‘Good idea.’ Like all paediatric nurses, Libby knew how important it was that the children had plenty of opportunities for play. ‘I’ll get going, then.’

She started with Rachel, checking the baby’s observations and noting with pleasure that her colour was good and that she was alert and interested in her surroundings.

‘She’s like a different baby,’ she said to Alison, who nodded.

‘I know. Those antibiotics worked like a miracle. Thank goodness the GP sent us in here.’ She gave a rueful smile. ‘He might not have diagnosed her correctly himself, but at least by admitting her we saw Dr Christakos. He’s amazing.’

Right on cue, Andreas strolled into the room looking devastating in a blue shirt and well-cut trousers.

It was really unfair that any man should be so good-looking, Libby thought helplessly as she tried not to look at him. It was like having a job in a chocolate factory and being on a strict diet.

‘She owes me a cuddle.’ He smiled at Alison and scooped Rachel into his arms. He held her with the easy confidence of someone with plenty of experience with children, talking softly to her and allowing her to pat his cheek with her tiny hand.

‘She likes you,’ Alison said shyly, and Libby looked at him helplessly.

There seemed to be no age limit to the women he charmed.

Pulling herself together, she quickly changed the sheet on Rachel’s cot and got her antibiotics ready.

‘We’ll give dose IV and then we’ll take the venflon out and continue with the drugs orally,’ Andreas said, still cuddling the child in his arms.

Libby tried not to look at him, busying herself with the various jobs that needed to be done and then excusing herself and hurrying back to the nurses’ station.

Unfortunately he was right behind her.

‘By the way…’ he looked at her ‘…this trip you’ve got planned with Adrienne. She wants to know if you can do it in three weeks’ time. She can’t do it before that because there are things going on at the school that she wants to go to.’

Libby’s face brightened. ‘I’m delighted that she wants to stay at school.’

He gave a wry smile. ‘Me, too. She seems to have finally made friends. Thanks to you, I think.’

Libby blushed. ‘I doubt it. I was only there for five minutes.’

Andreas studied her. ‘But some people make an impact in a very short space of time,’ he said softly.

Libby’s heart hammered against her chest. ‘Three weeks, you say?’

‘That’s the Saturday of the ball so I suppose that may not be convenient. You’ll want the time to get ready.’

‘Believe it or not, it doesn’t take me all day,’ Libby said dryly. ‘And, anyway, I need to do some shopping for myself, so that’s fine. I’m really looking forward to it.’

‘So is Adrienne.’ Andreas surveyed her under lowered lids, his expression difficult to read. ‘It’s very kind of you to do it and I appreciate it.’