Mac’s world had recklessly upended, the establishment swiftly terminating her work in India and her intention to improve women’s lives.

It was unjust, and what was even more abhorrent was the thought of being seen as one of the Fishing Fleet’s “Returned Empty” females by those back home, despite all she had achieved so far. But home was her only option if she was to avoid being ostracized by her male counterparts in the Indian Medical Service, and belittled at every turn.

‘Who can blame me?’ she muttered, as she boarded the ss Ranchi bound for Tilbury and a lifetime brooding over what might have been. Even Dr Agnes Scott thought she was mad to give up the prospect of a glittering career in obstetrics in a country so badly in need of female clinicians. But the die was cast, and her stubborn Scottish spirit refused to allow her to look back. 

Surely Mac’s Indian adventure would not end so abruptly?

Only a miracle could alter her course now, and she didn’t believe in miracles . . .