Perfect Partners by Jayne Ann Krentz

respond to their mothers' voices for the simple reason that they have been listening to them for several weeks in the womb. Listening and remembering.”
    Being surrounded by pregnant ladies was making Letty feel strange. It was forcing her to deal with an issue she had spent a lot of time pushing aside lately. But the truth was, it was difficult to go on pretending that she would someday have a home and family of her own when confronted with this kind of reality.
    Letty knew that sooner or later she would have to face a few disturbing facts about her own prospects for marriage and children. The recent fiasco with Philip had brought home the realization that she might not ever be able to respond properly to a man.
    “Tests on newborns who have been exposed in utero to the sound of their mothers reading a story prove that the infant is capable of remembering the story after birth. The responses in our tests were conclusive.”
    Letty leaned over to whisper in Stephanie's ear. “Maybe you could read Matthew Christopher a cookbook before he's born. Turn him into a trained chef. Just think, he'd have marketable skill before he can even walk. We'll make a fortune on him.”
    Stephanie's pen never stopped moving, and she did not look up. “Please be quiet, Letty. I'm trying to concentrate.”
    “Sorry.” Letty slouched uncomfortably in her chair and gazed at Professor Blanchford. Something told her it was going to be a long afternoon. She was glad she'd be starting work at Thornquist Gear tomorrow. At least she would have an excuse for avoiding these afternoon classes with Stephanie.
    Unfortunately that still left all the evening classes Stephanie had scheduled.
    “Now, then,” Professor Blanchford intoned. “You will no doubt want to consider carefully what you read to your infants while they are in the womb. One must keep in mind that memory is functioning even at this early stage and it's up to you, the mother, to determine what your baby will recall after birth.”
    “Talk about putting pressure on poor Mom,” Letty murmured. “As if there isn't already enough at this point.”
    “Letty, please.” Stephanie scowled at her.
    Letty shut up.
    Fifteen minutes later the seminar was dismissed, much to Letty's relief. She watched Stephanie buy Professor Blanchford's book and set of tapes. There was clearly money in this baby class business.
    “What did you think of it?” Stephanie put on her sunglasses as she led the way back out to the car.
    “Very impressive research.” Letty searched for something more to add. “Are you going to read to Matthew Christopher?”
    “Definitely. We'll start with Shakespeare.”
    “I bet he would prefer Road and Track .”
    Stephanie was not amused. “And I think we'll try music, too. Mozart or Vivaldi would probably be best.”
    Letty managed to restrain herself from suggesting a heavy metal group. “Should be interesting to see if he hums at birth,” she muttered under her breath.
    Fortunately Stephanie didn't overhear the remark. “I can't wait to tell Morgan how well it went today.” She slid behind the wheel of her red Porsche. “He'll be pleased.”
    Letty climbed into the passenger seat and carefully fastened her belt. “I imagine so.”
    “Your father is as happy about this pregnancy as I am, Letty.” Stephanie eased the Porsche out of the parking slot.
    “Yes.” Letty wished desperately for some light, intelligent conversation. Her mind went blank. “Yes, he certainly seems to be thrilled.”
    “I feel extraordinarily lucky to have met Morgan.”
    Letty nodded, her eyes on the street as Stephanie zipped the Porsche out of the parking lot. It would be nice to be able to handle a racy car like this with Stephanie's skill, she thought wistfully.
    “Are you quite certain things are over between you and this Philip Dixon?” Stephanie asked.
    “Yes.”
    “I don't blame you,” Stephanie continued, pitching her voice to be heard above the sounds of the street. “I