“Where is she now?”
“Upstairs having a lie-down. Your father and Tom have taken Hector across to the park. Now, come on, I’m gasping for an Earl Grey. Tea is another thing the French manage to completely mess up.” Her mother led her through to the kitchen, where every surface was covered with bags and holiday detritus.
“So, how was your birthday?” she said as she turned on the kettle. “I can’t imagine you got up to much in your condition.”
“Actually, it was lovely. I had friends round for dinner.”
“Really? And what else have you been up to?”
“Oh, not much.” It was possibly the biggest lie she’d ever told, what with the bus search and Simon’s invitation, so Libby kept her back turned so her mum couldn’t see her face.
“No other news, then? Nothing to report?”
Libby paused, mug in hand. Her mum’s tone was casual,toocasual. “When did he tell you?”
“When did who tell me what?”
“You know what I’m talking about, Mum. When did Simon tell you he asked me to move back in?”
A grin spread across Pauline’s face. “He called me yesterday evening. Oh, darling, I amsorelieved for you.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. I mean, a marriage proposal would have been even better, but one step at a time, hey? Have you started packing yet? I’d say we’d give you a lift back today, but we’ve got all our luggage to fit in the car.”
“No, I haven’t started packing.”
“Have you thought about nursery furniture? John Lewis does some fabulous sets; we could pop to Bluewater next week and take a look if you like?”
“Mum—”
“Simon’s mother will be delighted. Of course, she’ll want to hold the baby shower at her place but as your mother I get—”
“Mum, stop.”
“What?”
“I haven’t said yes to Simon.”
There was a beat of silence.
“Elizabeth Anne Nicholls, what do you mean, you haven’t said yes?”
Libby pulled her shoulders back. “I’m not sure I want to move in with Simon again.”
“Why on earth not? He’s the father of your child.”
“I know, but that doesn’t mean I have to live with him.”
“This is ridiculous,” Pauline said. “I know you’re still cross with Simon, but as he explained to me on the phone yesterday, he really regrets the way he handled the pregnancy news. The poor guy was taken by surprise, that’s all.”
“Don’t you think I was taken by surprise too? What would have happened if I’d reacted in the way he did? And why do youalwayshave to side with Simon?”
“I do not.”
“Yes, you do. It’s always ‘poor Simon this’ and ‘poor Simon that.’ I wish, just for once, you’d say, ‘Poor Libby, how rubbish that your boyfriend of eight years dumped you, kicked you out, and wanted nothing to do with your baby.’ ”
“What has got into you, Elizabeth?” her mum said. “I’ve never heard you talk like this before.”
