“Don’t be so gloomy, Alfred,” Dodo complained, reaching across to slap his hand as if he was a naughty child. “We’re supposed to be cheering up poor Molly, not worrying her even more. We’re going to make her very welcome and give her a lovely time with us. You should see how happy Little Cuddles is to have found a playmate. They absolutely adore each other.”

Actually they had been crawling over each other, taking toys away at will, but I thought it wise not to say this.

“I’m sure he’ll have a brother or sister soon enough,” Alfred said.

“I’m not sure that I want to give up my figure again so soon,” Dodo said. “And it really was most uncomfortable going through childbirth, wasn’t it, Molly.”

Alfred coughed. One did not mention pregnancy in mixed company.

We had just had coffee served to us when there was a thunderous knock at the front door. Dodo gave a little gasp. “It’s them. They’ve found you, Molly.”

Alfred stood up, ready for action, but then we heard a maid’s voice, calm and efficient, saying, “I’ll tell the master that you’re here, sir, if you’d care to wait.” Then she appeared and dropped a curtsey. “If you please, sir, ma’am, but Captain Sullivan has come to see his wife.”

“Show him in, Ethel. Don’t keep him waiting,” Dodo said before Alfred could answer. “And bring another cup and brandy glass.”

The maid gave a perfunctory bob again and almost immediately Daniel came into the room. He was still wearing his police uniform and he looked hollow-eyed and exhausted.

“Daniel Sullivan.” He held out his hand to Alfred. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am for you taking my wife in on such short notice.”

“Not at all. Glad to be of help,” Alfred said gruffly and shook his hand.

“I’m sorry to trouble you at this hour,” Daniel said, and I could see him staring at my new attire with interest, “but I wonder if I might have a word with my wife about arrangements that are being made for her.”

“By all means,” Alfred said. “Ethel, show Captain and Mrs. Sullivan into my study. Can I pour you a brandy first?”

“I won’t take a drink, thank you. I’ve hardly slept in the last day or so and I’d probably fall asleep during the cab ride downtown.”

“A cup of coffee then?” Dodo asked. “Some dessert? Some fruit?”

“I wouldn’t say no to coffee,” Daniel said. “Thank you.”