Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
D illy sat at her desk at the back of the gallery, her thoughts churning over Clemmie’s words. She had never considered an abortion. It wasn’t the baby’s fault who its father was. No, despite her resentment towards Giles, the new life growing inside her was all that mattered. With an hour left before her doctor’s appointment, Dilly logged on to check her emails, but her concentration wavered. Each time someone walked past the gallery, she glanced up, half expecting to see her mother. She couldn’t help herself.
Acknowledging that work just wasn’t going to happen this morning, she opened her internet browser and searched the accident again. The image of her mother and Anton flashed on the screen, accompanied by the tragic story of their supposed death. The witness had described seeing them being thrown into the sea, vanishing within seconds. Could they have survived? Dilly revisited the details of the area where the accident occurred, something she had done hundreds of times. The terrain was rocky, with high cliffs. Even if they’d managed to escape the water, climbing those cliffs seemed impossible. Her gaze drifted to the painting of her mother. Maybe Clemmie was right. Perhaps she was projecting her hopes onto the portrait because this was one of those times in life where she wanted her mother with her. She wanted to share her news about the baby and to ask Eva for her advice.
Dilly shut down her Google search and refocused on her emails. She noticed a couple more online print purchases, which was fantastic. She could wrap the paintings and ship them later today. As she scrolled further through her inbox, an email from her solicitor caught her eye. It had been sent early that morning and she quickly opened it, a surge of excitement making her squeal softly. The paperwork for the property had been finalised ahead of schedule and she could pick up the keys to the lighthouse anytime. She could hardly believe it. After her doctor’s appointment, she knew she would be heading straight to Sea’s End to collect the keys and then explore the lighthouse.
Excited, she texted Clemmie .
I can pick up the keys to the lighthouse today!
The reply came almost instantly.
Oh my God! Excited for you!
After logging off her emails, Dilly poured herself a cup of tea. She realised she was feeling nervous about the doctor’s appointment. Dr Sandford had been the island’s GP for as long as anyone could remember and probably should have retired a long time ago, but he was so beloved he’d stayed on. He was the quintessential image of a doctor, with his silver hair neatly combed back and a pair of round spectacles perched on the bridge of his nose. His face bore the lines of age and experience, lending him an air of wisdom and authority. Despite his advancing years, his blue eyes were still sharp and observant, and often softened by a kind, reassuring smile. He always wore a crisp white coat over his neatly pressed shirt and tie, embodying a sense of professionalism and care.
Dilly’s plan was to slip into the doctor’s surgery quickly and quietly, aiming to avoid any questions Dr Sandford might have about the baby’s father. She had crafted her story and she hoped it would be convincing enough to squash any curiosity, and that any gossip would fizzle out after the initial shock of the island discovering her pregnancy news.
She felt confident in her ability to manage the situation with Dr Sandford but what truly troubled her was the conversation she would need to have with Max. It wasn’t that she felt ashamed of her pregnancy, it had just come as a shock, and she was still processing the reality of it all. The real issue was deciding how much of the truth to share with him. She deeply wanted to be honest with him, but revealing the identity of the baby’s father meant another person would know, increasing the risk of the secret slipping out.
Dilly was torn between wanting to confide in him and the need to protect her privacy, fearing that the truth could eventually lead to the story spreading beyond her control. She understood the delicate balance she needed to maintain, and because Max had already stated he wouldn’t bring up another man’s child, she was leaning towards not telling him the whole truth. After all, he didn’t really need to know if he wasn’t going to stick around.
Her phone pinged and as she looked at the screen she saw it was a text message from Max.
I’m the happiest person alive!
Immediately guilt washed over her as she thought about the inevitable heartbreak Max would face once the truth came out. And it was all her doing. She despised herself for not being honest with him before they slept together. She had kept the truth hidden because she wanted to sleep with him, to be close to him, and now the reality of her dishonesty was setting in. That conversation needed to happen today .
The doctor’s surgery was located on the other side of the island, nestled near the picturesque Castaway Cove, so Dilly grabbed her bag, deciding that a walk through the salty sea air would help clear her mind and steady her nerves.
