I had tried to push any thoughts of the labour to the back of my mind. So far, everything was going well at my antenatal visits; I had been anxious initially, even before the bleed, but as the weeks passed, I was becoming more relaxed and confident that the pregnancy was progressing smoothly. I’d signed up for the birthing classes in the later stages, so figured that would be soon enough to find out more about my options. I nodded and smiled to be agreeable, but was eager to talk about something else.

‘So, you’ve lived in Avoncote all your life? Lucky you. It’s a real hidden gem.’

Lucy pulled a face. ‘Well, it’s very safe, I’ll give you that. So, it’s lovely if you’re a small child, or if you belong to the blue rinse brigade, I suppose. But on the downside, it’s a bit dead – not a lot happens here. I think we’ll probably move somewhere a bit livelier when Alfie and this one –’ she indicated her bump ‘– are older. I still want to have a bit of fun before I’m ready to be put out to pasture.’

I frowned. ‘I’ve seen enough of the city. I was brought up in a horrible, built-up area, and trust me, having to worry whether your car’s going to be propped up on bricks when you get up in the morning, or if you’re going to be mugged every time you’re on the way home from the corner shop, it wears a bit thin after a while. Safe and boring has a lot to recommend it.’

‘I suppose you’ve got a point. It’s just that I crave a bit of action every now and then. Maybe I’ll have got it out of my system in a few years. I don’t want to get to forty and feel life’s passed me by. Doesn’t stop my other half enjoying himself, mind you. Perhaps that’s why I feel like I’m missing out. He’s off out most nights, these days.’

The swivelling of her eyes spoke volumes. Clearing her throat, she looked back out of the window. ‘I haven’t been round the back of these houses before. Well, in spite of being an oddball, she keeps that garden very nice, doesn’t she, the old biddy?’

I bristled. This seemed quite disrespectful and I felt a sudden need to speak up for our neighbour. ‘She can’t do it herself – she’s got bad arthritis, poor soul. There’s a guy that comes – Bob, he’s called. He seems nice.’

‘Ah, yeh, I know of him. He’s from the next village. He advertises his services on the noticeboard in Judy and Nick’s – not that he needs to. I think word of mouth keeps him busy enough. Useful chap.’