‘I won’t leave you in the lurch, Monsignor Kelly,’ Armand promised. ‘As you say, Keelin will be looked after by her Order. I’ll contact her in Paris and tell her I’ll go to her as soon as I can be replaced.’

*

‘Dad, oh Daddy!’ Keelin ran into her father’s outstretched arms. She’d been expecting to see her aunt standing at the Arrivals barrier, and her heart had lifted in joy when she saw her father, a broad smile on his face, holding out his arms to her. She rested her head against the tweed of his coat, and knew she was home, safe and sound.

‘You’re home and that’s the main thing. I spoke to Brigid and we’ll work something out for you and your little baba, so don’t be worrying,’ Larry said comfortingly, taking her trolley as they headed for the car park.

‘Mam will never forgive me,’ Keelin sighed, tucking her arm into his.

‘You and I know she is the way she is. But she’s a good woman at heart, Keelin, don’t forget that,’ Larry said loyally. ‘Part of the reason she doesn’t want you to come home is that she’s afraid you’ll be the subject of gossip, and she doesn’t want that for you. To be honest, neither do I.’ Her father dropped some coins into the ticket machine. ‘Now let’s go and have a cuppa somewhere. I’m gasping for the tay.’

‘I’d love a cup myself. A real good strong cup of tea and a rasher sandwich,’ Keelin confided, relieved that he had not asked who the baby’s father was. Larry was kind like that. He’d let her tell him in her own time.

‘Dad, it’s great to be home, I only wish it was under different circumstances,’ Keelin said sadly.

‘Everything happens for a reason, love, and your precious baby will bring joy to many. So chin up. Chest out. Best foot forward,’ he smiled, quoting one of his favourite lines from her childhood.

Keelin laughed and felt a frisson of happiness for the first time since she’d found out she was pregnant.

*

When he’d finally got through to the convent in Paris, with the assistance of a helpful international operator, Armand had been politely told that Keelin was no longer there and that she’d flown to Ireland.

‘Stay calm,’ the Monsignor ordered. ‘I remember she once told me her aunt was a nun in Senegal. Leave it with me and I’ll try to find the number for the convent in Dakar and see if they can tell me how to find her. It’s a bit late now to ring. I’ll do it first thing in the morning.’