‘You’re all right? And the baby’s all right?’

‘Yes. At least, according to the doctor.’

‘Thank God!’

‘But I will be sleeping alone. At least for the moment.’

‘I see.’

‘Do you? I’m not sure you do.’ Evie got up and opened the shuttered French door to the garden, letting the clamour of the cicadas and the cockerels, as well as the softest of breezes, into the room. She turned back to look at him. ‘You destroyed my trust. I promise you I will work hard to find a way to forgive you for that. But please don’t expect that it’s going to happen overnight.’

He looked at her with an expression that mingled sorrow with what might even have been admiration. ‘You’re wearing the ring again. Thank you.’

‘I’m going to turn in, Doug. Good night. I’ll see you tomorrow.’

As she left the room, Evie thought she’d handled the situation well. Yes, Evie, she told herself, the road to loving him must start with loving yourself. And that means taking pride in your own strength and tenacity. She made her way slowly up the staircase.

22

As her pregnancy progressed, Evie realised exactly what Susan Hyde-Underwood had meant about the discomforts of expecting a baby in the heat and humidity of Malaya. Growing in bulk she felt lopsided, the increasing heaviness of the baby cumbersome and awkward in front and causing backache. Perspiration gathered between and under her enlarged breasts and chafed at her skin. She longed for the child to be delivered so that she could reclaim her body.

The only relief was in swimming – a blessed opportunity to cool down, the weight of her belly supported by the buoyancy of the water. According to the doctor, swimming would also help strengthen her back. Going regularly to the Penang Swimming Club in the mornings, she was unlikely to run into Arthur Leighton at that time of day, when he would be occupied in his office or out travelling. Evie was still careful to avoid finding herself alone with him.

It would have been over-generous to claim that things were harmonious between her and Douglas. He did seem to be making a greater effort, but there were still times when his impatience flared. In line with their agreement, he returned to George Town every Friday evening and remained until the early hours of Monday morning. Much of the time though, he was closeted in his study, working on papers at his desk. He had also begun to play tennis again regularly – mostly with Arthur.

At Evie’s urging, Doug was starting to spend more time with Jasmine, occasionally coaching her at tennis, and joining them both on Sunday afternoon trips to the Penang Swimming Club. He had also helped his daughter to finish their joint construction project and the completed Bayko house had a permanent place in Jasmine’s bedroom.

Jasmine was thriving. She and Penny had joined the Brownies and were happily involved in the weekly meetings, as well as working towards their activity badges. Since one of these was basic first aid, both Evie and Douglas were frequently subjected to their arms being bandaged-up in slings and having imaginary wounds treated.