“I did the important audition, Tuesday morning.”
“And?”
“They won’t make a decision until the end of April.” He shrugs.
“Are you worried?”
He shakes his head, but I can’t make his expression out. It can’t be that the audition went so badly, they already turned him down. Didn’t he mention they’d been interested last year for a tour, and he missed out on that chance because of Liam’s passing?
“But you do have a good chance of getting the job.”
“We’ll see.” He waves at something…or someone.
The carriage goes over the humpback bridge onto Catcher Lane, and our cottage comes into view. There are a few people waiting outside: Elodie and Hal, her aged grandfather leaning on his walking frame, and Doris. They come forward as soon as they see us, but my eyes are on the open door to our sitting room through which I can see a crown of packages, baskets, and flowers.
Brandon jumps down, reaches to take Malinara from me, then offers me his shoulder to lean on as I climb down, slowly, because my stitches still ache.
Elodie takes my arm and leads me inside. Doris follows us, her arms full of a large box wrapped in pink tissue paper.
“Is this for me?” I ask when she hovers looking shy.
She nods several times.
“Would you like to open it for me, because I have the baby?” I offer because it’s clear she’s dying to show me what’s inside.
Quickly, she rips the gift wrapping and opens the cardboard box to take out a squishy ball. It’s about the size of a teddy bear, covered in red felt with little specks. Only when she turns it around to show me, do I see it’s actually a pomegranate.
I glance up at Doris. “From the centre.” This time she speaks.
“You mean…?”
Elodie explains, “It’s the Lady Isobel Centre, they have craft classes, and they made this for you. It was Doris’ idea.
“Oh, you’re a darling, it’s beautiful, I love it.” I reach one armed and after a moment, Doris comes closer and allows me to hug her. She stares wide-eyed at the baby, so I uncover the blanket slightly. “Do you want to meet her? This is Malinara Joy. The name means–”
“Little Pomegranate, I know.” Doris reaches out to touch the baby then retreats as if unsure.
“Do you want to hold her?”
A look of such longing comes into her face.
“Come and sit down.” I lead her to the sofa and wait until she’s settles and there’s no chance of dropping the baby, then I place Malinara in her arms. “Careful, just keep her covered.”
When I look up, Hedge, Elodie’s elderly grandfather has come to sit beside Doris. And he too has a gift. A small yellow bee shaped rattle. Both Hedge and Doris are completely entranced by my daughter, as if they’re watching a small diamond. So much generous love from an old man I met only twice before, and a woman who until recently was too shy to even speak to me. Elodie, takes a seat on Doris’ other side and she too can’t seem to take her eyes from Malinara.
My eyes prickle with the threat of tears.
Just then I feel an arm around my waist; Brandon gives me a brief squeeze. “You all right?” he whispers.
I force a quick smile. “Yes, that’s two things off my shopping list.”
“What shopping list?” He lets go and steps back.
“A million things we’ll need. Clothes, nap–”
“Nappies? Onesies, bibs, vests, blankets, and towels?” He interrupts with a mischievous grin.
It’s then I notice the many packages on the floor. A Moses basket lined with pretty pink gingham, a hamper full of nappies, and what looks like a changing mat. My eyes travel around the room.
