By the end of the morning every muscle in Judy’s body ached and her hands were reddened and raw from dipping them in the hot water laced strongly with disinfectant. She scrubbed floors and washed down tiled walls, following Gertie’s directions, although she soon realised that Gertie was taking it easy and allowing her to do the bulk of the work.

They were allowed half an hour for their midday meal, which was taken in the staff dining hall, where the differences in the hierarchy were even more noticeable. The menial workers were relegated to the back of the room, whereas the nurses sat in order of seniority at the tables nearest the serving hatch. There was no sign of the doctors, but Judy assumed they must have a separate room. She did not like to admit it, even to herself, but she was rather taken with Dr Godfrey, and that had come as something of a shock. Her heart belonged to Jack, of course, and she had never looked twice at another man, but there was something about ‘Dr God’ that she found very appealing, and she could understand why the patients hero-worshipped him. Even Gertie, who said very little at the best of times, had blushed and simpered when Dr Godfrey happened to come upon them as they scrubbed the floor of the women’s surgical ward. He had greeted them both with a smile, but his gaze had lingered on Judy, as Gertie had been quick to point out when he had walked away. She brought it up again as they sat down to eat their meal.

‘Does Dr Godfrey fancy you, Judy Begg? I saw the way he looked at you this morning.’

‘Of course he doesn’t,’ Judy said hastily. ‘I met him for the first time yesterday and that was in passing. I can’t think what put that into your head.’

‘Don’t act so innocent, miss. You was smiling all sweet and coy, and he lapped it up.’

‘I was not.’ Judy bent her head over her meal. ‘Don’t talk daft, Gertie. It’s all in your imagination.’

‘Is it? All I can say is that you’d better watch out. Nothing good can come of it, that’s for certain, and if Sister Harris finds out you’ll be in double trouble.’

‘Why?’ Judy demanded angrily. ‘What has it to do with her?’

Gertie opened her mouth to reply, but closed it again as she looked up at the person who had walked up to their table.

The young probationer nurse gazed at Judy with barely concealed glee. ‘Are you Miss Begg?’

Judy swallowed a mouthful of dry bread. ‘I am.’

‘You’re wanted in Matron’s office. I’d hurry if I was you. She don’t like to be kept waiting.’

‘What did I tell you?’ Gertie said triumphantly. ‘You’ve only been here five minutes and you’re already in trouble. You’re for it now, Judy.’

Chapter Four

The probationer led the way to Matron’s office and knocked on the door. ‘It looks like you’re in trouble, Begg. I bet she’s going to give you the sack.’ She waited for a few seconds before thrusting it open.