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reassuring hug. ‘It’s just a precaution,’ she insisted.
    It was the first time Beth had seen the doctor since the night her father hanged himself, and she felt acutely embarrassed about having to tell him why she needed him now.
    ‘Having a baby!’ he exclaimed, his round red face breaking into a wide smile. ‘What a surprise! And how are you and your brother doing? It must have been hard on you these past months.’
    ‘We’re managing fine, doctor,’ Beth said. His smile of pleasure made her feel a little less anxious, and his interest in her and Sam was comforting. ‘Of course, the baby was a bit of a shock to all of us. But Mrs Craven said she wanted you to call round just as a precaution.’
    But it wasn’t just a precaution, Beth realized later, as she stood at the bedroom door listening to what the doctor was saying to Mrs Craven. ‘She’s a very small woman and the baby is big. Mrs Bolton isn’t young either, nor is she very strong. I’ll leave her in your capable hands for now, Mrs Craven, but don’t hesitate to call me again later if you have any concerns.’
    Beth’s heart began to hammer with fright, and as the evening progressed and she heard Mama shrieking with pain, she grew terrified. It didn’t help that Sam hadn’t come home. There was just Mrs Craven, and she wouldn’t allow Beth into the bedroom. ‘I’ll call you if I need help or to get the doctor again,’ she said firmly. ‘Babies can sometimes take an age to come, but don’t worry yourself about the screaming — most women do that, it don’t mean much.’
    Sam arrived back soon after ten, just in time for Mrs Craven to send him out again for the doctor, and though she wouldn’t be drawn on why she needed him, Beth could see anxiety etched into her big face.
    Dr Gillespie came back with Sam, and once again disappeared into the bedroom for some time.
    Around twelve Gillespie came back into the kitchen and asked for a bowl of hot water to wash his hands. He had already taken off his jacket and rolled up his shirtsleeves, and as he scrubbed at his hands and forearms he glanced over his shoulder at Sam and Beth.
    ‘I’ve got to get the baby out quickly,’ he said. ‘Please get me more clean linen and towels. I can see you are both frightened, but try not to worry — your mother will be all right.’
    Beth rushed to get the linen, and the doctor took it back into the bedroom with him, closing the door behind him. Mama’s moaning stopped soon afterwards and Sam said the doctor must have given her ether.
    It was very quiet now. Outside snow was still falling, deadening the sound of late-night carriages in the street. The only sound inside was the occasional cough or muffled instruction from the doctor to Mrs Craven, and the coal spluttering and shifting in the stove.
    Sam and Beth didn’t speak. They just sat on either side of the kitchen table, white-faced and anxious, both lost in their own fears.
    Suddenly there was noise — rustling, feet moving and the doctor’s low voice. ‘My, she’s a big girl,’ they heard Mrs Craven exclaim, and just moments later they heard the baby cry.
    ‘Thank God for that,’ Sam exclaimed, wiping his sweaty brow on his sleeve.
    Shortly afterwards Mrs Craven came out of the bedroom with the baby wrapped in a blanket in her arms. She looked exhausted, but she was smiling. ‘This is your baby sister. A real little porker,’ she said with some pride.
    For Beth, the sight of Mrs Craven’s blood-drenched apron diluted any joy and wonder she might have felt at seeing her little sister. ‘Mama — is she well?’ she asked.
    ‘She will be soon, the doctor’s stitching her up now,’ Mrs Craven replied. ‘But you can do your bit by taking care of this little one,’ she said, handing the bundle over to Beth. ‘Put her in the cradle close to the stove to keep her warm. I’ve got to go back and help the doctor.’
    While Sam got the cradle from where it had been left in the parlour, Beth