Page 139 of Winter of the World (The Century 2)

He did not sound particularly dispirited that he would not see her, and she felt spurned. "How nice for you," she said.

"It will be boring, but I can't get out of it."

"Not half as boring as living here on my own."

"It must be dull. But you're better off there, in your condition."

Thousands of people had left London after war was declared, but most of them had drifted back when the expected bombing raids and gas attacks did not materialize. However, Bea and May and even Eva were agreed that Daisy's pregnancy meant she should live at Ty Gwyn. Many women gave birth safely every day in London, Daisy had pointed out, but of course the heir to the earldom was different.

In truth she did not mind as much as she had expected. Perhaps pregnancy had made her uncharacteristically passive. But there was a halfhearted quality about London social life since the declaration of war, as if people felt they did not have the right to enjoy themselves. They were like vicars in a pub, knowing it was supposed to be fun but unable to enter into the spirit.

"I wish I had my motorcycle here, though," she said. "Then at least I could explore Wales." Petrol was rationed, but not severely.

"Really, Daisy!" he said censoriously. "You can't ride a motorcycle--the doctor absolutely forbade it."

"Anyway, I've discovered literature," she said. "The library here is wonderful. A few rare and valuable editions have been packed away, but nearly all the books are still on the shelves. I'm getting the education I worked so hard to avoid at school."

"Excellent," he said. "Well, curl up with a good murder mystery and enjoy your evening."

"I had a slight tummy pain earlier."

"Probably indigestion."

"I expect you're right."

"Give my regards to that slob Lowthie."

"Don't drink too much port at your dinner."

Just as Daisy hung up she got the tummy cramp again. This time it lasted longer. Maisie came in, saw her face, and said: "Are you all right, my lady?"

"Just a twinge."

"I have came to ask if you are ready for your supper."

"I don't feel hungry. I think I'll skip supper tonight."

"I done you a lovely cottage pie," Maisie said reproachfully.

"Cover it and put it in the larder. I'll eat it tomorrow."

"Shall I make you a nice cup of tea?"

Just to get rid of her Daisy said: "Yes, please." Even after four years she had not grown to like strong British tea with milk and sugar in it.

The pain went away, and she sat down and opened The Mill on the Floss. She forced herself to drink Maisie's tea and felt a little better. When she had finished the drink, and Maisie had washed the cup and saucer, she sent Maisie home. The girl had to walk a mile in the dark, but she carried a flashlight, and said she did not mind.

An hour later the pain returned, and this time it did not go away. Daisy went to the toilet, vaguely hoping to relieve pressure in her abdomen. She was surprised and worried to see spots of dark red blood in her underwear.

She put on clean panties, and, seriously worried now, she went to the phone. She got the number of RAF St. Athan and called the base. "I need to speak to Flight Lieutenant the Viscount Aberowen," she said.

"We can't connect personal calls to officers," said a pedantic Welshman.

"This is an emergency. I must speak to my husband."

"There are no phones in the rooms, this isn't the Dorchester Hotel." Perhaps it was her imagination, but he sounded quite pleased that he could not help her.

"My husband will be at the ceremonial banquet. Please send an orderly to bring him to the phone."

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