The House by Princes Park [antikvár]

Chapter i 1918-1919 J: Olivia had only been to London once before, on her way P f to France, and she'd liked the busy, bustHng atmosphere. But now, she hated it. She hated everyone looking happy because the war was over. Surely there must be people 'j' around who'd had relatives kiUed? And women who felt as empty and desolate as she did. 1 i There might even be women, single women, single pregnant women, who could advise her, teU her what to do, how to cope, where to go. Because OUvia didn't know. She didn't know anything except that she couldn't look for work in her condition. She'd always planned on going straight fi-om France to Cardiff when the fighting ended. Matron had promised to take her back at the hospital where she'd been a nurse. But she'd got off the train in London and there seemed no point in going fiirther. Matron wouldn't want her now. She was ashamed of feehng so helpless when, since leaving home, she'd thought of herself as strong. Never before had she had to think about money or somewhere to Uve or where the next meal would come from. The small amount of money she'd earned was more than enough to buy occasional clothes and over the years she'd managed to save a few pounds. Now, the savings had almost gone on accommodation in a small hotel in Ishngton. She was eking it out, eating only breakfast which, as a nurse, she knew wasn't enough for a pregnant , 1 woman.