‘We know she comes from Leeds,’ Sister Mary Paul remembered. ‘She barely mentioned her home life, though she did talk a lot about the nursing home where she used to work, she always said it was smarter than Mary Vale,’ the old nun added in a slightly offended voice.

‘She might have gone home – maybe there was an emergency?’ Ada suggested, as she put the heavy pan of potatoes on top of the Aga stove. ‘Something might have come up and she dashed off in the middle of the night.’

‘If that were the case, how would she have had the time to clear her room like she did?’ Sister Theresa enquired. ‘I’ve just been up there – it’s stripped bare.’

Wiping her hands dry on a nearby kitchen towel, Ada said decisively, ‘I’m going to see if there’s anything I can do to help.’

Looking flustered, Mary Paul cried out, ‘Glory be to God, child, don’t go overdoing things in your condition; you’ve got a baby due any time now.’

Ada gave her a sweet smile. ‘I know, dearest Mary Paul, but popping on to the wards is not going to harm the baby or me one little bit.’

Ada found Matron washing down the delivery room. Coming straight to the point, Ada said, ‘I’ve heard the news – is there anything I can do to help?’

‘Yes, please,’ Matron answered eagerly. ‘If you’re sure you’re up to it? I’d be so grateful if you could collect some instruments from the sterilizing cabinet.’

Ada nodded and went straight off to do as asked, returning to find Matron tending to Josie, an eager young girl who had just gone into labour.

‘Ada!’ she cried in delight. ‘I didn’t expect you to be here.’

Ada opened her mouth to say she was just doing an errand, but the very opposite came out. ‘Got to keep my hand in,’ she smiled, as she caught Matron’s eye. ‘I’ll stay here with Josie,’ she said firmly. ‘I’m sure you’re needed elsewhere, Matron?’

Sister Ann returned a grateful smile. ‘Are you sure?’ At a firm nod from Ada, Matron breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Thank you, that would be grand, I’ll be back as quickly as I can,’ she promised.

‘No rush,’ Ada said, then turning her attention to young Josie, adding with easy confidence, ‘We’re fine here.’

Eighteen-year-old Josie was fit and strong, and better still she had absorbed every instruction issued by Ada in her classes. Ada was impressed and delighted with the young woman’s ability to focus on her breathing.

‘You’re doing so well, dear,’ Ada said warmly during a brief break in Josie’s increasing contractions.

Sweating but nevertheless cheerful, Josie replied, ‘I so well remember what you taught us, Ada.’ She gave a cheeky wink. ‘I hope you’ll remember when your turn comes.’