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Was he saying what she thought he was? Understanding that he wanted her to stay because of her nursing skills was one thing, but beyond that, his self-accusation and his ‘I like you a lot’ seemed weightier than the simple statements first appeared. They seemed to support Gerry’s theory that Doc liked her as more than a friend. In which case, wouldn’t it be better for her to leave now? That would be the sensible option, the safe option. She gripped her hands tightly together.
‘I’d be happy to stay for as long as I can do my job properly. As long as you’ll have me. Thank you, Doctor.’
Doc released a soft breath. Had he imagined she would leave before she had secured a seamless transition to Catherine?
He cleared his throat. ‘Good. Well, better get on with—’
‘Doctor, there is the second matter I wanted to raise with you.’
‘I thought your position here was it?’
Meg rolled her lips and shook her head. ‘No. After reading the Bulletin’s account of the raid over Oonoonba and the effect of bomb splinters on local fence posts and vegetation—’ Goodness, she sounded formal, but how else was she to describe it without the urge to throw up again.
‘Ah, the coconut tree, yes?’
‘I was thinking about how to shelter patients who cannot be moved during air raids.’
Doc’s gaze softened and held hers. ‘Of course you were. Margaret, I—’
A quick double tap on the door drew Meg’s attention. Eva stood there, her face pale, her eyes still shooting defiance at Meg.
‘Sister Smith, what is it?’ Doc’s expression morphed into his usual neutral mask. The change was swift and subtle, and Meg couldn’t explain it. It simply happened.
Eva stepped into the room and stood beside Meg. ‘I want to go home. I want to get out of this place—please.’
Doc tapped his fingers on the transfer papers. ‘Already arranged, Sister Smith. Sister Dorset was about to let you know the details. You can go and pack while I finish discussing hospital matters with her.’ Doc handed over the transfer papers and Eva grinned.
‘I’m going today? That’s great, that’s— Thank you.’ Her sullen aggression dropped away making her look younger than she had since her arrival. She all but skipped out of the office.
Meg watched her go. ‘One less task on today’s list, unless I need to arrange her transport to the train?’
Doc sat and pulled a paper from the top of a pile. ‘Already taken care of. But if you have a moment, we haven’t talked about your idea for sheltering patients, and—a heads up—I’ve heard that Currajong is to become 3 Medical Receiving Station. I’m waiting on further details, but it might not happen until after your departure.’
‘What do I need to do in preparation, Dr Ransom?’
‘When I know more, I’ll let you know. But tell me about your idea.’
‘We need to protect patients who can’t be moved to trenches or shelters from bomb splinters . . .’
##
Eva’s departure changedthe mood at the nurses’ table and, over dinner, conversation flowed more freely. Meg noted the change and promised herself that on any future wards she took charge of, she would pay closer attention to how nurses worked together.
Catherine seemed a little more relaxed, and Lesley and Janet, who had shared the hut with her and Eva in the months since their transfers in, conversed softly. They looked at Meg, but it was Lesley who asked, ‘Are we getting another nurse to take Eva’s place?’
Meg stirred a little sugar into her tea and set the spoon on the table. ‘Perhaps. I believe there may be changes coming, but no, I don’t have firm information yet. For the time being, you three can spread out and enjoy a little more space.’
‘I wonder if Eva felt any regrets at leaving her Supply Sergeant?’ Trust Gerry to bring up other people’s love lives.
Catherine shook her head. ‘I don’t think so. She gave him a sound telling off for ratting her out. Something about him not supporting her story about their jeep breaking down?’
Gerry leaned across the table. ‘And how do you know that, Sister I-never-listen-to-other-people’s-conversations?’
A frown creased Catherine’s usually serene expression. ‘I wish I hadn’t heard her. I was doing the stock take when she made a call on the extension outside the supply room. Once she started telling him off, I felt I couldn’t make my presence known.’
‘Too right. She’d have had a go at you for eavesdropping, the silly girl.’ Pam tossed off her cup of tea and banged the mug on the table. ‘I don’t think anyone here will really miss her.’
Catherine’s expression looked uncertain. ‘That’s not really fair. I’m sure she had her good points.’
