Page 156 of The Missing Sister

‘How did your prayers go?’ he asked as James appeared in the study an hour later.

‘We spoke very well together, thank you.’

‘Did you come to a decision?’

‘I think we must first talk to Maggie. If she and her husband are against the idea, then there is no decision to make.’

‘She is resting by the range with the baby – I insisted.’

‘Then I shall go and get her.’

James left the study as Ambrose stared into the fire. For once in his life, Ambrose actually felt the urge to pray too.

James returned with Maggie in tow. She had used the other half of the torn sheet to make a sling around her, so the baby could lie tucked up close to her breast.

‘Have I done something wrong, Father?’ she asked as James offered her the armchair by the fire. ‘The babe was fretful and I was after needing to cook your supper, so I took the sheet and—’

‘Maggie, please don’t upset yourself. Ambrose told you to rest,’ James said as both men looked down at the little fists and feet that were appearing from the sling. ‘Now,’ James continued as the baby made small mewling noises not unlike a kitten, ‘the thing is that... I’d better leave Ambrose to explain.’

‘I know you’ve just lost your own baby, Maggie, and that she was a girl,’ Ambrose began.

‘Yes, sir, she was.’

‘I’m so sorry for the pain you’ve been through. And here you are, nursing a newborn.’

Tears shone in Maggie’s eyes. ‘She’s so much heavier than my poor babe was. Mary – me and John named her before she was born – was only a little wisp of a thing...’

Ambrose handed Maggie a handkerchief and let her collect herself before he continued.

‘Now then, we all know where this poor child will end up if Father O’Brien contacts Father Norton,’ continued Ambrose.

‘I’ve heard orphanages are terrible places, so,’ agreed Maggie. ‘There was an outbreak of measles in the Clonakilty one not long ago, and many of the babes died.’ Maggie looked down tenderly at the baby, then took a finger and stroked her cheek. ‘But what’s to be done?’

‘You said you haven’t told another soul about poor baby Mary’s death?’ James cut in to confirm.

‘No, Father,’ she gulped. ‘As I told you, it all happened so suddenly, we decided ’twas best not to, given as we couldn’t afford the wake. We’re not heathens, I swear. We said prayers over her once we’d laid her to rest and—’

‘I understand, Maggie, and I’m sure you are not the only parents to do the same around these parts.’

‘The thing is,’ said Ambrose, ‘I was wondering whether you and your husband, of course – would be willing to adopt this little one?’

‘I... of course I’d take her in as mine if I could, but’ – Maggie blushed to the roots of her beautiful red hair – ‘we already have four hungry small ones, and ’tis difficult enough as it is...’

‘Maggie, please, don’t be upset,’ James comforted her, seeing her embarrassment and distress. ‘Listen to what my friend Ambrose has to say. This was his idea, not mine, but I said he should put it to you at least.’

Ambrose cleared his throat. ‘I understand your financial predicament, and if you and your husband would consider taking her in as your own, I would be more than happy to cover any costs the baby incurs until she reaches twenty-one. That includes her education if she wishes to go further than secondary school. This amount would be paid in a lump sum to you every five years. I would then add on another sum, payable immediately for your trouble, and also for your discretion. Your friends and family must believe that the baby is one and the same as the child you were carrying. Otherwise it would put Father O’Brien in an intolerable position for not reporting her arrival through the correct channels. Now, this is the sum I am prepared to give you to cover the child’s costs for the first five years of her life.’ He handed Maggie a sheet of paper on which he’d written down a figure earlier. He waited until she’d looked at it, then handed her another sheet. ‘And that is the lump sum I will pay you and your husband immediately for your trouble, and for any extras along the way.’

Both James and Ambrose studied Maggie as she deciphered the figures. It crossed James’s mind that she may not be able to read, but the look of utter shock on Maggie’s face as she glanced up at Ambrose was enough to tell him she could.

‘Jesus, Mary and Joseph!’ Maggie put her hand to her mouth as she looked at James. ‘Forgive me, Father, for using such language, but I’m, well, I’m in shock. These numbers, have you perhaps added an extra nought to them by mistake?’

‘No indeed, Maggie. Those are the sums I’m prepared to pay for you to take the child.’

‘But, sir, the first amount is more than we could think of earning in five years or more! And the second, well, we could begin to build a new home, or buy a few more acres of land...’

‘Of course, you must consult your husband, explain what I’m suggesting. But if he did agree, I could go to the bank in the village tomorrow and pay you the cash in full. Would he be at home now?’

‘He’ll be in the milking shed, but I know he’ll think I’ve gone stone mad if he sees these numbers.’