“It doesn’t matter. India is so full of contradictions all over that you’ll sense what I’m talking about irrespective of how long you are there and no matter whether you go to Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata. It’s so complex. I was there a year ago for a medical conference, and I just haven’t been the same since. There’s sublime beauty and urban ugliness all mixed together. There’s extreme wealth and the most wrenching poverty you can imagine. I tell you, it takes your breath away. It’s impossible not to be affected by it.”

“Well, we’ll certainly keep our eyes open, but we’re going to be there to deal with Maria Hernandez’s death. But we have to deal with my cycle as well.”

“My goodness,” Shirley exclaimed. “In my enthusiasm about India, I momentarily forgot about that. I feel so positive about this cycle; I don’t want you to go away. I won’t be able to take any credit for when you get pregnant, which I think you are going to do.”

“Now, don’t you put any extra pressure on me,” Laurie said with a chuckle. She related her recent reaction to Calvin’s innocent comment.

“And you were the woman who doubted you’d have a problem with hormones!” Shirley laughed.

“Don’t remind me. But I really didn’t think I would. PMS was never the bother that it is with some of the people I know.”

“So we are going to need you to be seen by someone in New Delhi the first full day after you arrive. We don’t want to take any risk of hyperstimulation.”

“That’s the reason I’m calling. Do you know anyone in New Delhi you could recommend?”

“Lots,” Shirley responded. “Thanks to my having been there for that meeting, I’m in contact with a number. Indian medicine is quite advanced, more than most people realize. I know at least a half-dozen docs I’d feel comfortable recommending for you to see. Any specific requirements, like male or female, or any particular location in the city?”

“What might be handy is if any of those you recommend are associated with the Queen Victoria Hospital,” Laurie said. “It might be helpful to know someone on the staff when we’re dealing with the administration.”

“I couldn’t agree more. I tell you what. I’ll make some calls right now. It’s around quarter-to-six in the evening in Delhi, which is a perfect time. I could e-mail, too, but I think telephoning and talking directly will be better, and I don’t seem to have any incoming calls.”

“Thanks, Shirley,” Laurie said. “I’m certainly going to owe you for all this, but I don’t know how I’m going to repay. I seriously doubt you want any in-kind professional services.”

“Don’t even joke like that,” Shirley said. “I’m too superstitious.”