Dr Carlyle’s brows rose, and Grace wondered why she had spoken so freely to her. Most doctors barely knew the nurses’ names, they certainly wouldn’t care about their families.

‘Anyway, I’ve told Sister it won’t happen again,’ she mumbled.

‘I should hope not, Nurse. The last thing the men on a shell shock ward need is someone shouting at them like a sergeant major.’

Grace frowned. ‘I’m sorry, Doctor, I don’t think I understand?’

‘It’s quite simple, Nurse.’ Kate Carlyle smiled at her. ‘I’m asking you if you would come and work with Dr Logan and me on Wilson ward?’

Grace’s mouth fell open. ‘Me? Oh, no, I couldn’t possibly!’

Dr Carlyle’s smile hardened. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said. ‘After hearing what you said, I was under the impression you might enjoy the work …’

‘Oh, I would,’ Grace said in a rush. ‘I’d like nothing more. It’s just – I don’t think I’m up to the job.’

‘Why not?’

Grace felt herself blushing again. ‘You must have seen how clumsy and accident-prone I can be?’

‘I’ve also seen how compassionate you are,’ Kate Carlyle said. ‘That’s what we need on this ward, Nurse. Someone who will take the trouble to get to know the men, to understand them. I believe you would be perfect.’

Grace stared at her. No one had ever called her perfect before.

‘In that case, I would very much like to work here,’ she said. ‘Thank you, Doctor.’

‘That’s settled then. Now, I’ll leave you to get on with Private Gordon.’

As Dr Carlyle walked away, Grace looked down at her hands, gripping the handle of the washing trolley.

‘Dr Carlyle?’

Kate Carlyle stopped and turned to face her. ‘Yes?’

‘About Private Gordon … I wonder, would it be possible for Corporal Sallis to move to Wilson ward, too? I know his injuries are only physical,’ she went on in a rush, ‘but I really think it would do Private Gordon the world of good to have him here. They’ve become such good friends …’

Her voice trailed off. Kate Carlyle was staring at her with that inscrutable dark gaze, and for a terrible moment Grace felt sure she was going to tell her that she had made a mistake and would not be moving her to Wilson ward after all.

But then, suddenly, she smiled. ‘I knew there was a reason why I chose you for this work, Nurse. Yes, I do believe transferring Corporal Sallis would be an excellent idea. I’ll talk to Sister and make the arrangements.’

‘Thank you, Doctor.’

As Grace had imagined, finding out that he was to be reunited with his friend did wonders for Private Gordon’s sagging spirits, and he seemed quite happy once she had washed him and got him into a fresh gown.

She left the orderly to get him into bed, and hurried back to the other ward. It was already dark outside, and there were still several men to be transferred before teatime.

She had barely got through the double doors before Miss Sutton bore down angrily on her.