After completing the ward rounds, Sister Mann met up with Ada in Matron’s office, where they swapped notes on the hospital’s filing and record system, after which they were joined by Father Ben, who explained his role to the new staff nurse.

‘I’m the convent’s resident priest,’ he started. ‘I officiate at all the Masses and services, plus I’m in charge of the Home’s adoption procedures.’

Ada beamed. ‘Father Ben always manages to find the best matches for all our babies,’ she said, as she threw the priest a loyal smile. ‘We always encourage our residents to discuss their arrangements with Father Ben.’

Edith expressed her surprise. ‘In my former place of work adoptions were always arranged by a representative from the board of governors.’

Loyal Ada said, ‘We trust Father Ben’s guidance and expertise; he has more insight than anyone on Mary Vale’s governing body.’

The priest responded with a modest smile. ‘Over the years I’ve learnt how important it is to get to know the residents and when possible their backgrounds too; it helps me enormously when it comes to choosing the appropriate adoptive parents.’

Edith gave a polite smile. ‘Heavens!’ she thought. ‘Priests and nuns in preference to official governing bodies – Mary Vale is like some archaic institution out of the Middle Ages!’

Edith was in for another surprise when Ada briefed her before they went to meet the residents at tea-time.

‘Most of our girls are from poor backgrounds and depend heavily on the charitable trust fund the convent extends to the destitute; you’ll find some of the younger girls are frightened and nervous,’ Ada explained.

Within minutes of entering the dining room, it became clear to Edith that Ada was immensely popular among the young women sitting around the table.

‘How are you feeling this afternoon, Sister?’ a cheery girl asked.

‘Marvellous,’ Ada beamed. ‘You’re looking better, Irene – have you been taking one of your long walks across the marsh again?’ Turning to a small quiet girl across the table, Ada brightly enquired, ‘Have you heard more news from your little sister, Josephine?’

When all the diners were assembled, a polite silence fell after Ada tapped her teacup.

‘I’d like you all to welcome Staff Sister Mann, who is replacing me.’

Though the residents smiled or nodded politely, it was impossible for Edith not to miss the flickers of sadness and disappointment that flashed across almost all of their faces; clearly none of them wanted to say goodbye to Sister Ada. Edith couldn’t avoid seeing their curious eyes straying from herself to the vibrant young woman beside her; she knew they would inevitably be comparing Ada’s stunning looks and sparkling eyes with her own plainer, more middle-aged appearance. Steeling herself Edith thought, ‘Hopefully sometime soon they’ll learn to appreciate my professional skills. I’m quite sure in that department I will not be a poor comparison.’