The Secrets of Midwives by Sally Hepworth Page A

smile was tolerant and she seemed every inch the happy, understanding wife. I suppose anyone would be tolerant, with a husband like Bill.
    As the evening progressed, I began to enjoy myself. Everyone was happy and Elizabeth didn’t have a bad word to say about Bill or marriage. Not even a regret about leaving midwifery. It was unexpected. I’d thought an adjustment period would be normal for anyone. Not for Elizabeth. Perhaps marriage with Bill was enough to cancel out any feelings like that? I couldn’t help feeling a little jealous that I didn’t have a relationship that fulfilling.
    A spoon chinking against a glass stole our attention. Bill, red cheeked and smiling, was standing on a wooden barstool. “Ladies and gents, if I can have your attention, please. I’m sorry to hijack the celebration. This is Evie and Jack’s night, but I’ve an announcement to make as well.”
    I looked to Elizabeth. She was watching Bill. Her smile was wide but stiff; it seemed to be fixed in place.
    â€œMy bride and I have been blessed,” Bill said. “Just when you think life can’t get much better … we’re going to have a baby!”
    The room fired with gasps and claps on backs. I drew in a breath. That explained Elizabeth’s glowing skin and thick hair. I pasted a smile to my face, but my heart felt heavy. Elizabeth smiled back guiltily. “Sorry. I was about to tell you.”
    My eyes drifted over her, looking for any other sign of pregnancy that I might have missed. But she was thin as a whippet, even thinner than usual, and as flat-chested as ever.
    Bill beckoned her. “Come up here, darling.”
    The crowd parted and Elizabeth made her way to where Bill stood.
    â€œHere she is,” he said. He reached for her, pulling her up onto the stool. I watched uncertainly. The chair, inadequate even for one person, wobbled, but Bill didn’t seem to notice. He was grinning like a fool. “Now. I’ve only been married a few short months, but already I’m a changed man. And when this one comes along”—he patted Elizabeth’s flat stomach—“life will be perfect. And so I’d like to make a toast to my wife. Now, where has my drink got to?”
    Bill reached behind him in search of his beer, and the stool rolled with him, going up on two legs. Elizabeth started to fall. A gasp rippled through the room. Men stepped forward, arms extended. I stepped forward too. Somehow, Bill managed to tighten his grasp on Elizabeth’s waist with one hand and, with the other, steady them against the bar. Collectively, the room exhaled.
    â€œThat was close,” Bill said with a laugh. “You all right, darling?”
    Elizabeth nodded. She started to get down from the chair, but Bill held her tight. “I’ve got you,” he said. “Don’t worry.”
    Elizabeth looked nervous. “I really think I should—”
    Bill shook his head almost imperceptibly. I had no idea what it meant. I did know, however, that Elizabeth immediately stopped protesting.
    â€œLet. Her. Down.”
    The room hushed and people looked to where Evie’s father, a tall man with a ruddy face and a no-nonsense attitude, stood. His tone was affable but firm. Given his height and stature, I wouldn’t have wanted to argue.
    â€œShe shouldn’t be standing on chairs in her condition, and you’re in no condition to hold her up, young man.” He nodded at one of his sons, a man who shared his father’s stature, who lifted Elizabeth to the ground. “All right,” Elizabeth’s father said to Bill. “Continue your toast, if you must.”
    The room stilled, apart from a few snickers at the back of the room. Elizabeth also stilled. Bill locked eyes with Evie’s father. He looked as though he were carefully contemplating his next move. I was overcome by an urge to leave, to flee the room, but another part of me