“Come on then.” Alison took her daughter by the hand. She leaned in closer to Paula. “Mum’s having another cup of tea with Rowena. I wouldn’t leave those two alone for very long if I was you.” She lifted an eyebrow, then made her way through the crowd with the children.

Paula watched her for a moment. What did she mean? Hastily she made her way back to the table. Rowena and her mother were chatting over their cups.

“They know it’s available. Perhaps you can make them see sense.”

Paula’s heart thumped. What was Rowena talking about?

“Hello, darling.” Her mother gave her a startled look, then patted the chair beside her. “Did you buy any dolls?”

“Dolls? What would she want them for?” Rowena said.

Paula had only been looking but when Rowena spoke in that tone she was tempted to go back and buy half-a-dozen dolls.

“Isabelle wanted to look at them,” Paula said and sat beside her mother. “How did you get on with Monica?”

“Oh, very well. She has some great suggestions and she will post me some samples next week. Would you like another cup of tea, darling? We’re just having one.”

“No thanks, Mum. I think I’m nearly ready to go.”

“You mustn’t tire yourself out.” Paula’s mother patted her arm, then turned to Rowena. “We’ve been gardening all week. I kept on at Paula not to do too much but, as Alison keeps reminding me, modern women don’t need to be fussed over during pregnancy. Such a shame, don’t you think?”

“Paula is an independent woman but I think pregnant women do need to be looked after,” Rowena said.

“That’s right.” Paula’s mother smiled. “Once the baby arrives you’ll be busy, darling. Make the most of this time.”

Paula relaxed. It wasn’t that bad having people fuss over you just a little.

Rowena leaned in. “I worry she doesn’t eat properly, Diane.”

“Paula was often one to eat on the run.” Her mother smiled at her. “I think she’s a lot better at meals since she’s been married. It helps when you have someone who appreciates your cooking.”

“I do help out when I can.” Rowena nodded. “Dan needs three good meals a day. He works very hard.”

Paula’s fingers clenched – so much for being fussed over. How dare Rowena imply that Paula didn’t look after Dan?

“Of course, it must be a lot better with the new oven. That old thing you had when you first arrived was shocking, wasn’t it, Paula?”

Paula could see past her mother’s smiling face to Rowena who stiffened her shoulders.

“I did try to talk them into having my place. It has a perfectly good oven.”

“Yes,” Paula’s mother agreed, “and I assume the plumbing would be in much better order than at the old house.”

“Of course it is,” Rowena snapped.