I dragged myself out of bed for a shower and dressed, relieved now that I knew I’d be staying home.

When she arrived we sat in the kitchen and worked through our diaries and planned which jobs I could do that day. I wanted to confide in her, but I just couldn’t. I couldn’t betray Harry like that. Infidelity was one thing—we were both guilty of that now—but if he knew I’d told other people he might not be the father before I told him, it would be all over.

“And we’ll have to plan for your maternity leave. There’s so much to think about.” She didn’t know how right she was. If the baby was Tom’s, what would Harry do? Would he leave me? And what kind of involvement would Tom want?

“I’m so happy for you,” she said. “And for Harry, too.” She got up to go. “I’ve brought you the spare screen. It’ll be easier for you than using the one on the laptop. It’s in my car; I’ll just bring it in now that the rain’s gone off.” She went out of the front door and I heard her speaking to someone. I thought it would be the old lady who lived next door and I kept out of the way. I didn’t want her to come in and start to fuss around me.

Then I heard a male voice talking to Annie. I went to the door to see who it was, and my heart thumped hard in my chest as I saw it was Tom.

“Are you sure you don’t want any help?” he asked Annie, who was grappling with a large computer monitor.

“I’m fine, thanks. I’ve got it.” She saw me in the doorway. “Someone to see you, Emma.”

I ignored Tom and closed the front door behind Annie. “What’s he doing here?”

She turned to face me, surprised. “He said he was a friend of yours. Shall I tell him to go away?”

I nodded. “Tell him I’m not feeling well.”

“You do look pale. Don’t worry, I’ll tell him.”

She opened the door and I heard her talking to Tom.

“It’s okay, tell her I’ll call back one night,” he said.

Like a shot I was at the door. There was no way I could risk him calling round when Harry was here. “It’s okay, I’ll see you now.”

“I’ll take this up to your study,” said Annie, and she disappeared upstairs.

I hissed at Tom, “What do you think you’re doing?”

“I just wanted a chat.”

“You’re not meant to be here!”

I stopped talking as Annie came downstairs and picked up her bag and keys from the hallway console. She gave me a suspicious look and I knew I’d have to fight off some questions later.