Page 61 of The Village Midwife
‘I know, but I want to stay civil,’ Zoe said.
‘What for? It’s not like you have kids or anything, so there’s no reason you have to stay in touch. Move on – that’s what everyone else does.’
Zoe tried not to let the sting of Lavender’s careless comment bother her. It wasn’t her fault – Zoe hadn’t told her about the baby she’d lost. ‘It’s what we agreed,’ she said. ‘He wanted to stay friends, and he’s in a tough place right now.’
‘Aren’t we all?’ Lavender pushed the broom around the floor, oblivious to the look of warning coming from Ottilie. But Zoe saw it and then caught Ottilie’s eye. She mouthed an apology, and Zoe shook her head to let her know it wasn’t a problem.
‘I’m sure it’ll be fine anyway. I’ll make some lunch, we’ll have a quick chat over it and then I’ll send him on his way.’
‘Watch he doesn’t try to move in,’ Lavender called from the far side of the kitchen. ‘Sounds to me like that’s what he’s after.’
‘It’s not like that,’ Zoe said. ‘He needs a bit of support right now, that’s all.’
‘I’d better get back to my room,’ Ottilie said. ‘Sorry I couldn’t help you out, Zoe.’
‘It’s really fine; forget about it.’
‘Want me to come?’ Zoe turned to see Lavender wearing an expression of mischief. ‘I can put him off coming for lunch ever again – say the word.’
Zoe smiled, a more genuine one now. ‘Tempting as that is, I’m going to say no thanks.’
‘Your loss.’ Lavender started to sweep the little pile of dust into the pan. ‘Just saying.’
Zoe’s smile grew. ‘I’d better get to clinic myself. See you later.’
‘Think about it!’ Lavender called as Zoe left the kitchen. ‘If you change your mind, I work for reasonable fees!’
‘Hello, Maisie.’
Zoe held open the door for the young woman to come through to her room and then closed it again. ‘Is everything all right? I’m not due to see you for a little while, am I? Unless I’ve got my dates mixed up…’
‘I don’t think so, but I…well, I couldn’t feel the baby moving so I wanted to ask. Someone told me it was supposed to move, but I haven’t felt anything.’
Zoe briefly checked her notes. ‘You won’t – it’s a bit early yet. You might get a little feeling almost like trapped wind, but you wouldn’t be able to tell what it is. I can have a listen to baby’s heart and give you the once-over if you like. You’re here anyway, so it wouldn’t be a problem.’
‘So it doesn’t kick yet?’
‘He’ll be moving about, but too small for you to feel it yet. Don’t worry, it won’t be long before you’ll have little feet and elbows bothering you all night.’
‘Oh, because my nana said…’
‘I’m sure it’s a while since your nana had her babies, and we tend to forget the details. It might be best if you take advice with a pinch of salt, however well meant it is. You did the right thing coming to see me. Why don’t you get comfy on the couch and I’ll have a look at you?’
‘Mum says I’m eating too much.’ Maisie settled on the examination table and looked up at the ceiling while Zoe warmed her hands to feel at her tiny bump. ‘She says they say you should eat for two, but it’s not true. She says everyone will start to notice I’m pregnant if I get fat.’
‘You’re far from fat.’ Zoe frowned as she moved her hands gently across Maisie’s belly. ‘Are you eating healthy food?’
‘I think so. Sometimes it’s hard because we don’t have vegetables in.’
‘You don’t even have a bag of peas in the freezer?’
‘I don’t like peas.’
‘What do you like?’
‘Um…I don’t really like vegetables.’
‘Nothing at all?’