* * *
Fifteen minutes later, the small, charming building came into view. Its exterior was whitewashed stone, with ivy creeping up the walls, giving it an old-world charm. The thatched roof lent the building a cosy storybook appearance. A wooden sign hung above the door, gently swinging in the breeze, reading: ‘Dr Sandford, General Practitioner’.
Dilly walked in and stepped up to the reception desk to check in. The interior was simple yet welcoming, with walls painted in a calming pastel blue. A few faded nautical prints had been hung up along with a pinboard and an old-fashioned clock. The seating area held a neat row of plastic chairs. The receptionist, Jan, had been here for as long as Dr Sandford. After taking Dilly’s details, she assured her that Dr Sandford would see her shortly and encouraged her to take a seat.
Dilly chose a chair near the window. Staring out at the sea, she sat waiting nervously, her hands fidgeting with the strap of her bag. It wasn’t long before Dr Sandford appeared in the doorway, his voice warm and welcoming as he called out Dilly’s name. She stood and followed him into the consultation room, her heart pounding in her chest. The room, like the outside of the surgery, had old-world charm, blended with practical functionality. The walls were lined with wooden shelves, filled with well-worn medical textbooks, jars of herbal remedies and various instruments. A large window offered a soothing view of the rolling waves.
In one corner stood an antique wooden desk, the surface cluttered with paperwork, a vintage stethoscope and an old-fashioned brass desk lamp. A comfortable-looking leather chair sat behind the desk. The examination area was neatly arranged with a cushioned examination table covered in crisp white paper, and a few chairs for additional seating. A tall metal cabinet held a range of medical supplies, and a framed anatomical chart hung on the wall beside it, showing detailed illustrations of the human body.
He gestured towards one of the chairs and Dilly sat down. Dr Sandford settled into his chair behind the desk, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled warmly at her. ‘How are you, Delilah? It’s been a little while since we’ve seen each other.’
In the past five years she’d only seen Dr Sandford twice on a professional basis: once when her mum died, and once when she’d discovered Giles’s betrayal. Then it hit her. It didn’t matter what story she concocted about the baby’s father, Dr Sandford would undoubtedly work out for himself who the father of her baby was because she hadn’t played down the relationship to him, knowing what she told him was in the strictest of confidence.
‘How’s the gallery doing?’ he asked.
‘It’s going well, thank you. It’s really busy at the moment, which is a good thing.’
‘And I hear you’re now the owner of Puffin Island Lighthouse.’
‘I am. I’m actually headed to pick up the keys after I leave here.’ She smiled. ‘Hopefully I’ll have the new gallery space there up and running very soon.’
Dr Sandford leaned back in his chair. ‘That’s wonderful to hear. You know, my wife has had her eye on one of your paintings for weeks now. She can’t stop hinting about it every time we walk past the gallery. I think she’s determined to find the perfect spot for it in our living room.’
‘Then I think you should call in and put your wife out of her misery, make her day.’
‘I think I may just do that.’
Dilly smiled. The conversation was bringing a much-needed lightness to the room before she dropped her bombshell.
Dr Sandford leaned forward slightly, his expression shifting to one of genuine concern. ‘Now, what can I do for you today, Delilah?’ he asked kindly, his tone professional.
Dilly didn’t hold back. ‘I’m pregnant,’ she blurted and before she could even brace herself for his response, she promptly burst into tears. Having said it out loud, she couldn’t help herself.
Swiftly reaching for the box of tissues on the desk, Dr Sandford handed one to her. He allowed her a few moments to compose herself, then looked at her with an encouraging smile. ‘New human life is a wonderful thing,’ he said, his voice filled with genuine warmth. ‘It’s a journey full of unexpected twists, but it’s also a remarkable gift and you will make an exceptional, inspirational mother, I have no doubt, if that is the definite path you wish to go down.’
Dilly knew exactly what he was alluding to – the same option that Clemmie had put forward. But for her the choice was simple; it wasn’t something she could ever do. ‘I’m having the baby, Dr Sandford.’
He nodded his understanding. ‘Then I just need to ask a few questions and take your blood pressure, and then we need to organise your midwife. I’m assuming you’ve taken a test, but would you like me to do another?’
