I didn’t know. I felt angry, and disgusted with Eddie, although not entirely surprised. But I couldn’t tell Lucy – she was clearly fragile at the moment. I certainly didn’t want to be the bearer of news that would make her feel worse than she already did.

‘I was on my way over to see Lucy and the baby, actually. I thought I’d bring Elodie in for you to meet her.’

‘Oh, what an adorable little soul. And you look so well. Congratulations to you both.’

‘Thank you. I’m still pretty sore and knackered to be honest – I shouldn’t complain as I know some people don’t get a minute to themselves and she is sleeping fairly well at the moment, considering she’s still so young. I’m bracing myself for the teething though!’

Beaming, Judy came forward to give me a careful hug. She called through to the back of the shop.

‘Nick, come and look at Stina’s beautiful baby.’

Within seconds, Nick appeared, brandishing a bottle of sparkling wine, a pink bow tied round its neck.

‘Congratulations,’ he said, grinning broadly. He held up the bottle. ‘We’d heard your good news. I’ll pop this in the pram, so you and Jack can have a drink on us. Lovely to meet the new arrival.’

‘Thank you so much, that’s very kind. I’m feeding Elodie myself, but I’m sure I can allow myself a glass or two after her last feed at night!’

We made small talk for a few minutes, but all I could think about was Lucy and her selfish idiot of a husband. I made my excuses, thanked them once more, and left the shop. I wondered whether to go straight home again, but then decided not to be so cowardly. I didn’t have to mention that I’d seen Eddie. Lucy could really do with some moral support right now; more than she knew.

CHAPTER 14

Puffy-eyed, Lucy came to the door wearing a filthy dressing gown, her hair matted and unwashed. A sleeping Georgie was draped over her shoulder. He was breathing heavily and sounded wheezy. Alfie appeared, still in his pyjamas, his face smeared in what looked like dried egg yolk. He peeped at me shyly from behind her legs.

‘Look at the state of me. Come on in, just ignore the carnage.’ She gave an awkward laugh.

‘Are you sure? I can come back another time if it’s not convenient.’

‘No, no. We’re not going anywhere, are we, Alfie?’

The little boy shook his head and looked at the floor miserably. I unclipped Jobie’s lead and let him enter ahead of us. Alfie’s face lit up, and he giggled as Jobie gave his hand a sloppy lick.