"They're here!"

Daisy had been at her post on the window seat since supper was cleared away. Mrs Patmore had long since given up any pretence of cleaning the kitchen area and had settled in the snug with Bill to try and while away the evening with Dr Clarkson. The car's headlights flooded the kitchen with golden light for an instant, then swerved away.

Mrs Clarkson had left after lunch for the drive to Whitby. Dr Clarkson had promised to wait until they arrived, to make sure that Anna was alright and settled for the night. Bill was on his feet and into the kitchen as Daisy opened the door to hear Mrs Clarkson's voice speaking softly.

"Just come on in dears. Don't worry, I've got Josephine..."

John supported Anna, with an arm around her waist. She looked white and strained, tired out with the journey. Mrs Clarkson carried the little girl, hitched about her waist. Despite her sleepiness, Josie's hand was firmly clenched around her teddy bear.

"Oh my loves, welcome in..." Bill beckoned them into the warm kitchen.

Mrs Patmore already had the kettle ready for hot drinks. "Warm cocoa and off to bed, all three of you."

"I think Josie is already asleep," said John softly, settling Anna down into the window seat.

"Give 'er to me, I'll settle 'er for you," Daisy held out her arms for the sleepy toddler, who was relinquished without argument by Isobel. "Come on duckie, let's get you into your nest..."

"Here y'go sweetheart. Don't worry if you can't drink it, but try and 'ave a few sips."

Anna looked up gratefully at Mrs Patmore as she set the half filled mug of cocoa in front of her. She was reassured by her obvious awareness of the difficulties she was facing. She tried a few sips of the sweet warm drink and was relieved to find that her stomach did not rebel. Bill was speaking with John in a low murmur, pouring reassurance into her husband's ears. She could almost see the strain and worry falling way from his face in response to Bill's simple and open welcome.

"Anna?"

Anna turned to see kindly Dr Clarkson stooped next to her.

"How are you feeling, my dear?"

"Tired. And so empty. Poor Mrs Clarkson had to stop a few times for me to..."

"Don't worry about that now my dear." Isobel smiled wearily at Anna. "You're here now. That's the most important thing."

Anna gave a weak smile as Dr Clarkson gently checked her pulse at the wrist, and placed a cool dry hand across her forehead.

"Did you manage to eat anything?"

"A sandwich. Although it took an hour. And some water from a canteen."

"You ate something though. That's good. And difficult on a journey at the best of times. And now the best thing for you is bed and a long rest."

John sat beside her, taking up her thin hand in his. "Are you ready for bed my love?"

"More than ready. I wish I could talk to you all longer, but..."

"Don't you worry about that my duck." Mrs Patmore stepped in, picking up one of the bags that John had carried into the house and motioning for Bill to collect the other. "Let's get you settled in now. We've got a lovely downstairs room for you, no stairs for you during this visit."

Anna's face visibly relaxed at the idea of such an easy option. John was glad she would be downstairs, as it would be easier for him to check on her during the day.

"Where's Josie?"

"There's a small dressing room off from yours, we've put a cot bed in for her. She'll be nearby, you can have the door open or closed as you like. Now come on ... bed time."

John almost lifted Anna from her chair and supported her to walk across the room and down the small passage way. Bill nodded to Daisy, who was just emerging from the doorway.

"Fast asleep bless 'er. Don't think she even woke up when I took 'er little shoes off. Sleep tight, and see you in the morning."

"Or tomorrow at any rate," said Bill firmly. "You're here for an 'oliday..."

"Not to work," finished John with a smile, remembering his host's sound advice from their last visit to his home.

"Aye, that's it John. Now, do you think you've got everything you need?"

The room was simple furnished, with a large old brass bed and a chest of drawers over by the window. On a table to one side were the same dish and jug that John remembered from the old farm, with similar blue towels folded next to them. Mrs Patmore arranged their bags to one side of the bed, which was flanked by two shabby unmatched bedside tables. In place of candles, there were two small bedside electric lamps.

"We're lucky here John, the bathroom is on the ground floor too. Grand hot water geyser and a big bath, and the lav's in with it. Just further down and on the right, brown door with a brass 'andle."

"Thank you Bill."

"Settle in, sleep as long as you want." Without saying another word, Bill nodded his head over towards a large empty bowl, a jug of water and a face cloth and towel placed on one of the bedside tables. "I hope you'll have everything you need."

John's heart filled over again with love for the good and sensible Bill, as well as the wonderfully comforting presences of Daisy and Mrs Patmore. Here at last, surrounded by friends, they could rest and Anna could grow well again.

"Goodnight. God Bless."

With no further ado, they were left alone. Beyond their bedroom door, as John helped Anna to get ready for bed, he heard the soft murmur of voices, the sound of Dr and Mrs Clarkson being ushered out of the kitchen door, the click of the latch fastening behind them.

Anna was asleep with exhaustion almost as soon as her head hit the pillow. Beside her, John lay quiet and still, letting the comfort of the bed and his own exhaustion overtake him. For the first time in days, he felt able to relax, knowing that good angels in the form of loyal friends were finally watching over his dear, darling family.