Page 110 of The Sapphire Child
‘I hope she’s kind to you, darling.’
Andrew wasn’t sure if that was a word he would use about Felicity. ‘I’m fairly sure she loves me,’ he said with a self-deprecating smile.
‘And you’re in love with her?’ she pressed him.
‘Of course.’
‘Well, that’s good,’ said the baroness. ‘It’s wonderful to see you young ones falling in love. First Stella and her Irishman and now you and your Scottish girl.’
‘I hear Stella isn’t sure of MrKeating’s whereabouts. Has there been any more news of him?’ Andrew asked.
‘Good question,’ said Hester. ‘It’s been a bit of a drama for the poor girl. He was working in Malaya and Singapore but got safely away. Myrtle had a letter from Stella just the other day to say that her fiancé is in South Africa. Must be a relief to know he’s safe but it doesn’t sound like they will be marrying in the near future.’
Andrew was just turning this news over in his mind when in walked Myrtle Dubois. He got up at once to greet her, repeating his condolences about Charlie’s death while she expressed the common view that he, Andrew, was just like his father. She had aged; her pretty brown eyes were sunk in patches of bluish skin and her hair had gone grey. When she wasn’t smiling, her mouth drooped in sadness.
But she seemed pleased to see him. Myrtle had always made a fuss of him as a boy and indulged him more than her own children.
‘I hope Jimmy has been looking after you. With Stella away, I’ve moved back into the bungalow to help with my grandson. You must settle in and then come and see our Charles – he’s such a dear little thing. It’s such a tonic having a little one in the family after my Charlie...’ Tears sprang into her eyes.
‘I’m sure he’s a great comfort,’ Andrew said kindly.
Myrtle smiled. ‘He is. And you’ll soon find out the joy of having a baby in the family too, won’t you? We’re so delighted for you all.’
Hester commented, ‘Surprised but delighted. After all this time, who would have thought it?’
Andrew looked bemused. ‘A baby? Whose baby?’
Myrtle’s look faltered. ‘Mrand MrsLomaxes’. Surely you’ve been told?’
Andrew gaped at her in disbelief. ‘They’ve had a baby?’
‘Oh dear,’ said Hester. ‘We’ve let the cat out of the bag. Obviously, your father wanted to tell you in person.’
Andrew was speechless.
‘I’m sorry,’ said Myrtle, ‘I thought you’d know by now. Of course, we’ve only recently been told. With MrsLomax coming to motherhood late, they were being very cautious. Stella’s been helping out.’
‘When did this happen?’ he managed to ask, still in shock.
‘She was born last month,’ said Myrtle.
‘She?’
‘Yes,’ said Hester. ‘You have a sister called Isobel. Isn’t that lovely news?’
Andrew didn’t know what to think. Was he pleased? ‘Yes, happy news,’ he forced himself to say. He suddenly felt terribly constricted, though; trapped. ‘Well, after that wonderful breakfast, I think I’ll go and freshen up.’
‘Of course,’ said Myrtle. ‘Is there anything else we can get you?’
‘No, nothing,’ said Andrew. ‘Nothing at all.’ He made for the door, waving at the men at the far table who had been unaware of the awkward conversation.
‘Catch up with you at tiffin!’ Ansom called over.
Andrew walked smartly past Jimmy at reception and took the stairs two at a time. He raced along the corridor to the family flat at the far end. Inside, he slammed the door shut and breathed in deeply.
He had a month-old baby sister. Why hadn’t they told him sooner?
The baby must just have been born when he’d spoken to Stella. She should have said something.
