Page 74 of Heartbreak for the Irish Midwife

‘But what would the priest say?’ Maggie-Ann asked tentatively.

Mrs Boyd snorted. ‘It’s got nahin’ to do with priests. This is women’s business, my girl, and I’m not letting another man add to what thon bastardin’ sailor done to you!’

While inwardly flinching at Mrs Boyd’s colourful language, Maisie was impressed by her strength. If only Teresa Lennon had had somebody like that beside her all those months ago!

Mr Russell’s manner was markedly different to Fenton when he spoke, after hearing the situation in full. He offered acceptance and sympathy to Maggie-Ann, telling her she had come to the right place. That no one here would judge her, and they would do all they could to help her. With gentleness and warmth he spoke first to Maggie-Ann and then her mother, before asking Maggie-Ann if he could feel her tummy.

She agreed, and Maisie helped her on to the examination couch, placing a blanket over her hips and legs and helping her lift her dress. ‘All right?’ she asked, and Maggie-Ann nodded.

Mr Russell washed and dried his hands, rubbing them together to warm them, then carefully palpated Maggie-Ann’s abdomen. His brow creased in concentration, he took his time, then asked Maggie-Ann if Dr Lowe could also examine her.

Maisie was fully alert. Mr Russell had clearly identified a teaching opportunity to share with Alex. But what? Twins weren’t that uncommon. Is something else going on?

As Alex began palpating the girl’s abdomen, Mr Russell was gently questioning her. Any shortness of breath? Yes. Any pain in the abdomen? Yes.

He turned to Alex. ‘What are you noticing, Dr Lowe?’

‘Abdomen feels tight, strained. I’m only getting a singleton, though.’

A singleton. One baby.

‘Precisely.’ He moved to the small sink to wash his hands again, then sat by the desk, writing a note in Maggie-Ann’s file. Maisie helped Maggie-Ann up, then stood by the wall in her usual spot, her mind racing. What is going on?

‘Maggie-Ann,’ Mr Russell began gently, ‘your tummy is larger than it ought to be, and I’m not sure why. We have an X-ray machine in the main Royal, and I wonder if you would agree to having an X-ray done.’

Maggie-Ann’s jaw dropped. ‘X-rays? Like them machines that go round the travelling fairs and you can see the bones in your hand?’

‘That’s it! We have one here for medical use, and very occasionally it’s needed – as in your case. It will allow us to look inside your tummy.’

‘Dr Russell,’ Mrs Boyd spoke firmly. ‘You need to know that we don’t want this pregnancy, and I’d be seriously worried about our Maggie-Ann’s head if something doesn’t get sorted out.’ Abortion. Concerns about suicide.

‘I understand, Mrs Boyd. But as I said,’ he sent her a meaningful look, ‘I’m concerned about the size of Maggie-Ann’s tummy, so . . .’

Mrs Boyd gasped. ‘Something’s wrong, isn’t it?’

‘I can’t say for sure. That’s why I’d like to do the X-ray.’

Mrs Boyd subsided. ‘I see.’ She sent him a concerned glance. ‘When?’

‘Today, if possible.’ He turned to Alex. ‘Can you do the form, Dr Lowe, and send one of the office girls across with it? I’d like Maggie-Ann to have the first available appointment this afternoon.’

‘No problem.’ Alex left, and it struck Maisie that, unlike her, he didn’t seem confused. He knows what Russell’s concern is.

Mr Russell recommended that the two women take tea or lunch in the hospital canteen, and return to the clinic afterwards. ‘Midwife Canavan here will accompany you across for the X-ray, and I will meet you there. Do you have any questions?’

They didn’t – probably overwhelmed with information – and so they left, a canteen note from Sister clutched in Mrs Boyd’s hand. Once they had gone, Maisie, her mind racing, updated Sister, who nodded grimly. ‘A sad case. Go and have your dinner break now, and then you can be ready to go across to X-ray.’

‘Yes, Sister.’

Leaving the clinic, she ran into Alex. ‘I’m on my dinner break now,’ she told him.

‘Give me five minutes and I’ll join you,’ he said. ‘I have to write up my notes on that last woman we saw.’

‘No problem. I – er – I don’t feel like eating right now.’

He grimaced. ‘Aye. I’ll meet you outside. Usual spot.’

The day was sunny and warm – one of those days that was loved by everyone except women in labour. Maisie lifted her face to the sun, her mind still frantically trying to work out everything that had happened with poor Maggie-Ann. Walking slowly past the bike sheds she made for the summer seat near the entrance to the tennis courts. A few minutes later, Alex joined her, and she noticed how her heart skipped as he approached. After months and months of being together – albeit only lightly – the thrill of seeing him hadn’t lessened at all.