Gossipseems to be is a fact of life in work and I can't think of anywhere where I have worked where it does not happen.

Maybe because she has been on maternity leave it is not gossip but trying to make her feel part of the team again after her absence.

(Actually, I think men are far worse gossips than women - I once worked in an office of 32 men and me and another girl - they were absolutely awful - bitching and gossiping most of the day)