He looked at her. She was smiling at him gently, with that smile that made him so proud to be the one she had chosen to be her husband, to be the father of her baby … babies.

50. Matthew is Decisive

Matthew continued to press Elspeth to visit the doctor, but she was adamant. ‘I just don’t need to go,’ she said. ‘My blood pressure was checked two days ago and they said it was more or less what they would expect. I’m fine, Matthew – I really am. You can’t wrap me in cotton wool.’

That came across as criticism rather than imprecation – which was not her intention. ‘I’m sorry, my darling,’ she said quickly. ‘I very much appreciate your concern – I really do, but you mustn’t worry too much about me. I’m quite strong, you know.’

He put his arm around her shoulder. They were walking back around Moray Place after having viewed the flat and, had they been watched from a window above – and they were – they would have seemed to all intents and purpose as the young couple in love – he with his arm about her shoulder, in perfect step with each other; such tenderness.

‘Look,’ said the watcher to her companion. ‘Look down there. That young couple we’ve seen in India Street. He has that gallery, I think. She’s got a lovely, gentle face. Rather like a Madonna.’

‘So touching,’ said the companion. ‘Do you think they’ve been looking at that flat? The one for sale?’

‘I’m not sure that a young couple could afford that,’ said the watcher.

‘We can hope.’

‘Yes, we can hope.’

‘Perhaps they might even join the Federation.’

‘That might be nice. We could pop a leaflet through their door once they move in.’

‘Yes, that’s a really good idea.’

Unaware of the eyes upon them, Matthew and Elspeth turned the corner into Darnaway Street. ‘Well?’ said Matthew. ‘What do you think?’

‘I like it,’ said Elspeth. ‘There’s something special about it. It’s so quiet. Did you notice that? Not a whisper of traffic.’

‘I heard the trees moving in the wind,’ said Matthew. ‘That’s all.’

Elspeth looked at him enquiringly. ‘Did you find out about the price? I’ve left my copy of the brochure back there. I suppose we could get another copy from that nice woman who showed us round.’

But Matthew had seen the price. ‘It’s not cheap,’ he said. ‘But then it’s Moray Place.’

Elspeth hardly dared ask. She had bought her flat in Sciennes at what seemed to her to be an exorbitant price, but it would be nothing when compared with the price of these flats in the Georgian New Town.

‘We can afford it,’ said Matthew. ‘We’d get a good price for our flat. People like India Street.’

‘You’re holding back,’ said Elspeth, in mock accusation. ‘I can take it, you know.’