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‘What was the pregnancy like? I mean, at that age.’ Brenda had stopped knitting and was listening intently.
‘I had to take it easy. They’re always worried about gestational diabetes and blood pressure with geriatric mothers.’
‘Is that what they called you?’ Brenda was indignant. ‘The cheek.’
Avril chuckled. ‘Oh, trust me, there were much younger women than me termed geriatric.’ She smiled, remembering Kenan’s shock and then delight at the news. ‘I dropped to working two days a week. I was office-based so that wasn’t the problem. It was the commute in that was!’
‘I can imagine.’
‘But I was fit and healthy and the midwives looked after me well. Think I was a bit of a fascinating case for them.’
Brenda frowned, her nose wrinkling up on her immaculately made-up face. ‘There was someone famous who got pregnant when she was quite old.’ She shook her head, making her long earrings dance. ‘Who was it? A while ago now.’
‘Do you mean Cherie Blair?’
‘That’s the badger! I remember all the to-do in the newspapers. Didn’t they claim the baby was conceived at Balmoral when they were staying with the queen?’
‘Probably. Can’t say that was our excuse. Kenan was so obsessed with work, we were lucky to get a weekend in Brighton!’ Avril picked up her knitting needles again but held them mid-air, thinking. ‘Brenda, the Blair thing must be over twenty years ago now. That Balmoral baby must be an adult.’
‘Hang on, you’ve got me all agog now. It’ll prey on my mind until I find out.’ Brenda got out her phone. ‘I’ll google it.’ There was silence while she scrolled. ‘Ah, here we go. 1999. So the baby would be, what, twenty?’
‘Twenty-four. Goodness. Is 1999 twenty-four years ago?’
‘Don’t even think about it. It’s too depressing. I was in Bromley and dreaming of an escape to Lullbury Bay.’
‘Which you did.’
‘Which I most certainly did!’
Avril smiled at her friend. ‘And I’m so glad our paths have crossed.’
‘Me too, my lovely. I can honestly say you’ve been a wonderful addition to our little town.’
Tears collected thickly at the back of Avril’s throat. Friendship was important. She’d always valued her friends but making one as dear as Brenda at this stage of her life had come as a delightful surprise. Brenda had been the first person in Lullbury Bay to whom she’d mentioned Kenan’s death. She placed a hand on Brenda’s and was moved to see tears in her new friend’s eyes too.
Brenda cleared her throat as if to say that was enough sentimental nonsense. ‘So, your Merryn. Eight going on nine, eh?
‘Eight going on thirty-five, more like. I sometimes think she’s more mature than Jago. And full of beans.’
‘How wonderful to be that age and so full of zest and enthusiasm. If she likes acting, you know, maybe you should think about enrolling her in the youth group? It meets at the Art School. It’s well thought of. It’s called the Lullbury Bay Rising Acting Talent Society.’ Brenda winced. ‘Bit unfortunate. The acronym is LUBRATS.’
They giggled.
‘Mike Love is behind it, and he directs theatre in London and the States. He’s quite famous. He’s patron of the theatre over in Berecombe. That’s Devon way.’
‘Thanks, Brenda, I’ll check it out. She might need something to get her through the next few months. She’s fine now but it’s coming up to the first anniversary of Kenan’s death. It’s not going to be easy and I simply don’t know how she’s going to react.’
Brenda put her knitting down again and regarded her with concern. ‘And the first anniversary for you.’ She put a hand on Avril’s arm. ‘I’m so sorry. It’s going to be hard for you too.’
Avril choked back the tears again. Any laughter had gone. ‘Thank you,’ she replied eventually. Giving herself a shake, she added, ‘But it’s done me so much good coming here, meeting this group. Meeting you and Tracy. I’m beginning to feel more like my old self.’
‘Good to hear.’ She patted Avril’s hand. ‘And remember, I’m only at the end of the phone line. Any time. Just ring me. Especially if things get difficult at Christmas.’
‘That’s lovely of you, Brenda, but surely you’ll be busy with your family?’
‘Have a heart, we’re off to my youngest for the day. Two grandchildren and an unruly Boxer dog. Fun but chaos. I’ll welcome an opportunity to slip away, sip a quiet sherry and answer my mobile.’
‘Then thank you.’
