The Nightingale Girls - By Donna Douglas Page 0,154

by a mad rush as everyone dived in to get the biggest slice.

‘Hold it, you lot, there’s plenty for everyone!’ Mrs Denton laughed, brandishing the cake slice to keep them at bay. ‘Anyway, our Helen gets the first piece, as she’s the birthday girl.’

Helen beamed. Our Helen. It was the first time anyone had ever called her that.

‘I s’pose you’ll be having a big party with your family, too?’ Mrs Denton had said. Helen had smiled, and made some neutral reply. But she had never had a birthday party in her life. Her mother disapproved of rowdy celebrations. She didn’t approve of birthdays in general, feeling it was wrong for anyone to be singled out for special attention. Of course Helen had cards and presents, but Constance always managed to take the edge off her joy by making her give up a favourite toy to the local children’s home.

‘You must remember those less fortunate than yourself,’ she always said. Although Helen hadn’t been able to think of anyone less fortunate than her as she’d tearfully parted company with her favourite teddy or most cherished book.

After the tea party, Charlie had taken her aside into the hall to give her his present. ‘I didn’t want to give it to you in front of everyone else in case you didn’t like it,’ he confessed shyly.

Now Helen carefully unfastened the bow and peeled back the wrapping paper to reveal a beautiful jewellery box in polished golden wood. Inside it was lined with red velvet, with small compartments for all her trinkets.

‘I made it myself at my uncle’s works,’ Charlie said proudly. ‘I know it’s not much, but I thought you might like it?’

‘Oh, Charlie, it’s the nicest present I’ve ever had!’ It didn’t even matter that she had no jewellery to put in it. Just the thought that he’d taken the time and the trouble to make something especially for her was enough. Helen threw her arms around his neck. ‘Oh, Charlie, I love it. And I love you, too.’

He put his hands up to grasp her wrists, pulling away from her. His blue eyes searched hers. ‘Do you mean it?’

‘Yes, it’s perfect.’

‘Not the box. Did you mean what you just said – about loving me?’

She hadn’t realised the words had escaped her. She’d been too shy to say them out loud before, even though they sang in her heart constantly.

She nodded. ‘Say it again,’ Charlie said.

Helen felt a warm blush rising in her face. ‘I can’t.’

‘Go on, say it. Please.’

She raised her eyes to meet his. ‘I love you, Charlie Denton,’ she whispered.

He walked her back to the hospital, right up to the gates. He would have walked her to the door of the nurses’ home if she hadn’t stopped him. ‘I’m not sure I want to let you go,’ he said, his arm tightening around her waist. ‘I’m frightened I’ll never see you again.’

‘Don’t be silly! We’re going to the pictures next Friday, remember?’

‘But that’s a whole week away! How am I going to manage until then?’

‘You’ll manage,’ she laughed. ‘Now go. I’ve got to get changed and be back on duty by five.’

‘On one condition.’

‘What’s that?’

‘That you say you love me again.’

‘I can’t!’ Helen looked around, embarrassed. ‘Not here.’

‘Say it again, or I’ll stand right here until you do.’

He looked so obstinate, standing there leaning on his stick, that Helen laughed. ‘All right, then.’ She lowered her voice. ‘I love you, Charlie Denton. Is that enough for you?’

He thought about it for a moment. ‘I would have preferred you to shout it from the rooftops, but that will do for now, I s’pose.’ He bent forward, and kissed her gently on the lips. ‘I’ll see you next Friday.’

He walked away, limping on his stick. Helen went in through the hospital gates and was crossing the courtyard when she heard his voice, loud and clear as a bell, ringing out over the hospital wall.

‘I love you, Nurse Helen Tremayne!’

It seemed to ring out for ever like an echo around the tranquil courtyard. All around her people looked up to see where the sound was coming from. Helen stood rooted to the spot, her whole body flaming with heat, certain everyone must be looking at her. But embarrassed as she felt, she also couldn’t stop smiling.

And then she turned around and saw her mother waiting for her outside the black front door of the nurses’ home and the smile froze on her face.

A wave of fear crashed over Helen, making her gulp