Page 27 of Christmas for the Village Midwife
‘Brett’s gone for a walk,’ Georgia said, answering the question before it was asked. ‘Lunatic. It’s freezing out there, not to mention there’s black ice everywhere. I don’t know what he expects to see in the dark. Still, he’s a grown man and I can hardly stop him. Emilia’s gone back to the surgery to do some bits and bobs. She says she won’t be long, but we’ve all heard that one before.’
Zoe took a seat on the sofa while Georgia eased herself into an armchair. ‘Emilia seems really dedicated.’
‘That’s one word for it. If you ask me, she’ll work herself into a breakdown. Todd used to say—her ex,’ Georgia said in answer to another unasked question. ‘They split last year. He used tosay her job was an obsession. Between you and me, I think her time at work had a lot to do with the marriage failing, but she wouldn’t thank me for saying so. Perhaps don’t mention that to her. She’s weird about this stuff. Always was…I mean, I suppose she hasn’t told you anything about it herself?’
Zoe shook her head.
‘That figures,’ Georgia said, shifting to get comfortable. ‘Always was a secretive one.’
‘I remember we were never allowed in her room, but, honestly, isn’t that all teenagers?’
‘I expect so. I couldn’t say. But she’s never grown out of it – if there was ever any growing out of it to do. Anyway, what about you? I want a full rundown…you know, previously on…like on the telly. What’s been going on since primary school?’
‘Blimey, how long do you think we have?’
Georgia laughed, shaking her hair free of her collar. ‘OK, highlights then. Come on…what about this romance for a start?’
‘Alex? Well…’
‘He’s new to the village too, isn’t he? He’s building holiday lets or something. He’s found some treasure. Has a daughter…those are the things I already know.’
‘Who told you all that?’
‘I went to the shop for some dishwashing liquid.’
‘Of course you did! And it was probably Magnus…although Geoff’s been known to gossip every now and again. As long as you know it works both ways – they’ll tell you what everyone is up to, and you’ll be so entertained by it that you won’t notice them collecting information to share with everyone else about you.’
‘Oh, I’m cleverer than that – he didn’t get anything.’ She pointed to her swollen belly. ‘Apart from the obvious, of course.’
‘Speaking of which, how is the pregnancy? Not too stressful?’
‘It’s been stressful at times, but for reasons that are nothing to do with the baby. But you don’t want to hear about that now; it’s boring, and you’re avoiding telling me about you. We’ll get to my stuff later.’
‘I’m not, and if I am it’s only because there’s nothing exciting to tell. I trained to be a midwife, became a midwife, got married, got divorced and then met Alex.’
‘No kids in that lot?’
Zoe’s pause had been unintentionally dramatic, but it telegraphed her sadness well enough that Georgia’s smile faded.
‘No,’ she said. ‘Not for the want of trying. I did manage to get pregnant eventually, but…’ She shook her head and sucked in a steadying breath. She wasn’t going to let that darkness in, not here and now.
‘Oh, Zoe, I’m so sorry. Can’t you have children then? Is that what you’re saying?’
‘I don’t know. I don’t think there’s an obvious issue, but it seems less likely with every year that passes. It’s all right – I’m happy enough. It’s just how things are sometimes, isn’t it? Do you know what you’re having?’
Georgia looked conflicted. It was clear she wanted to ask Zoe more about her situation but perhaps sensed that Zoe didn’t want to talk about it. In the end, she gave a smile that looked forced with her reply. ‘No. I want it to be a surprise. Brett wanted to know, but he’ll have to wait, won’t he?’
‘I think it’s all right for you to call the shots, as you’re doing all the heavy lifting. Thought of any names?’
‘A few. I think there’s a difference of opinion there too. In fact, I know there is and it’s massive! Brett hates all of mine, and I’m not so fond of his. Do you think I’m entitled to call the shots there too?’
‘I’d say yes, but I might be biased. So what have you got?’
‘I like Melody for a girl, Miles for a boy.’
Zoe nodded as if giving the matter grave consideration. ‘Solid names. Very nice.’
‘Liar,’ Georgia said with a grin. ‘I haven’t seen you for years, but I haven’t forgotten that face. You don’t like them.’
