We'll Meet Again

by Cathy Bramley

Genres: Family Life; Short Stories; Contemporary Romance; 20th Century Romance

Synopsis

Enjoy this sweet and hopeful short story from bestseller Cathy Bramley! For nurse Jenny Hallam, there's no such thing as a quiet day (or night) at work. But even with WWII rumbling away, Jenny still has time, patience and kindness for everyone she treats, with plenty to spare for her two young children at home. From his sickbed, handsome but shy Pilot Officer Will Rose has noticed Jenny's gentle ways. When the two of them spark up a conversation, a friendship blossoms that brings out a new hope in them both. Friendship is all their connection can be for now - but nothing stays the same in the war... What might happen if they were to meet again? This is the perfect introduction to Cathy Bramley's stories or a lovely treat for longtime fans. Also includes a gorgeous taster of her upcoming novel, A Patchwork Family! ***** Praise for Cathy Bramley from some of your other favourite authors: 'Delightful!' Katie Fforde 'A page-turner of a story' Milly Johnson 'Delightfully warm with plenty of twists and turns' Trisha Ashley 'The perfect romantic tale, to warm your heart and make you smile' Ali McNamara

Release date: May 8, 2019

Publisher: Orion

Print pages: 47

Sample

Jenny



Tuesday 6 June, 1944

The Evergreens Red Cross hospital in Barnaby was never completely silent. Even at night, one or another of the thirty recuperating servicemen always needed something or other. But there was less hustle and bustle, fewer staff on duty and, generally speaking, most of the patients were content to stay in their beds and not roam the corridors. Tonight had been steady enough so far and Nurse Jenny Hallam prayed it stayed that way; she was dead on her feet.

The grandfather clock gently chimed the hour as she crossed the dimly lit hall carrying a bundle of used bandages, her lace-up shoes scarcely making a sound on the black-and-white tiles. One o’clock. She stifled a yawn and blinked to keep herself awake. She’d dump this lot in the laundry room to be dealt with in the morning and then head along to the nurses’ room for her break.

Jenny had been on the night shift since she started working here and she could usually cope with being up all night. But it had been her daughter’s sixth birthday yesterday and what with all the excitement, making a cake and having Violet’s little school friends round for a birthday tea, not to mention her constant worry about her husband Tom, Jenny had had less sleep than usual and it was beginning to take its toll. There was a tall wing back chair at the foot of the staircase for patients to rest on if they needed it before climbing steps to the wards above and the weary nurse sighed, leaning her hip against it for a moment; what she wouldn’t give for a sit down and forty winks right now.

But sleep would have to wait until her shift finished at six. Then there’d be just time to put her feet up for an hour before taking a cup of tea up to her mum and getting the children ready for school. Jenny’s heart swelled when she remembered the look of awe on the kids’ faces when she’d read out the letter from their father, which she had hidden for two weeks. He’d sent it extra early to make sure it arrived in time for Violet’s birthday. He was a good father – reliable and loving – and Jenny would do well to remember that, even if their own relationship wasn’t always quite so sturdy.

Somehow, Tom managed to make war sound like an adventure; Jack, at eight, was already talking about jumping out of aeroplanes like Daddy when he grew up. Jenny shuddered at the thought; hopefully the country would have put war far behind it by the time he was old enough to be called up. Both of them were being so brave and good while their father was away. Tom would be so proud of them when he came home.

A wave of fear rolled through her: that birthday letter had been the last she’d received. Until now he’d written once a week, as regular as clockwork, always including a special note to his children, and her anxious mind couldn’t help conjuring up the worst. But she was being silly, everyone was saying that the war was nearly over. He’d stayed safe this long so there was probably a perfectly good reason why his letter was late. She circled her shoulders back. Until then she had more than enough to keep herself busy.

‘When you’ve finished daydreaming, Nurse Hallam, one of the patients needs you.’

Jenny, startled, spun round to come face to face with Matron Brown who was carrying a paraffin lamp in one hand and a plate of toast in the other. She was off to bed by the look of it, even though her shift had officially finished hours ago. The staff quarters on the top floor didn’t have electricity so it was candles for the nurses who lived in and lamps for the top brass.

‘Of course, Matron, I’m sorry, I was just… um…’ Jenny frowned. What had she been doing?

The older woman’s face softened. ‘It’s all right. I know the feeling; tiredness makes us all forgetful. But Pilot Officer Rose is asking for pain relief and he particularly asked if you were available to see to him.’

Jenny’s eyes widened. The handsome RAF officer with serious burns to his lower body had barely spoken a word since he’d been admitted to The Evergreens two weeks ago. It was a common occurrence; the s. . .