Mmakosi’s eyes sparkled. ‘But you must always remember never to reveal your sources,’ she said. ‘I’m sure that you know all about that in your profession.’

‘I understand that,’ said Mma Ramotswe. ‘And if ever you need a new job, Mma, perhaps you could call me on the telephone…’

They both laughed. Then Mmakosi said, ‘I hear it’s a boy.’

‘That is so, Mma. That’s good news for Phuti Radiphuti – he is the husband – but I always feel it must secretly be a bit disappointing for the mother. You can’t dress boy babies up in the same way as you can dress up girls.’

‘That’s changing, Mma. It used to be the case, but these days there are clothes that suit both sorts of baby.’

‘They’re putting lace on boys?’

‘Not quite,’ said Mmakosi. ‘But that may come. Men are wearing more feminine clothes these days, haven’t you noticed?’

Mma Ramotswe was not sure whether she had noticed this or not. What were Charlie and Fanwell wearing these days? They were young men of fashion, but all she ever saw them in was mechanic’s overalls. For an absurd moment she saw the two of them in greasy overalls with lace cuffs and necks. And Mr J. L. B. Matekoni also in overalls with a delicate lace trim along the edge, perhaps with only a trace of grease here and there…

‘You’re smiling, Mma?’

The ridiculous image faded. ‘I was thinking. My husband’s a mechanic, as you know, and his clothes are… Well, they are the sort of thing that men wear. They don’t like fussy clothes, as a general rule.’

‘Of course, Mma,’ said Mmakosi. ‘I understand that very well. My own husband is like that. His head is full of football, and there is no room for clothes.’ She paused. ‘Mind you, Mma, there is a course, you know. They have a course for men called the Modern Husband course. Have you heard of it?’

‘I have not, Mma. It sounds interesting.’

‘It is very good. I hear they teach men how to cook, or at least to think about cooking.’

Mma Ramotswe’s attention was immediately engaged. ‘That sounds very useful.’

‘And then they have lectures on clothes and how to look smart. Then – and this is very important – there is part of the course called “How to make your wife feel special”. They teach them about buying presents for ladies and how to remember your wife’s birthday.’

Mma Ramotswe laughed. ‘Men could write the date on a piece of paper and put it on the wall. Or they could have a book that had dates like that – birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and so on.’

‘They could do all of that,’ agreed Mmakosi. ‘But do they, Mma? Would men remember their wedding anniversary if we didn’t tell them? I do not think they would.’