Page 170 of The Sun Sister

‘No one’s told me anything,’ said Katherine. ‘I’ve heard nothing for hours now.’

‘Come on, let’s sit you down.’

Bobby led his wife to a chair as she sobbed onto his shoulder.

‘She’s so ill, Bobby, you’ve no idea. And where is Bill? How could he leave her alone in such a state? And without means of transport?’

‘Maybe he didn’t realise she was ill; I saw her wi’ my own eyes only a couple of days ago and she looked fine.’

‘But still, Bill’s aware that she’s close enough to her time; the very least he could have done was to leave a note saying where he’d gone!’

‘Aye, but we both know that Bill is not in the habit o’ telling anyone where he is. Besides, the bairn isn’t—’

‘Does it make that child’s life any less valuable because he or she is illegitimate?! I don’t think so, Bobby, I really don’t.’

‘Now then, Katherine, you know I didn’t mean that and whatever the circumstances, young Cecily needs her husband by her side.’

‘God forgive me, I know you didn’t, Bobby. I’m just beside myself. Cecily’s been in the operating theatre for almost four hours now and there’s been no word.’

It was another hour before Dr Stevens appeared in the room. He looked utterly exhausted.

‘What news, Doctor?’ Katherine stood up, her heart in her mouth.

Bobby stood and reached for his wife’s hand, squeezing it tight.

‘It was touch and go, but I’m pleased to inform you that I did manage to save one of them.’

‘Which one, Doctor?’ Katherine was in an agony of suspense.

‘The mother is still in a serious condition – she lost a lot of blood – but she is alive. As for the baby, I...’ Dr Stevens gave a sad shrug. ‘We got her out and did our best, but I’m afraid she only lived for half an hour before she slipped away.’

‘It was a girl?’ Katherine asked, gulping back the tears. ‘God rest her little soul.’

‘Yes, it was. The next twenty-four hours will be crucial for Mrs Forsythe, but with a fair wind, she should pull through.’

‘Does she...know?’ Katherine asked him. ‘About the baby?’

‘Lord, no, she’s still heavily sedated and will be for some time. I wouldn’t recommend telling her until she’s passed the worst.’

‘I understand. Is it possible to see her?’

‘Not tonight, no. We’ll be keeping her under sedation until tomorrow. I’m so very sorry, we did all that we could for the little one,’ Dr Stevens sighed.

‘I’m sure you did. Thank you, Doctor.’

‘I suggest that you two go home; there’s nothing you can do for either of them here.’ He nodded at them sadly. ‘Goodbye now.’

When the door had closed behind him, Katherine turned into her husband’s arms and sobbed into his chest.

‘How will we ever tell her, Bobby? She’ll be devastated. Everything she’s done was to protect that baby, you see. And now...and now...’

‘I know, hen, I know.’

Cecily was dreaming that she was emerging from a pool of quicksand, but every time she managed to get her head above it and breathe, it immediately pulled her back down into a dark, terrifying world.

‘Please!’ she shouted. ‘Let me go!’

‘It’s all right, my dear, you’re safe with us.’