It was still a few minutes to visiting time, but seeing Fran on duty, she pushed through the doors.‘I know I’m early, but I just wanted to speak to Peggy before the others arrive,’ she said before the other girl could order her back outside.‘Well, seeing as it’s you, I’ll let you in, just don’t let Matron catch you,’ whispered Fran.Ruby saw Peggy’s welcoming smile as she hurried down the ward. ‘You look ever so much brighter today,’ she said as she handed over the little bag of sweets. ‘I just come to say thank you for what you and Ron and Stan done fer me yesterday.’‘Bless you,’ said Peggy warmly as she took her hand. ‘You didn’t have to bring me anything, or even thank me. I’m just glad you’re safely home at Beach View.’Ruby sat on the edge of the chair by the bed and tweaked the curtains a bit so she couldn’t be seen from the door. ‘But I do, Peggy, ’cos without your help, I’d’ve been in real trouble last night and no mistake.’ She saw the alarm on Peggy’s face, felt the warm, encouraging pressure of her hand round her fingers and slowly, hesitantly, told Peggy what had happened at Mon Repos.There were tears in Peggy’s eyes.
