It was the third time she’d checked it since getting herself ready to go out. Again, like she had on the previous occasions, she slid it back into her handbag next to the sanitary towels and the clean pair of knickers Mrs Riley had suggested she bring. Closing her eyes, she wished that her periods would suddenly start, that all would be well and she wouldn’t have to go through this. It hadn’t happened so far. The foul-tasting stuff bought from Mrs Riley had not worked and her belly was getting bigger. She shivered as she remembered the point of the knitting needle sticking out through the rose decorating the side of Mrs Riley’s bag, but she had to face it. She had to do this. The thought of worrying herself sick all over Christmas had brought her to the decision. Once Henry and the family had left for work, she’d washed, changed and got herself ready. For no other reason than looking good might breed more confidence in herself, she had taken a great deal of care when choosing what she was going to wear for the trip to Old Market.
