‘Sometimes God needs us to do different work than what we feel we should be doing,’ Mère Perpetua said briskly. ‘You have tremendous organizational skills, and we have a convent in Limerick that badly needs reorganization. The last Reverend Mother had an affliction that unfortunately affected every aspect of the community. It’s in complete disarray and needs a younger, more energetic person in charge. We also want it to be a hub for our American postulants and novices. We’re getting a lot of enquiries from young American women about joining our Order. We propose to build a new wing in Limerick where these youngsters can stay and be assessed for their suitability to enter. We feel you are the ideal candidate for the position.’

Brigid’s heart sank as low as it could go. She, who had entered in a state of mortal sin, was not the ideal person to veto anyone who wanted to enter the religious life.

‘What was the Reverend Mother’s affliction that has affected the community so badly?’ she enquired, wondering how she could get out of this nightmare situation.

‘Alcoholism, sadly, and engaging the caretaker to buy drink for her with money from community funds. It’s been going on for a long time, it seems. She’s drying out now in rehab, and retiring to Scotland from whence she came.’

‘Truly, Mother, I don’t feel I’m the right person to take over the convent in Limerick. I have never sought a position of authority. I am more suited to a less exalted position,’ Brigid argued desperately.

‘False humility is a sin, Soeur Brigid. We feel you’re the right person to do God’s work in Limerick. So be it! Now go and pray and give thanks for the new opportunities the good Lord has given you to do His work. You will fly to Paris in two weeks’ time. You will be warmly welcomed in the Mother House.’ Perpetua stood up and walked around to Brigid’s side of the desk. ‘Congratulations, my child. We expect great things of you.’ She kissed Brigid lightly on each cheek and ushered her out the door.

Brigid made her way to the chapel in a state of utter shock. If her niece’s vocation was being tested in Africa, hers was going to be severely tested in the country of her birth. Brigid feared what the outcome of that testing might be.

*

Her fellow Sisters held a party for Brigid in the garden of the small white house where she’d lived so happily for so long. When word had got around that she was leaving, she’d been inundated with gifts, including a goat from one of the tribal chiefs. Although she tried to put on a happy façade, her heart was raw and full of sadness as she said goodbye to the people she’d loved and made a difference to through her dedicated work.