‘What?’ Evie could feel her face turning the colour of a beetroot.

‘I heard Mummy telling Daddy. She said Mrs Leighton told her that Mr Barrington’s new wife was expecting a baby. Then Daddy said, “That was quick work” and said that Mr Barrington didn’t waste any time. Jasmine says it isn’t true but Mummy told Daddy that Mrs Leighton had it from the horse’s mouth. But that’s silly as babies don’t come from horse’s mouths, they come from ladies’ tummies.’

‘No, they don’t.’ Jasmine pouted. ‘That’s just daft. The nuns told me the stork flies down from heaven and leaves them under a gooseberry bush.’

Scarlet-faced, Evie looked at Mary, unsure what to say or do.

Mary Helston took charge. ‘Penny Cameron, how many times have I told you not to spread tittle tattle? If Mrs Barrington is expecting a baby it’s up to her to tell whoever she chooses when she thinks fit. Nothing good comes to people who tell tales and talk behind other people’s backs. If and when Mrs Barrington is going to have a baby she’ll tell Jasmine herself. I don’t want to have to mention this again. What do you say to Mrs Barrington?’

Penny looked sheepish. ‘Sorry, Mrs Barrington.’

Jasmine rolled her eyes as if to say I told you so. The two girls took each other’s hand and ran off into the sunshine to join the other children.

‘Thank you,’ said Evie. ‘I didn’t know what to say. I was taken aback.’

‘Is it true?’

‘Yes. But I didn’t tell Veronica Leighton. She waltzed in on Christmas evening and tried to force copious amounts of gin on me. Maybe it’s because of being pregnant but the very thought of drinking makes me feel sick these days, so I refused, and she jumped to conclusions. I neither confirmed nor denied, and I’m pretty sure Douglas wouldn’t have done either.’ Then Evie remembered she’d told Arthur. Had he broken his promise and told Veronica after all? If so, that probably meant he had also lied about not telling his wife about their meeting on the beach. But before she could dwell on this, she felt Mary’s arms enveloping her.

‘Oh, Evie, that’s marvellous news! I’m so happy for you. When did you find out?’

‘I saw the doctor just before Christmas and I only told Douglas on Christmas Eve.’

‘He must be thrilled.’

‘Yes, he is. I was going to tell you next. And Jasmine. But as you say, it’s finding the right moment. And it’s still quite early. Less than twelve weeks, the doctor says.’

Mary glanced at her friend’s stomach. ‘Certainly no sign of it yet.’

‘Looks like I’m going to have to get ready for a conversation with Jasmine about the birds and the bees.’

‘Not the horse’s mouth!’

‘No, not the horse’s mouth. Gosh, don’t children grow up quickly these days?’

‘They feed off each other’s curiosity. But it’s probably best to tell them as little as possible. Preserve their innocence as long as we can.’