Bragi watched nervously as the stranger bent double, and he took a few steps forward to help — but held back when Miss Galloway took the lead.

As the girl offered the parasol and concern to the older lady, the lady took the parasol tentatively only to bend forward again, an expression of great discomfort on her face. "I think... I think Timothy's coming... that's my son... I think he's... I think he's ready!" she gasped.

Bragi glanced between Miss Galloway and the mother-to-be, startled.