know where I’ve gone, and I head over to Nora’s cottage.
‘I’ve decided to call her Holly,’ she says, as I’m picking the baby up out of her cot and lying her carefully against my shoulder. ‘Ooh, make sure you support her head.’
I smile. ‘You’re going to be a brilliant mum.’ I touch my lips to the baby’s soft little head and breathe in her lovely baby scent.
Nora watches proudly. ‘I know it’s a bit of a cliché calling a baby born in December Holly, but I’ve always liked the name and it just feels right.’ She grins. ‘She looks like a Holly, don’t you think?’
I nod. ‘Definitely.’ I glance outside at the snow. ‘It’s a shame we can’t take her for a walk. Nice pram by the way.’
Nora’s face falls. ‘A present from my parents.’
‘Really? That was nice of them.’
She shrugs. ‘I feel like sending it back. They’ve given me no support at all. At least, Mum hasn’t. The pram was probably Dad’s idea.’
I sigh, feeling aggrieved for her. ‘Maybe it’s just taken a while for your mum to get used to the idea. You shouldn’t give up on them.’
‘I’ve got Holly now. I don’t need them.’ There’s a fierce look in Nora’s eyes, although I can glimpse the heartache beneath the bravado.
‘You have indeed got Holly. And she’s gorgeous,’ I smile, placing her in Nora’s arms.
‘Do you think she should have some fresh air and sunlight?’ She looks at me worriedly. ‘She needs Vitamin D.’
‘You have been doing your homework. You could wrap her up well and we could probably venture as far as the gate, if you like?’
‘Okay.’ She does as I suggest, and I watch her putting on little Holly’s snowsuit, thinking how much Nora’s parents are missing out on. The first few weeks of a baby’s life must be so exciting for brand new grandparents, but they’re losing out on all those precious moments. No wonder Nora feels so bitter…
We take Holly, all bundled up, out into the garden, smiling as she blinks in the sunlight and makes a little ‘o’ with her perfect, bow-shaped mouth.
‘Back from hospital, then?’ calls a voice.
We glance over and see Maud on the bridge. To our dismay, she starts walking down the path towards us.
Nora groans. ‘What on earth does she want?’
‘Just to congratulate you, hopefully.’
‘Do you think so?’
We exchange a doubtful look, and I paste on a smile at Maud’s approach, while Nora remains stony-faced.
‘Well, so this is the little newcomer. Have you given her a name yet?’ Maud asks, crunching over to us.
‘She’s called Holly.’ Nora cuddles her daughter closer, her eyes steely.
‘Ah, yes. A little Christmas baby. Perfect.’
‘She’s got her mum’s beautiful grey eyes.’ Smiling, I trace my finger gently over Holly’s cheek. ‘She’s so lovely, Nora.’
‘She is indeed,’ pronounces Maud, much to my relief. ‘Well, I’d better be off. Wilfred will be wanting fed.’
‘Bye, Maud,’ I say, relieved the encounter has been amicable.
‘Goodbye.’ She starts walking away. Then she turns. ‘I don’t suppose you remember the colour of the father’s eyes, Nora. Shame. It’s my belief that a child doesn’t develop properly without two parents. Still, I suppose it’s not too late to think about having the poor mite adopted.’
And she walks off.
Nora’s face falls. She looks down at little Holly and I can see her struggling with her emotions. With one evil blow, Maud has managed to destroy Nora’s happiness at being home, with her new baby.
Red hot anger rises up inside me.
How bloody dare she!
‘You take Holly inside,’ I murmur, guiding Nora into the cottage. ‘She probably needs a feed now?’
Nora nods, and I leave her and march after Maud.
‘Excuse me? Maud?’ I catch up with her.
She turns in surprise. ‘Yes?’
‘Why did you have to say that?’ I snap. ‘Nora was so happy to be home with her baby and you’ve ruined it for her.’
Maud frowns. ‘Well, I was just saying what needed to be said.’
‘Needed to be said? How can such nasty remarks possibly be needed? Nora cares deeply about that little baby. She’ll protect her daughter with her life. She’ll protect her from people like you, Maud, with your vinegar tongue and your sad, sad attitude to life.’ I’m trembling now. I hate confrontations. But I’ve got to make her see that her poison is not only upsetting the people around her, but it’s killing her at the same time.
‘Do you care, Maud? Did you ever care? Or was it always your mission in life to focus on the worst in people,