Nurse Taylor.’ Edwin Blake strode up to her. ‘I’d like you to help me with old Mr Hodgkins in the far bed – if it’s not too much trouble.’
‘No trouble at all, Sir.’
She’d tackle Mr Blake later – when she’d got some food inside her.
Maxine drew in a deep breath before she raised her hand to knock on the door of Mr Blake’s private office.
‘Come in.’ Edwin Blake looked up from his paperwork, an expression of surprise flitting across his face.
‘Mr Blake, may I have a private word with you?’
‘Of course. Please be seated.’ He got up and walked to the door, clicking it shut.
‘May I be frank?’
‘By all means.’ He leaned forward, steepling his hands. ‘You sound as though you have something troubling you.’
‘I do.’ She kept her gaze steadily upon him. ‘It’s been remarked upon more than once that you are deliberately singling me out, and some of the staff, and even the patients, are beginning to gossip.’
‘Really?’ A dark auburn eyebrow shot up. ‘What about?’
‘That you’re seeking me out … drawing attention to me in front of the others.’ She looked him in the eye. ‘If I’m honest, I’ve noticed you doing it myself, but I put it down to the fact that we got off to a bad start and you’re asserting your authority … reminding me of my place.’
He caught her gaze and held it. Then he put his head back and roared with laughter. ‘You’re even more innocent than I thought.’
He came round to her side of the desk and sat on the edge of it so he was facing her. He caught one of her hands, which she immediately snatched away.
‘Can’t you see? It’s because I like you. I’d like to see more of you, and not just here in the hospital. I’d like to get to know you better.’ He took her hand again and in her confusion she didn’t pull away. ‘You’re lovely, Nurse Taylor – Maxine. Do you understand what I’m saying?’
She gave a start of surprise. She really hadn’t been prepared for this kind of admission. ‘Why are you interested in me?’ She tapped the top of her apron with her fingertips. ‘I haven’t even got my full qualifications yet. I’m nowhere near your level and never will be. I don’t understand.’
‘I don’t want anyone “near my level”, as you so quaintly put it,’ he said, smiling. ‘I don’t want you to alter at all. Why don’t you give me a chance? Let me prove that I’m not the ogre you first thought I was.’
‘What if I find my first thought was right all along?’ She removed her hand and looked him directly in the eye. ‘For instance, why did you find the need to report me? I thought that was totally unfounded.’
He frowned. ‘What are you talking about?’
‘You spoke to Sister Crook about me. That I’d been disrespectful to you. I suppose I have to be grateful you didn’t go straight to Matron.’
‘I haven’t spoken to anyone about you. Why should I?’
‘But Sister called me into her office and warned me that you’d—’ She broke off. Sister hadn’t actually said it was Mr Blake who’d reported her. It could have been anyone who’d overheard her. One of those nurses in the canteen, maybe. Heat flew to her cheeks. How stupid she’d been to assume …
‘You’re blushing, Nurse,’ Edwin Blake said, laughing. ‘I believe you’ve just realised I’m not quite so bad as you’d thought. But if you’re still in two minds, I’ll have to prove I’m not an ogre, won’t I?’ He looked at her. ‘So, Maxine Taylor, would you consider having dinner with me?’
She’d jumped to conclusions. It hadn’t been him who’d reported her. He gazed steadily at her, waiting for her answer.
Suddenly she wanted to go out somewhere nice. Eat a plate of delicious food, if that was possible these days. Forget about blood and vomit, groans and tears … just for a few hours. Forget this horrible war that had taken Johnny and Anna from her. For one glorious evening.
She permitted herself a half-smile. ‘Thank you – I’d like that.’
He smiled. ‘What about tomorrow evening? Can you get away?’
‘Yes. I’m off duty at six o’clock.’
‘We’ll go out to eat then.’ He wrinkled his brow. ‘Where would you like to go?’
She’d never been given a choice. Johnny had always decided for her.
‘I’d prefer you to choose,’ she said. ‘I’m sure you know London better than me.’
‘Then I’ll surprise you. But dress up.’ He paused. ‘I’ll meet you by the South Bank lion at the foot of Westminster Bridge at six forty-five. That give you enough time?’
She nodded.
‘By the way, don’t mention this to anyone at the hospital. They frown on any kind of friendship between the doctors and nurses.’
‘Does that go for surgeons too?’ Maxine kept her face straight.
He smiled. ‘Touché.’ He looked at her with something like a spark of admiration. ‘However, no one’s exempt.’
It was nearly half past six by the time she’d shed her uniform. Her temple had begun to throb, gently at first, and then more insistently when she started to panic. She didn’t have the right clothes. She shouldn’t be going out with him in the first place. But it couldn’t stop the frisson of anticipation that she was going on a date with a man of the most impressive reputation. And looks. She grinned to herself as she removed a black straight skirt from its hanger.
Her Liberty-print blouse she’d made two years ago would have to do. It had a pretty bow at the neck and the small coloured flowers of pinks and reds and greens flattered her fair complexion and naturally gold-streaked hair. She added her pearl earrings and necklace, and slipped into her only decent pair of shoes, a pair of black patent courts she’d bought in Liverpool when she’d first got married. Immediately her thoughts flew to Johnny. By going out to dinner with Edwin, was she being unfaithful to his memory? Unconsciously, she twisted her wedding ring. It was only dinner.
She glanced at the clock. Twenty minutes to seven. She’d have to hurry. She threw on her only jacket, hoping it wouldn’t rain, adjusted her neat felt hat and grabbed her bag and gloves.
He was waiting for her. She’d never seen him outside the hospital before. He wore a light grey pinstriped suit and bowler hat, with black polished shoes, and swung an umbrella from his arm, oozing self-confidence. She was sure he knew he looked good.
As soon as he saw her he said, ‘Ah, there you are,’ and held out his arm for her to take. Awkwardly, she put her hand though the crook of his elbow, feeling strange. It didn’t belong there. But not entirely comfortable in her high heels, she was grateful for his support.
‘How was your
