Alice was walking to the ward where she had an extra shift; she saw some nurses in the staff room and went to enter to make a cup of coffee before she started her next shift. Before she walked in, she overheard the conversation between two nurses.

"So, Dr Harvey and the Superintendent? You're kidding me? She's awfully harsh. Why would he? I mean…come on, he's a catch. Bachelor, good job, good salary. He must have better options than a pathologist who is so severe."

"That's what I heard; they were at the pictures on Friday. They were seen kissing so it must be true. He could really find someone more…pleasant."

"Maybe she's good in bed? She'd need to be to make up for the rest of her."

"No way, there's no way Dr Harvey would sleep with him. She'll be holding out for a wedding ring before she gives up anything."

Just at that point, Beaufort appeared behind Alice and said, "going for a coffee before your next shift Dr Harvey? Thanks for covering for Mr Melba, there's a few doctors down with stomach flu. Don't be late though; coffee and on shift in 10 minutes."

He walked away and Alice knew the nurses had heard the conversation as they had stopped talking. She made her way to the kettle to make herself a cuppa but said nothing; the nurses got up and both acknowledged her as they left. Alice was extremely hurt but at the same time, she realised that she hadn't thought about what her dating Matthew would do for his reputation. She really needed to finish whatever was going on between them before it went any further. She couldn't have his reputation sullied and she didn't want any more gossip; not after what happened with the death of Dr Orton and the complaint. She drank her coffee and started her shift.

Sunday afternoon came round quickly, and Alice was tired as she hadn't slept well even though her shift was busy. Matthew appeared at door just after lunch, although Alice only managed to eat a slice of toast since she was so nervous about talking to Matthew.

"Can I come in Alice?"

Alice opened her door wider and Matthew leaned in to kiss her, but she turned away. Matthew looked at her questioningly, but she walked towards her kitchen an put the kettle on.

"Alice, is something wrong? Something happen on your shift last night?"

"No…no…nothing. It was just busy. Tea?"

"No thank you. Alice will you look at me please? Tell me what's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong Matthew. I…I have been thinking…I…I don't think…I think that we both have had a lovely time, but I don't think we should take it any further. I really like you, I enjoy your company but I don't think it's a good idea to take this any further." She motioned between the two of them then took a seat at the kitchen table.

"Alice, has someone said something to you? You seemed happy on Friday; like you had fun and I thought we were going for a walk this afternoon. What has changed?"

"I just…I don't want people to talk. I don't want people to think…I just…I think it's for the best. I don't want you to think it's something you did Matthew. You are a gentleman and I have never felt anything but safe in your company but…I'm just not ready for…I don't think we should…"

"Alice, I think there's more to this than what you are telling me but, if that's what you want then I'll leave. I'm not going to lie to you, I don't understand why but I won't push you because that's not who I am. I won't ask again."

Matthew stood up from his chair, took a last look at Alice and left, closing the front door behind him. Alice started to cry and held her head in her hands, leaning on the table as soon as Matthew had closed the door behind him. She knew it was for the best in the long run but for now, she knew she had hurt Matthew and she knew she was hurting herself. It was for the best, she told herself.