The flags were still flying proudly in Paddington station when they arrived. Two weeks after the Armistice had been declared, there wasn’t a building in London that didn’t have a Union Jack fluttering from its roof. Strings of bunting sagged, exhausted, between lamp posts, a reminder of the parties that had spilled out onto the streets the day the ceasefire was declared.

There had been so many celebrations on that day. Maroons exploded from the roofs of police and fire stations, church bells pealed, hooters blasted out from factories. Thousands poured on to the streets, waving Union Jacks and French flags. Bands played, and people sang and danced, all day and all night.

They had celebrated on the ward, too. The orderlies had brought in beer, and Miss Sutton had been in such a good mood that she had permitted the men to take a drink. Later, she had led a few rousing choruses of “Keep the Home Fires Burning” and “When the Boys Come Marching Home”. But the party had really got started when another of the orderlies arrived with his accordion. Some of the more able-bodied men had got out of bed to dance with the nurses. Anna did not think she would ever forget the sight of Nurse Hanley being whirled around the ward by a burly lance corporal.

Now, two weeks on, the city was slowly beginning to recover – unlike Hanley, who still seemed to be in a state of shock after her ordeal.

At the station in London they said goodbye to Dulcie, who was catching another train down to Surrey to see Sam Trevelyan.

‘Isn’t it funny to see her so giddy?’ Mary observed, as they watched her hurrying down the platform. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so head over heels for a man. Have you noticed how she blushes whenever she says his name?’

Even Miriam had grudgingly to admit she had never known Dulcie so happy or in love.

‘But, of course, it could all change,’ she added sourly.

‘You know what Moore’s like. She’s never been able to keep a man.’

‘I’m sure she’ll keep this one,’ Anna replied.

Anna, Miriam and Mary travelled together on the Underground to Bethnal Green. There Anna said goodbye to them.

‘Aren’t you coming back to the Nightingale?’ Miriam wanted to know.

‘I’m not on duty till five. There’s somewhere I need to go first.’

‘That sounds very mysterious.’ Miriam’s sharp little nose twitched, as it always did at the first hint of gossip. ‘Where are you off to?’

‘None of your business,’ Mary cut in swiftly. ‘Leave the girl alone, Trott.’

‘All right, keep your little secrets,’ Miriam huffed. ‘But you needn’t think I’m covering for you if you’re late back. I shall tell Sister you said to mind her own business.’

Anna stood for a moment outside the station, watching the others go. When they were safely out of sight, she turned and headed towards Chambord Street.

She didn’t know why she felt she had to see it again. It was like a wound she couldn’t stop picking at, despite the fresh surge of pain it brought her every time.