“At least we don’t have to feel guilty about calling,” Marissa said. “And she had blocked tubes. I think it will be worth looking into the cause. If by any chance her tubes were blocked in the same way as ours, it could put a whole new spin on this affair.”

Wendy nodded.

“Wait a second!” Marissa cried.

“What’s the matter?” Wendy asked.

“We forgot to ask those other two women where they are being treated. I know Rebecca was at the Women’s Clinic.”

“You have their numbers,” Wendy said. “Give them a call.”

Marissa quickly dialed. Both women were available and both gave the same answer: they were being treated at the Women’s Clinic.

“This is getting interesting,” Wendy said.

“That’s an understatement,” Marissa said. “I think we’d better make a visit to the Women’s Clinic, the sooner the better. Like tomorrow morning. Are you with me?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Wendy said.

“Hello,” a voice called. Both Marissa’s and Wendy’s eyes were drawn to the doorway. It was Robert, dressed in a V-necked sweater, tan chinos, and loafers without socks. His reading glasses were in his hand.

Marissa stood up from her desk chair and introduced Wendy to Robert, explaining that they’d met at the Resolve meeting. She told him that Wendy was involved with in-vitro fertilization with Dr. Wingate too. Robert shook Wendy’s hand.

“I was on my way to the kitchen to make some tea,” Robert said. “Can I interest anyone else?”

“I’d love some,” Wendy said.

Robert turned and disappeared toward the kitchen. “Wow,” Wendy said. “And I thought Gustave was handsome.”

Marissa nodded. “I do love him,” she admitted. “We’re just going through a particularly rough time.” She shrugged. “At least that’s what I tell myself.”

By the time they got to the kitchen, Robert already had the kettle on the stove and boxes of different teas on the table along with three mugs.

“So how was the meeting?” Robert asked as he got out the sugar and honey.

Marissa described the meeting, emphasizing how pleasant it was and how many husbands were in attendance.

“Was your husband there?” Robert asked Wendy.

“He was in surgery and couldn’t make it,” Wendy answered evasively. She neglected to say that he probably wouldn’t have attended even if he’d been free. But Robert was a good cross-examiner.

“Has he been to any of the others?” he asked. Just then, the kettle began to whistle. Robert went to get it.

Marissa answered for Wendy. “He hasn’t been able to make any of the meetings.”

“I see,” Robert said as he poured boiling water into each of the mugs. He had one of those half-smiles that galled Marissa.

“I’m certain you’d feel differently about the meetings if you had an open enough mind to attend one,” Marissa said.