A Death in the Hospital (Euphemia Martins Mystery 15): A wartime mystery of heart-stopping suspense (A Euphemia Martins Mystery) by Caroline Dunford

Author:Caroline Dunford [Dunford, Caroline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Headline
Published: 2020-09-30T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Wilkins

Lacey delivered me back to the hospital directly after lunch. This had been a little early, so when I arrived back what would have been my shift were still at their lunch. I went upstairs to the dorm to change into my uniform. I had got so used to it, it had felt odd to wear a normal dress again, and my hat had felt very different from the overstretched little cap I was currently expected to wear.

I had a little time, so I decided to get some air before my afternoon duty began. I went for a brisk walk. The weather was quite lovely, and it would surprise no one that anyone with time would try to catch some fresh air. Indeed I saw quite a few other solitary figures and even small clusters of staff enjoying the day. It struck me then that everyone I saw was young. With the exception of a very few senior staff, the entirety of the hospital was staffed by young men and young women. All of whom were in the prime of their lives, complete with the stamina that brings, but also the inherent love for life and fun that youth brings. I did hope that between their long stints on the ward there were other entertainments. I wondered if I should suggest to Matron that the staff could get up a series of skits for the patients. I imagined her reaction would be one of unqualified disdain, but if Fitzroy was right and all this was only the start of something much longer, these people were going up against the second worst of it. Fighting on the battlefield, risking one’s life, would be terrifying. For those trying to piece together the survivors, often against the odds, the loss of patients would be demoralising yet unavoidable. I made a mental note that when Fitzroy and I were on better terms I must talk to him about my ideas and how we could introduce them into the heads of the right people. It’s always better to make someone think the whole thing is their idea.

I lingered for a moment by a small out-building, while I idly shifted three stones into a triangle with the point of my shoe. Then I made my way back to the main building. I hesitated in the hall, thinking I would like to explain things to Merry, who might be thinking the worst of me, but decided that I would have to give her the benefit of the doubt that she still believed in me. I couldn’t risk annoying the Sister of Ward D. Matron might have got me in there – under orders – but it was up to the Sister if I stayed or not. Accordingly, I arrived early for my afternoon shift.

‘Good afternoon, Stapleford,’ Sister said when I reported. ‘Several of the men were asking where you were. You seem to have made quite an impression.’ I watched her carefully trying to figure out if this was a bad thing.

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