Hot tears sting my eyes and I blink them away, hoping no one will notice. ‘It wasn’t the best experience with Leo, to be honest, Tara. Things were a little bit frightening for a time, so if you don’t mind, I’d rather not share.’

‘Oh, darling, you poor thing.’ Tara reaches for my hand. ‘I’m so sorry. Those of us who have an easy time often forget that it isn’t that simple for others. I mean, Rufus just shot out. But here you are, Leo’s a lovely, strong little thing and you both got through it. Did you have him at the William Harvey?’

Miranda mutters something as she picks at a plate of seed cake in front of her, but I can’t make out the words.

‘Yes, I did.’ I take the remains of the cake from Mina’s hand and wipe her sticky palms, before picking up the nappy bag and hanging it over the handle of the pram. ‘Miranda, did you say something?’

Miranda shakes her head, but Tara steps in. ‘Yes you did, Miranda. What did you say?’ She looks around at the rest of us, letting out a trill of laughter. ‘Don’t leave us all in suspense.’

‘It’s nothing.’ Miranda shakes her head again, and I feel a twinge of pity as she shifts uncomfortably in her seat.

‘Oh, come on,’ Tara presses, oblivious to Miranda’s embarrassment. ‘We’re all friends here, just say it, Miranda.’

Miranda throws her napkin down on the table as if accepting defeat. ‘I said’ – her cheeks burn a bright vivid pink as she speaks – ‘it’s a good job Allie didn’t have him at home.’ Her eyes meet mine. ‘Not in that cottage.’