Free Nightingales Under the Mistletoe by Donna Douglas

a veil over Millie’s brief career as a nurse. As far as she was concerned, those three years were a kind of temporary madness that was never to be spoken of. ‘But don’t worry, Granny, those days are well and truly gone.’
    ‘I hope you’re right, Amelia.’ Lady Rettingham’s comment was laced with meaning.
    ‘Well, that seemed to go well. Better than I’d been expecting at any rate.’ Bob Ellis sat behind the wheel of the car and shook a cigarette out of his packet. ‘The old girl was a bit of a battleaxe, but that’s nothing unusual.’ He lit his cigarette and took a long drag. ‘Lady Amelia seemed nice, though.’
    William’s attention was fixed on the mellow honey-coloured stone façade of the house. It was a stunning place, with its gables and mullioned windows. He hoped it wouldn’t be ruined.
    ‘Millie’s a lovely girl,’ he replied absently.
    ‘Millie?’
    ‘I used to know her. She was a nurse at the hospital where I used to be a doctor.’
    ‘Oh, yes?’ The Quartering Commandant sent him a questioning sideways look. ‘Bit of romance, was there?’
    William laughed. ‘Not in the way you’re thinking! As a matter of fact, it was all very innocent and chaste.’
    Although not for want of trying on his part. He’d been captivated by Millie from the first moment he saw her. Not just attracted, but entranced. Millie Rushton was the closest he had ever come to falling in love.
    ‘Well, that could work out very well for you, couldn’t it? Having her living next door. Chance to renew old acquaintances, if you see what I mean?’
    ‘I don’t think so, Bob.’ If he was honest, that had been on William’s mind when he’d arranged to come down and see her. But he’d hardly recognised Millie when he’d walked into the house. The sweet, lively, fun-loving girl he’d known had been replaced by a sombre, brittle young woman. ‘She’s changed,’ he said.
    ‘Hardly surprising, is it? The bloody war’s changed all of us, one way or another.’
    ‘I suppose you’re right,’ William agreed heavily. In a way, he was relieved that he hadn’t felt an attraction to her. It would make life a lot easier, he decided.

Chapter Nine
    ‘ HOW DO I look?’ Grace turned away from the mirror to face her sister.
    ‘Let’s see …’ Daisy inspected her closely. ‘Your collar could be a bit straighter. And you’re going to need some more pins in that cap.’
    Grace turned back to her reflection and reached for a hairpin, but her hands were shaking so much it slipped from her grasp.
    ‘Here, let me.’ Daisy worked busily, pinning the starched linen into place and tucking stray strands of Grace’s hair underneath it.
    Grace watched her in the mirror, marvelling at her skill. ‘You’re so quick,’ she said. ‘I’ll never be able to do it as well as you.’
    ‘You will, once you’ve practised it enough times.’ Daisy stood back to admire her handiwork. ‘There, that’s better.’
    Grace admired her reflection shyly. She hardly recognised herself. The blue VAD’s dress was so smart, with its stiff starched collar and cuffs, she didn’t think she would ever want to take it off.
    ‘Come on,’ said Daisy, throwing her navy blue cloak over her uniform. ‘You don’t want to be late on your first day, do you?’
    She moved to the door but Grace stayed rooted to the spot. She had been looking forward to this moment for weeks, but now it was here she was suddenly filled with apprehension.
    ‘I wish we were on the same ward, Dais,’ she said.
    Her sister smiled. ‘I know, Gracie, but Matron would never allow it because we’re so busy on Female Medical. Anyway, you’ll be all right on the Military Ward, I’m sure. Miss Wallace the ward sister is meant to be an angel. And think of all the handsome soldiers you’ll meet!’
    She nudged her, and Grace smiled reluctantly. Her sister’s lively spirits could cheer up anyone.
    ‘I suppose so,’ she said.
    They walked down to the hospital