Leaving Harvey outside to partake of cooked breakfast and anything else the patients wanted to give him, he quickly made his way to Danuta’s room. Opening the door, he was confronted by the unwelcome sight of Matron Billings.

‘Morning,’ he said cheerfully, praying that Queenie didn’t stir or start mewling again.

‘Good morning, Mr Reilly,’ she replied, with little pleasure or warmth. She closed the folder of medical notes she’d been reading. ‘The patient is responding nicely to her new medication, but her temperature is a little high, so I don’t want you cluttering up the place for too long.’

She glared at him over her spectacles. ‘There has been far too much coming and going of late. My patient needs rest and quiet – and I doubt you are the person to provide either.’

‘To be sure, Matron, I’ll not be stopping for long,’ he assured her with a twinkling smile in the hope it might thaw her out a bit.

‘I shall make sure of it, Mr Reilly,’ she replied icily before sweeping out of the room.

‘Poor Ron,’ murmured Danuta. ‘I think that woman does not like you.’

‘Believe me, darlin’, the feeling’s quite mutual,’ he replied, perching on the chair by the bed. ‘Don’t worry your wee head about that old trout.’ He took her small bandaged hand and held it gently. ‘How are you this fine morning?’

‘A bit hot and uncomfortable,’ she admitted, ‘but I am always better when I see you.’

‘’Tis with regret that I’ll not be able to stay long this morning,’ he replied, taking note of the rather worrying high colour in her cheeks, and the brightness of fever in her eyes. ‘I have things to do at the Anchor.’

‘It is lovely that you come,’ she replied softly. ‘I do know how difficult it is for you and Mama Peggy to make the journey each day when you are both so busy.’ She shot him a sad, sweet smile. ‘I am looking forward to meeting Daisy, although it will remind me of my sweet Katarzyna. Do you still tend her grave for me, Ron?’

‘Of course. I go every week or two to tidy up. I planted spring bulbs for her, and the sexton – the man who looks after the church and the graveyard – has planted a pure white rose by her headstone.’ He saw the tears gathering in her eyes and enfolded both her hands in his. ‘I’ll take you there so you can see for yourself when you’re well again.’

Danuta closed her eyes and a teardrop glistened on her lashes. ‘You are so kind,’ she whispered.

Ron wanted desperately to change the subject and bring a smile back to her wan little face. ‘I hear Fran popped in yesterday, and that Cordelia will be coming in this afternoon.’