The It Girl(97)

When she arrives in Oxford she waits for everyone else to get off the train so that she can manhandle her suitcase down the steps in peace, but she’s surprised when she reaches the carriage door to find a young man waiting there for her, his hand held out.

“Here, let me take your case.”

“Oh, no, seriously, I’m fine,” Hannah says. She’s momentarily confused—why is he acting like she’s an old lady? Then she looks down and realizes. He has seen her bump. The knowledge gives her a strange jolt—she is now visibly, undeniably pregnant in a way even strangers can’t miss.

“Thanks,” she says at last and holds out the handle of her case. “Thank you very much.”

He takes it, swings it easily to the ground, and then extends his hand politely to assist her too.

Hannah wants to laugh as she puts one hand on his arm. How do you think I get up a whole flight to my flat without your assistance? she wants to ask him, but at the same time she’s touched. He’s seen something vulnerable in her, and he wants to take care of her, and that’s both reassuring and, at the same time, a little unnerving.



* * *



THE TAXI DROPS HER OUTSIDE an imposing stone building and Hannah walks in, looking around her as she does.

“Can I help you, madam?” a woman behind the check-in desk asks, and Hannah nods.

“Um, yes. I have a room. Hannah de Chastaigne. That’s C-H-A-S-T—”

“Ah, yes, I have it,” the woman breaks in with a smile. “A suite for two nights, is that correct?”

“A suite?” Hannah says, momentarily taken aback. “I booked a classic double.”

“I upgraded you,” says a voice from behind her, and she turns to see November grinning at her. “Don’t be annoyed!”

“November,” Hannah says, exasperated. “I can’t—you’re only here because I suggested it.”

“I’m here,” November says severely, “because I asked you to meet with me, and because I rudely inveigled myself onto your trip. And I’m not taking no for an answer. Plus, it’s already done. Ask the check-in lady.”

“It’s true,” the woman behind the desk says with a smile, delighted at being a part of this benevolent conspiracy. “It’s all paid for.”

“November!” Hannah says, but helplessly, with a laugh, and November gives her a droll little wink that is so purely April that Hannah’s heart tugs inside her.

“One person, is that right?” the check-in woman says, and Hannah nods, while at the same time wishing Will could have been here. A suite! It might be practically their last chance to live it up before the baby arrives.

Up in the room she stands, taking it all in, while the nice porter shows her how to work the lights and open and close the balcony doors. After he’s gone she lies down on the bed for a moment, luxuriating, and then sends Will a series of WhatsApp pictures, with the message Wish you were here!

She’s just considering what to do next when there’s a knock at the door. When Hannah opens it, November is standing outside, looking, if possible, even more beautiful than earlier.

“Hi,” she says with a broad smile. “I thought I’d come up and talk about plans. It’s…” She glances at her phone. “Almost four. We’re meeting Emily for dinner, is that right?”

“That’s right.” Hannah nods. “Seven p.m. At her flat.”

“Then we’re going on the Pelham tour tomorrow afternoon?”

“Yes, then tea with Dr. Myers afterwards.”

November nods. Her face is sober.

“So what—” she starts, but Hannah’s phone buzzes in her hand, and glancing at it, she sees it’s Will.

Jealous! he’s written.

“Sorry,” Hannah says. She’s trying not to smile. “You were saying?”

“I was just going to ask, what time should we set out? I assume you probably want to slump on the bed for a bit beforehand?”

“I kind of do,” Hannah says, surprising herself. She’s not normally one for just lying in a hotel room, but she’s tired, in spite of having done nothing apart from sit on a train. Her back is aching and there’s a twinge deep in her pelvis that feels distinctly odd, probably from sitting in the same position on hard train seats all day.

“Okay, well I’ll come and knock about six thirty then? I looked it up on maps, I don’t think it’ll take us more than half an hour to walk.”

“If that,” Hannah says. “Oxford’s not very big. See you later?”

“See you later,” November says, and then, to Hannah’s surprise, she leans forward and kisses Hannah gently on the cheek.

“Thank you for this, Hannah.”

“Don’t be silly,” Hannah says awkwardly. “This is hardly fun for either of us.”

“I know, but it’s not that—it’s just—I spent the whole time April was in Oxford begging her to let me stay, and then after she was dead, wondering what her life here had been like. And I never dared to come and find out for myself. I know this can’t be easy for you but I just—I’m glad I’m here. I’m glad I’m with one of April’s friends. This feels right, do you know what I mean?”