‘It’s unlikely he’ll come back. Not after threatening him with the police. But …’ She left the sentence hanging.

‘I know. There might be children here next time he turns up,’ I finished for her. ‘And we can’t put them at risk; I’d never forgive myself.’

Evie let out a breath of relief. ‘Thank you. Nor me.’

The mention of police reminded me of something she’d said yesterday.

‘Look,’ I began tentatively, ‘tell me to mind my own business, but your first thought yesterday was to call Darren.’

Her eyes flicked briefly to mine. ‘Yes it was. It really hit me then, the reality of our separation. It was awful.’

‘Do you think it might be worth ringing him? Telling him how you feel?’

‘Don’t you think I’ve tried that?’ she said with a deep sigh. ‘He’s adamant that we need to have some time apart.’

‘Then there’s still a chance of reconciliation?’ I said hopefully.

Evie lifted a shoulder. ‘Except he doesn’t want to foster kids. So unless I change my mind …’

I reached across the table and took her hand gently, my heart heavy with the injustice of it all. It was so unfair that some women could conceive effortlessly and others, whose arms ached to be filled with a new-born, could only dream about it.

We both picked up our mugs and sipped in silence for a moment. Sensing the need to change the subject, I opened the parish magazine and flicked through the pages, smiling at the outdated adverts for hairdressers, cleaners and handymen.

‘I might advertise in the next issue myself,’ I said, holding up a picture of a lady taxi driver. ‘See if anyone needs a lady tree surgeon.’

I came to a page that had had the corner folded down. Evie cleared her throat.

‘Ah yes. That.’ She flicked a piece of fluff from her dressing gown. ‘Interesting job for you maybe.’

I put my mug down and unfolded the corner so I could read it properly. I scanned the title:

Gardener/Housekeeper/Companion, Live-in (Contract length approx. six months, start date asap).

A job and a place to live, possibly with immediate effect. ‘Gosh, you really are keen to get rid of me, aren’t you?’ I said, only half joking.

Evie pressed her lips together and a flash of determination crossed her face. I had a sudden rush of sympathy for Darren. She really was prepared to put her plan to be a mother ahead of everything else. I’d never seen this side of her before, so single-minded. I was both proud and envious of her.

‘Don’t be like that.’ She lifted her mug to hide her face but I could see she was blushing. ‘It was just a thought. Read on.’

I began reading again.