’ Dulcie asked.

So you wouldn’t forget me. Sam thought about saying the words, but his pride wouldn’t let him. Instead he shrugged and said, ‘I thought you might like it. You were always more impressed by it than I was.’

‘Was that the only reason?’ Her voice was quiet, almost disappointed.

Out on the front lawn, the players were tossing a coin to see who went in to bat first. Sam stared at them, tussling with his emotions, unable to say the words he knew she wanted to hear.

He was a fool. He was going to lose her. He had waited all this time and now he was going to let her slip through his fingers, all because of his stupid pride …

‘I wanted you to remember me,’ he managed finally.

‘I didn’t need a medal for that.’

He saw the wry smile on her face and his heart lifted. But still he couldn’t allow himself to hope. Not until he knew for sure.

‘How is Dr Logan?’ he asked.

‘He’s well, I think.’ Dulcie’s smile faltered slightly. ‘Engaged.’

Sam took a deep, steadying breath. So that was why she had come.

‘Anyone I know?’

‘Nurse Duffield, would you believe?’ Dulcie’s smile was fixed.

He could believe it. He had always thought Dr Logan had a soft spot for the delightful Nurse Duffield.

‘You must be very disappointed?’

‘Actually, I was the one who gave him a bit of a nudge in her direction.’

Sam stared at her. ‘You?’

Dulcie laughed. ‘Don’t sound so surprised. Am I really that selfish?’

‘Well—’

‘All right, perhaps I am. I probably wouldn’t have done it if I hadn’t …’ She stopped talking.

‘If you hadn’t what?’ he urged.

She looked at him. ‘If I hadn’t fallen in love with someone else.’

The door opened and Nurse Bright appeared. Sam flashed her a look. If she approached them now with another of her suggestions, he would not be responsible for his actions.

Thankfully, she seemed to understand and left the room again, closing the door behind her.

He turned back to Dulcie. ‘Someone nice, I hope?’ he said.

‘No,’ she said. ‘He isn’t very nice at all. He can actually be downright rude at times.’

‘What an unpleasant man.’ He raised his eyebrows. ‘I hope he showers you with gifts, at least?’

‘He bought me a box of violet creams once.’

‘Sounds very generous. So I’m guessing it won’t be long before you move in to your fancy London house?’

‘I don’t think so.’ She gave a martyred sigh. ‘The way things are going, I think I may well end up living in some muddy old farm in the middle of nowhere.’

‘Would you mind that?’

‘Not in the least.’ Their eyes met.

‘All the same,’ Sam said, ‘he doesn’t sound like much of a catch to me.’

‘You’re right.’ Dulcie smiled. ‘But you can’t help who you fall in love with, can you?’