‘Now, let’s see, shall we?’ She reached for the pillow, and immediately felt the Corporal’s arms go around her middle, pulling her off balance. He was surprisingly strong for a wiry little man, and Anna fell into his lap as the other men whooped and cheered around them.

Corporal Mason’s face filled her vision, leering cheekily down at her. ‘Give us a kiss, Nurse!’ he cried. The next minute his wet lips had descended on hers.

As Anna struggled to fend him off, she heard Miss Sutton crying out, ‘What is going on here?’ This was followed quickly by another cry of, ‘No, Nurse, don’t fight him off. He might die! Give in, give in!’

‘You heard her, Nurse. Give in!’ The other men joined in the chorus in delight.

It was so funny, even Anna was helpless with laughter as she tried to twist from the man’s grasp. But then she heard Sister’s shout of dismay, and the next thing she knew she was being hauled roughly away by a pair of strong hands.

Anna looked round, laughing, expecting to see Sister, and found herself staring instead into Edward’s icy blue gaze.

‘Corporal Mason, are you all right?’ Miss Sutton pushed Anna out of the way to get to the soldier, who had collapsed back against the pillows, gasping for air. ‘Fetch Dr French, Nurse, quickly. And you –’ she turned angrily to Edward ‘– get back into bed.’

For a moment Edward stood his ground, his hands balling into fists. Then, to Anna’s relief, he turned on his heel and stomped away.

Thankfully, Corporal Mason survived his attack. But Edward was simmering with anger when Anna went to see him later.

‘He’s still alive, then?’ Edward nodded over to where Miss Sutton was fussing over the hapless soldier. ‘Shame.’

‘You mustn’t say that, Edward. He didn’t mean any harm by it.’

‘He had no right to paw at you like that.’

‘It was just a bit of fun.’

Edward turned on her, coldly accusing. ‘You sound as if you enjoyed it?’

It was so ridiculous, Anna couldn’t help laughing. ‘You really think I enjoyed kissing Corporal Mason? He’s over forty, and he’s only got three teeth!’

‘I don’t know, do I?’ Edward’s chin jutted. ‘You’re always very friendly to the other men.’

‘It’s my job.’

‘Well, I don’t have to like it.’

She stared at his face, surprised to see anger clouding his eyes. She had never known Edward so jealous before. But before she could say any more, Sister summoned her to help with a patient’s bath.

All through the afternoon, Anna was aware of Edward sulking as she went about her work. Whenever she tried to catch his eye he would look away.

Meanwhile, Corporal Mason had recovered and was feeling thoroughly ashamed of himself.

‘It was only a bit of fun, Nurse. A few of the other lads egged me on to do it,’ he said. ‘I hope I ain’t caused you any offence?’

‘Not at all, Corporal,’ Anna replied.