Chapter 9
10.00 a.m.
The train took an age to prepare to leave the station. Something to do with a change of driver, and what they thought was an issue with the engine. An almost incoherent voice muffled an apology over the loudspeaker. The problem was a recurring fault today, apparently. Julia’s confidence in it moving waned with every word. Passengers around her grumbled as she sat at one end of the platform bench, her bag warming her feet and her arms wrapped around the belly. Hiding it? Easing it? Keeping it warm, like a chicken sitting on its egg? She wasn’t sure.
It was unsettling here. Life was eating into her consciousness and mingling with her memories; porters and cases piled to heaven, passengers wearing flared trousers and fur coats with long tassel fringes, briefcases and s
