Winnie couldn't always come with her to First Friday — she tended to have an unpredictable schedule, given the chaotic nature of pregnancies — but Emilia was always pleased when she did. And she was pleased tonight, even though she kept finding herself looking to see if Mr. Podmore was here. After their chat at the December First Friday, she'd gone alone again to the one in January, and had spoken with him again. She liked talking to him, despite herself.

But it was bad if Winnie could tell that she was looking around. "Oh, nothing," Emilia said, with a small shake of her head. She smiled at her sister-in-law, hoping to convince her. "I suppose it was just a long week. I'm glad you're here with me again."