‘Then let’s hope he decides to visit her at Christmas. It’s only a matter of weeks away.’ Minnie blushed rosily. ‘Christmas will be special this year.’

‘Why so?’

Minnie leaned across the gap between the beds to grasp Daisy’s hands. ‘It’s supposed to be a secret, but I have to tell you.’

‘Tell me what? Go on, Minnie. I can’t stand the suspense.’

‘I’ve been seeing Toby quite a lot since you went away.’

‘I asked him to pay my half of the rent. I hope he did.’

‘That was why he came in the first place, but then he asked me out to dinner.’

‘Are you telling me that you and Toby are stepping out?’

Minnie’s colour deepened. ‘He’s asked me to marry him. I know it’s quite sudden, but we’re in love and we plan to announce our engagement at Christmas. My parents don’t know yet and I’m a bit nervous because they’re quite old-fashioned and they’ll say we haven’t known each other long enough.’

Daisy had a sudden vision of Mrs Carrington’s contemptuous attitude when they had last met outside the London Hospital. ‘Don’t take any notice of other people, Minnie,’ she said earnestly. ‘If you and Toby love each other that’s all that matters.’

Minnie’s eyes darkened. ‘I’m so sorry, Daisy. I can see you’re upset. I didn’t mean to remind you about your broken engagement.’

‘I’m not upset and I’m delighted for you and Toby. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have for a sister-in-law.’

‘Thank you. I knew you’d be on our side. Anyway, Julian Carrington wasn’t good enough for you.’

‘That’s what I think,’ Daisy said, chuckling. ‘I didn’t tell you at the time, but he had the nerve to turn up at the hospital and he wanted us to get together again. When I refused he demanded that I return his ring.’

‘The bounder! I hope you told him off.’

‘I made my feelings very clear, and I won’t be seeing him again. But that’s enough about Julian. I’m more interested in you and my brother. I can’t wait to see him.’

‘He’s calling for me this evening. We’re going to see a show at the Pavilion Theatre. The girls from upstairs are much in demand these days. You must come with us, Daisy.’

‘I’m tired – it’s been a long day. Maybe tomorrow, if you’re both off duty?’

‘That would be lovely.’ Minnie jumped up from her bed. ‘He’ll be here any minute now. You must come down and give him a surprise. He wasn’t expecting to see you today.’

‘Yes, of course I will, and then I must have an early night. I’ll need all my wits about me when I face Sister Tutor tomorrow, and I’m not looking forward to that interview.’

Sister Johnson was surprisingly helpful. She accepted the fact that Daisy had had little choice other than to stay in the country and do what she could during the cholera outbreak, and she seemed quite impressed.