‘With the dizziness, nausea, weight gain and swollen breasts, I think it’s very certain.’
‘Have you got any clue when your last period was?’
Dilly had thought about that question a lot since finding out she was pregnant and wished she’d kept better track of it. ‘At a guess, a little over four months ago.’
Dr Sandford gently wrapped the blood pressure cuff around her arm, the soft rustling of the fabric momentarily distracting Dilly. As he inflated the cuff and watched the gauge, his brow furrowed slightly in concentration. The subtle beeping of the monitor filled the quiet room and when the reading was complete, he looked up at her with a reassuring expression. ‘Your blood pressure is quite low,’ he said. ‘That’s most likely the reason you’ve been feeling dizzy. It’s not uncommon in early pregnancy, but we need to keep an eye on it.’ He carefully removed the cuff and set it aside. ‘It’s important we manage this properly to ensure both you and the baby remain healthy. I also need to organise a scan immediately because that is overdue.’ He looked towards the clock. ‘That isn’t going to happen today as they will no doubt be fully booked, but I can try for tomorrow?’
Dilly knew the gallery should be open tomorrow but needs must, and at least being her own boss, she didn’t have to worry about taking the time off. ‘Yes, thank you,’ she replied.
‘I’m going to get your pregnancy booklet set up, and ring through to get you an appointment. At your scan, they’ll be able to give you a clear indication of a due date.’
Dr Sandford disappeared from the room but soon returned. ‘It’s all arranged for tomorrow at eleven o’clock. You will need to provide a urine sample –’ he handed over a bottle ‘– and fill out this booklet with all your details. Have you got any other questions?’
She shook her head. ‘I’m… not planning on telling anyone just yet,’ she said hesitantly.
‘I understand. Rest assured that this conversation, as with every conversation we have in this building, will remain confidential.’
‘Thank you,’ she said, slipping the booklet and sample bottle into her bag.
Leaving the surgery, she headed back towards the gallery. As she walked up Anchor Way and turned into Quaint Corners, her phone rang and she looked at the screen to find it was her dad.
‘Hey, Dad! Guess where I’m headed in about half an hour?’
‘Do tell!’
‘What’s that noise in the background? It sounds noisier than usual in the boat house.’
Ralph chuckled. ‘You mean that awful din? That’s Max belting out tunes to the radio. He hasn’t stopped singing all morning. He’s in a seriously happy mood, which I’m not complaining about, but I am considering running to the shop to buy myself some earplugs.’
From the background, Max’s voice rose in playful protest. ‘Hey! I’m just getting into the groove over here!’
Dilly laughed.
‘He’s been at it since breakfast. I think he’s trying to turn the boat house into his personal concert hall. Anyway, where are you going?’
‘To pick up the keys for the lighthouse.’
‘Dilly, that’s wonderful. I’m so pleased for you. What’s the plan after you’ve picked the keys up?’
‘I’m heading straight over there and am going to start giving it a good clean, though I don’t know whether to start from the top or the bottom.’
‘My guess is the top and take all the cleaning stuff up with you first time, otherwise you’ll be up and down those stairs.’
Dilly laughed. ‘Good point. By the way, I feel like I haven’t seen you properly in ages.’
‘It feels like we’re ships passing in the night.’
Dilly could almost picture her father chuckling on the other end of the line.
‘Is that a boat pun because you own a boat house?’ she teased light-heartedly. ‘How about we do dinner tomorrow night? I was thinking of inviting you to the lighthouse. You’d be my very first official guest, though I have to warn you, I’m not sure what the cooking facilities are like yet. I don’t even have plates or cutlery over there. So, how about we grab some fish and chips and enjoy them at the top of the tower?’
‘That sounds just perfect! I can’t wait to see the place.’
‘Tomorrow night, seven p.m. Love you, Dad!’
After she ended the call, Dilly felt a flutter of nerves. This dinner would be the perfect chance to share her news with her dad. By then, she would have had her scan and everything would be confirmed. Her only dilemma now was whether to tell Max tonight as she had originally planned, or wait until after she had spoken to her father. She didn’t want her dad to hear about the pregnancy from anyone else; it was important to her that he heard it directly from her.