‘A bad start in life is a bad start, the constitution is weakened and impaired and easily defeated. Poor housing and food, damp conditions, it doesn’t help to fight illness.’

‘Is that the cry of conscience I’m hearing? So much for the dispassionate distance of a school doctor. Your mask is slipping, Dr Stirling. Shame on you!’ Netta teased. He shot her glance and she blushed pink.

‘How do you manage it? Each time we meet you keep me on the straight and narrow. Just when I was about to pull the golden liquid from the filing cabinet, up you pop like Tinkerbell to call, “Time, gentlemen, please. ” I think I’m going to need you as my friend. Who else knows me like you do? You’ve cheered up a dark morning. Call again any time.’ Drew smiled and Netta suddenly felt the heat of his gaze.

‘I really came to see Jean but I’ll call back later. Give my love to all the patients. Tell them I’ll see them when I can. I must go. Thanks for the coffee but I’ll leave it, if you don’t mind.’

‘Me too, it’s awful stuff.’ Drew rushed to open the office door for her in a flurry of mock courtesy which made Netta smile.

‘See you around, Drew.’

‘My pleasure, Netta. Away to your needles.’

*

In the weeks that followed there were such tragic events. The town was full of the dreaded polio epidemic, and Netta found herself drawn to Oldroyds, to Jean but especially to Polly and her sister Lily. Their brother Jack had not survived his illness. She caught glimpses of Drew Stirling in the distance. He waved and would have made his way to her side but she chose to keep her distance. His friendship was a marker of sorts around some of the greatest milestones of her life: her breakdown, her newfound sense of purpose here in Griseley. It was a strange friendship of conspiracy based on mutual secrecy, as sort of affinity which each of them felt.

Outwardly, she supposed, they made an odd pairing: he a doctor and manager and she only a seamstress and volunteer. He was almost a married man and she would never be any part of their circle so it was best to keep to the surface of things, not delve too deeply into feelings and fears. She was here to support the Liddells after all.