Page 71 of A Christmas Wish for the Village Midwife

At that moment, Shabana came in, a smile spreading across her face as she saw the table full of food and colleagues gathered. She was followed by Emilia, who had a small gift in her arms.

‘This looks amazing!’ Shabana said, her eyes misting. ‘I wasn’t expecting…’

‘Oh, don’t be daft!’ Lavender now turned one of her bracing hugs onto an unsuspecting Shabana. ‘We weren’t going to let you go without a fuss!’

‘I know, but I haven’t worked here for all that long and⁠—’

‘Long enough,’ Emilia said.

‘Seconded!’ Simon agreed. ‘The minute you walked through the door, you were one of the team.’

‘You’ve been brilliant while Ottilie has been on her maternity leave,’ Lavender said.

Zoe nodded. ‘And now it’s your turn. It’s only right we make a fuss of you for an occasion that’s such a big moment for you.’

Shabana dried her eyes. ‘I don’t know what to say. Thank you.’

‘Sit down,’ Lavender ordered. ‘Food and drink first, speech after and then presents.’

Ottilie laughed. ‘I’d do as she says. I’ve heard that tone before – she means business.’

Lavender took a seat. Ottilie perched next to her while Zoe put out some plates. Emilia put her gift next to a small pile of others stacked on the worktop away from the food. But she didn’t sit at the table; instead, she stood and watched from a distance as Ottilie caught up with the latest and Shabana filled a plate, commenting on how lovely it all was with every item she put on there.

‘Can I get you a plate of something?’ Zoe asked her.

Emilia shook her head. ‘I’ll eat later. If I eat now, I’ll be sluggish, and I have work to finish.’

‘You really don’t ever stop, do you?’

This time, Emilia turned to her with a gaze that was practical but also a little melancholy. ‘What would I stop for? It’s what I do; it’s what I’m good at, and it’s not like there’s anyone waiting for me to get home.’

Zoe gave her a pained smile. She knew that there was nothing self-pitying in Emilia’s statement. Nor was she asking for anyone else’s pity. The way she saw it was practical – it was simply the truth. ‘What about Georgia and Brett? I’m sure they’d like you to be home occasionally.’

‘I doubt it. I’m sure they’re happy to have some privacy. They’re thinking of moving out, actually. Brett’s new job is going well, and they’ve managed to get a deposit together. Not sure where they’re planning to go, but I don’t imagine it will be too far away because they’re quite fond of it around here now. I fully support them if that’s what they want, but I’ve also told them there’s no rush as far as I’m concerned.’

Zoe wondered if that meant Emilia didn’t want them to leave. She always gave the impression that she was strong and self-sufficient and that she didn’t need anyone, but would she be lonely if her sister left and took her family with her? The house would seem very quiet once they were gone, Zoe was sure. Emilia would say she didn’t care, but Zoe hated the idea of her being alone. She didn’t know what to say, and while she tried to come up with something that was right, Emilia left her side and went to get a glass of the lemonade Simon had just opened. Zoe watched her, pity swelling in her chest as she did, and then she caught Lavender watching her with a curious expression. What was that? With a jolt, Zoe realised the same pity she felt for Emilia was on Lavender’s face, and it was aimed at her. Did she feel sorry for Zoe? Why would that be? Did Zoe give the impression she needed someone’s pity?

Lavender looked away, and then returned to the conversation she’d been having with Ottilie and Shabana.

‘How are you doing?’ Simon ambled across with his glass and a sandwich.

‘Me?’ Zoe asked. ‘I’m fine. I can’t say I won’t appreciate a few days off at this point, but I won’t have to wait much longer, will I? It’s only a few days until we break up for Christmas.’

‘I’m sure it would be nice if you could avoid having to deliver a baby on Christmas Day this year too.’

‘I’m sure it would. None of my mums are due, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.’

‘And other than that, you’re all right…?’

This time, the question was loaded with unspoken meaning. Zoe looked across at Ottilie and Shabana, and could guess at the place Simon’s enquiry had come from.

She turned back to him. ‘Honestly, I’m good. I’m focusing on Alex and Billie and Louisa and happy to do that.’

‘When Stacey and I said you could come over any time to talk, we meant it. About anything at all.’

‘I appreciate the offer, but I don’t need it.’

‘Zo…’ Ottilie waved her over. ‘Are you going to get some of this food, seeing as you spent so long getting it ready?’