Her siblings didn’t need telling twice. When Lottie was in this mood, it was wise to get out of harm’s way.

It didn’t take Maggie long to find out what was wrong, but she kept her opinions to herself and, speaking in calm, unhurried tones she told Amy, ‘I can’t help yer on this one, lass.’ Squeezing Amy’s hand, she shook her head. ‘It’s beyond me capabilities.’

Quieter now, Amy looked up at Maggie and read her thoughts. ‘Do whatever you have to do,’ she gasped. ‘I just want it to be over.’

The old woman was adamant. ‘I’m sorry, Amy, lass. It’s the infirmary for you this time. I’m not teking no chances with yer.’

Amy was equally adamant. ‘Well, I’m not going to no infirmary neither.’

Ignoring her, Maggie addressed Molly in urgent tones. ‘Send Lottie to fetch my Charlie. Tell him he’s to get the wagon and mek sure there’s no rubbish or owt in the back. And he’s to be quick about it. Yer mam needs the infirmary, whether she likes it or not.’

Laying Amy gently into Maggie’s arms, Molly scrambled up. ‘Oh, Maggie! She’ll be all right, won’t she?’

The old woman didn’t answer. Instead she asked, ‘Where’s your da? We’ll need some help lifting yer mam into the wagon.’

Molly pointed across the room to her father, who was slouched in the chair, his wide, stark eyes on Amy, and his mouth opening and shutting, as though wanting to say something, but not knowing how. ‘Best leave him be,’ Molly suggested quietly. ‘He’s drunk.’

Maggie snorted. ‘Like all bloody men! No use at all when yer need ’em.’

Molly was meanwhile having doubts. ‘Charlie’s old wagon will shake her about too much. Wouldn’t it be better to get an ambulance?’

‘There’s no time for all that. By the time an ambulance gets here, we can have your mam tucked up safe and sound in yon infirmary.’ Gesturing to Lottie, who was eavesdropping round the corner, she ordered sharply, ‘Off with yer, lass. Get my Charlie to fetch the wagon. Quick as yer can!’

With Lottie gone, she set about making Amy more comfortable. ‘Leave yer mam to me,’ she told Molly. ‘Away upstairs an’ mek sure the young ’uns are safe in their beds.’ She lowered her voice to a whisper. ‘I’ll need summat to clean her up… a bucket, warm water and a good helping of disinfectant, and don’t forget the towels and such.’

Molly was already on her way, more instructions following her as she went. ‘After that, you’re to fetch Rosie Craig,’ Maggie told her. ‘She’s a good woman with a sensible head on ’er shoulders.’ Addressing Amy now, she explained, ‘I’m hoping she’ll stay with the young ’uns, while me and Molly come with you to the infirmary.’

It took Molly only minutes to reassure the children. ‘Mammy’s going to the infirmary, but there’s nothing for you to worry about,’ she promised them. ‘Rosie will come and look after you till I get back.’ She then collected as many blankets and towels as she could find and ran down the stairs two at a time, the sight of her mother’s deathly pallor turning her stomach over. ‘That’s all I could find,’ she said, handing Maggie the pile of rags.