‘Of course. About what?’
‘I wasn’t going to tell you today, because this is Eva’s day and I don’t want to steal her thunder…’
‘You’re not stealing anything. Just tell me,’ I say, excited by the possibility of what I think she might be about to say.
‘I’m pregnant,’ she whispers.
I let out a muffled squeal, excitement distracting me from thoughts of Sadie and my husband.
‘Only eight weeks, so it’s early days, but I can’t quite believe it.’
‘Oh wow, Amelia. I’m so happy for you. I didn’t know you were doing another round of IVF.’
‘That’s the crazy thing. We’re not doing it at the moment. It happened naturally. Don’t tell anyone yet. We’re going to wait until the three-month mark before we tell people.’
‘How about Robert? Can I tell him?’
‘James is going to tell him today.’
‘Ah, that’s such fantastic news.’ I give her a hug. ‘I’m over the moon for you both. You really deserve this. The girls will be so excited to have a cousin. Don’t worry, I won’t mention it to them yet. Katie hasn’t quite mastered the art of keeping secrets.’
‘Ha, yes, she’s a bit of a chatterbox, my little niece.’
‘How are you feeling anyway?’
‘Fine actually. A little nauseous and tired, but nothing too bad. Look, I’ll be back in a minute, Diane wants me to bring down a box of wine glasses from upstairs.’
‘What? No, I’ll go,’ I don’t want Amelia to be lugging heavy boxes if she’s pregnant.
‘Oh, it’s fine, I can manage.’
‘No way,’ I reply. ‘You need to look after yourself. Where’s this box? I can get it.’ Although I am feeling a wee bit unsteady in my heels.
‘In the study, under the desk. Apparently the dishwasher’s on the fritz so the caterers need more glasses.’
‘Okay. I’m on it. We’ll meet for a cuppa next week to have a proper talk, yes?’
‘Definitely. But no tea or coffee for me. I just don’t fancy caffeine at all at the moment.’
‘Lunch then.’
‘Yes. Perfect.’
‘Okay. Back in a mo.’
I weave my way a little unsteadily through the hall and up the curved staircase to the first floor, sliding my hand up the banister for support. When I reach the spacious landing, I head over to Terence’s old study, but the sound of familiar voices coming from one of the bedrooms makes me pause. I stop where I am and listen. It sounds like Robert and… Sadie. My eye twitches.
‘We should go back down,’ Robert says.
What the hell are they doing up here together?I suddenly feel hot, my skin prickling with sweat. I pad over to the door, which is slightly ajar.
‘Can you just listen to me for a moment?’ she says.
My heart is banging against my ribcage. Don’t let this be what I think it is.
I push open the door just in time to see Robert sink down heavily onto the double bed with Sadie beneath him. Her arms circling his body.
Forty-Nine