Even though Ada’s heart sank too when she thought of all the vulnerable residents she had been nursing over the last few months, she nevertheless put on a brave face. Laying her arms around her friend’s shoulders, she spoke firmly. ‘One step at a time, eh?’

Matron gave a weak smile.

‘And, if the worst comes to the worst,’ Ada continued with a strong ring in her voice, ‘we’ll put up a fight and present a good argument before we allow our beloved Mary Vale’s doors to be closed to our patients.’

Knowing how much Dora adored ‘her babies’ (as she always referred to them), Ada took her to one side and, treading carefully, she confided in her about the alarming rumour.

‘The Army? Taking over Mary Vale!’ Dora cried.

‘I’m sure it’s nothing more than idle gossip,’ Ada quickly replied. ‘I only mention it in case any of the residents get wind of it – it’s important that we keep everybody calm.’

Being the compassionate professional that she was, Dora nodded as she bit her lip. ‘God, I pray it doesn’t happen,’ she said with a catch in her throat. ‘After losing my two sons, my life revolves around my sweet little Mary Vale babies.’

‘For sure, we would all be devastated,’ Ada agreed.

‘And where would you go, lovie, in your condition, if the place does get closed down?’ Dora asked.

‘I could always go home, but my parents’ house is a bit cramped for a new-born baby’s paraphernalia …’ Her eyes strayed to the window, from where she could see the storm was passing and a weak sun was making its way through the rain clouds, dappling the Home’s spring garden where the birds were singing. ‘I’d miss Mary Vale so much; it’s become home to me, and all of you feel like a second family,’ Ada confessed, now on the verge of tears herself.

‘I just can’t imagine the House without the girls bustling about here, their laughter and chatter everywhere, and the line of little cots in the nursery,’ Dora said, as she searched for a handkerchief to wipe her eyes.

Ada took a deep breath before she continued, ‘It’s not come to that yet, and I only brought it up in case some of the residents start asking awkward questions.’

Dora gave a sharp nod. ‘Forewarned is forearmed,’ she agreed. ‘And, as you say, it’s not come to that – yet.’

Inevitably, as in all small communities, the rumour was leaked and in no time at all talk of a possible Army takeover was all over the Home. As panic replaced the initial shock, the outraged residents asked questions of Matron.

‘But what about us?’

‘Where will we go?’

‘I’m due any time now, I can’t go home in this state,’ one girl sobbed.