‘I see that you’ve had a good education, Miss Marshall. You are exactly the sort of young lady we need.’

Daisy cleared her throat nervously. ‘To be perfectly frank I came to London on the off chance of finding work.’

Sister Johnson gave her a searching look. ‘Perhaps you’d like to think it over before you commit yourself to nursing? If you want a more formal training you might try St Thomas’ Hospital, but here you would have to start as a probationer and, I warn you, it’s hard work with long hours and low pay.’

Daisy considered her options. She had rushed back to London with only a vague plan of how she would find the money for her board and keep until she receive her first wage. Her uncle had pressed a small purse into her hand before she left, but the contents would not go far. Here at least was the chance to become independent while obtaining her qualification as a nurse. All these thoughts flashed through her mind as she faced Sister Johnson.

‘I would be happy to accept the place you offer, Sister.’

‘If you are prepared to start on Monday, I’m happy to recommend you to Matron and the Board of Governors.’

‘Thank you, Sister Johnson. I’ll work hard and prove myself to be a good student.’

‘I’m sure you will, Miss Marshall. It’s Friday now, so I’ll expect you to be here at seven o’clock on Monday morning.’

Daisy rose from her seat. ‘Thank you again.’ She left the room feeling slightly dazed by the unexpected turn of events, and when she reached the waiting area she was accosted by Minnie Cole.

‘How did you get on, Daisy?’

‘I start on Monday morning,’ Daisy said slowly. ‘I still can’t believe it.’

Minnie gave her a hug. ‘I’m so excited, and I’m glad that you were accepted, too. I tried for a place at St Thomas’ but they didn’t have any vacancies, so I came here. Anyway, enough of me. Where are you going to stay? Have you a room nearby?’

‘I’ve only just arrived in London. I was hoping to lodge with my brother.’

‘I have a room in Mrs Wood’s boarding house in Fieldgate Street. She’s a bit of a dragon, but the rooms are clean and very respectable. My pa is vicar of Little Threlfall and he sends me as much money each month as he can afford, but it doesn’t go very far. I was hoping to find someone to share the rent with me, but I didn’t want just anyone. Would you be interested, Daisy?’

Mrs Wood’s establishment was a four-storey terraced house in a busy back street. It was an area that Daisy knew well from her childhood, and it might not have been as salubrious as Queen Square, but she was used to the hustle and bustle of the East End. It was a huge contrast to the quiet rural setting of Little Creek, but she had little time to think about anything when she was with Minnie, who chattered constantly and bubbled over with enthusiasm. She was still talking when the door was opened by a small, plump woman whose smile did not quite reach her eyes.