‘Dear God, poor lass. We’re mystified here as to how it could all happen. We thought . . . Aye, well, there’s a lot going on as we don’t knaw of, and shouldn’t ask after. But give her me love. Me heart’s breaking for her.’

‘I will, Betsy. I’ll say goodbye now, but I hope it won’t be too long before we meet.’

‘Aye, ta-ra, Flors, I’ll look forward to that day, but hope it will be in happier times.’

‘What are you smiling at, darling? Have you some good news?’ Cyrus asked, coming towards Flors along the corridor.

‘I’ve just been reminded of Nanny Pru.’

‘Oh, well, that memory would cheer anyone. What I wouldn’t give to have her here helping you, my darling.’

‘I’m all right, Cyrus. And do you know, I think we are soon to meet another Nanny Pru, in Betsy, Mags’s friend. She’s got what Nanny Pru would have called a “warm heart”. It did me good to hear the lovely northern accent. But I do have hopeful news, darling.’ She told Cyrus first about the bed move.

‘I know. I’ve been turfed out of the way to make room for them to manoeuvre the beds. Well done, darling. Sibbie needs her rest, and yet to be with her Paulo. So what is the hopeful news?’

When Flors told him about the possible blood match, Cyrus didn’t speak, but simply took hold of her hand.

Constantly going to the hospital entrance, Flors grew more agitated by the hour. It had been two hours now since she’d learned that neither she nor Cyrus was compatible. The sister’s idea of testing the Polish pilots hadn’t proved realistic. The time this would take, and the logistics involved, ruled it out; and this was also so of the French officers. Whoever could give the blood needed to be here, now.

At last she saw Ella, Susan and Mags running through the doors, just as she turned into the lobby. Ella stopped and stared at Flors. ‘No . . .’ Her head shook from side to side.

Flors ran to her and took Ella in her arms. ‘There’s a chance, Ella. But you and Lonia need to come with me. I have to take you straight to the path lab.’

‘What? Why? Oh, Flors, I want to see my Paulo.’

‘I’ll explain as we go.’ As she let go of Ella, Flors pulled Lonia to her. ‘We have an important mission, darling – can you run?’

‘I can run faster than anyone, Aunty Flors.’

‘Good girl. We’ll have a cuddle when we get there.’ Turning to Mags, Flors smiled. ‘No time to greet you, Mags, sorry. Take Susan along that corridor there. You need the fourth door on your right – it’s quite a way. Sorry, Susan, I’ll say hello later. Sibbie’s all right.’