~~~
Eric was a little put out and, if he was honest, jealous of the growing friendship between Mary and Violet. Her pregnancy was physically evident to Eric not long after her arrival. Eric kept to himself as the impending time of birth drew closer. Vie and Mary became closer as the birth approached.
One night as they sat round the dinner table, Mary broke off her conversation with Violet and, seeking to involve Eric in her announcement, raised her voice and said across the table to Vie and Eric, ‘I don’t want anybody to know about this baby!’ Her forehead knitted with worry and determination. ‘I want to have it here.’ Her voice grew shriller. ‘Promise me that you will help and that you will keep the baby a secret!’
‘Now, now love,’ Vie said patting her hand on Mary’s arm to give comfort. ‘We will deal with that when it happens’.
‘No! No! Promise me now! I do not want anybody to know!’ Mary was now sobbing and shouting at them both.
‘But what if something goes wrong?!’ Eric blurted, with little consideration of the sensitive circumstances of Mary’s condition and predicament.
‘Please! Please promise! I don’t want anybody to know!’ Tears ran down her face.
‘Okay. There, there. It will be all right.’ Vie wrapped her arm around Mary’s shoulders and held her tight while the heaving sobs subsided. ‘We will do all that we can to help you and keep the birth and the baby secret,’ Vie said, staring hard at Eric to imply he should not raise an objection. Eric was aghast at this commitment on his behalf and started to speak, but lost his nerve as he stared at Mary. He fell silent and bowed his head.