“How indeed? I was given an allowance too. It wasn’t much and I assumed they felt obliged to give me money because Chris worked on the farm. I had no idea Mel was only getting a little more than me to run a household and raise the children. We’ve set things straight now but I don’t think Mel can still quite get her head around having access to a bit more money. She’s been living on a shoestring for so long.”

“For me, that’s one good thing about not having in-laws, I guess.”

Dara raised an eyebrow. “What do you call Rowena?”

“I know she can be a bit funny but she actually trusts me with the paperwork now. I think it was a relief for her to hand it over.”

“Do you have a succession plan?”

“Dan’s an only child but Rowena is entitled to an income from the farm…”

“She and Dan must have wills though.” Dara wiggled a floury finger towards Paula’s stomach. “Where do you and this little one fit in?”

“I don’t have a will. I don’t know about Dan and Rowena.”

“It’s one of those things you prefer not to think about but, knowing what I know now, you should discuss it with Dan. He and Rowena are very organised. I’m sure they’d have it sorted but you and the baby need to be included in any future plans.”

“I suppose,” Paula murmured. Talking about wills sounded so morbid. She imagined that any wills Rowena and Dan had would be mutually beneficial. After all, before she came along it was only the two of them, no other family. Still, Rowena was marrying Austin and their family was growing. It was something she should talk to Dan about.

“Now, come on.” Dara glanced at the clock. “We’d better get a move on or these pasties won’t be ready in time for lunch.”

Paula turned her attention to the pastry Dara was working on in the bowl. It was still hard to comprehend a father making a will that excluded one of his children.

At least she understood what Dara meant by less family making life easier. Thank goodness Dan had no siblings to share things with. Their future planning would be far less complicated.

Chapter 19

CHAPTER

19

Dan looked at the pale brown peas in his hand, then let them run through his fingers. He’d been working all morning and had stopped to blow the straw and dust from the header. He hoped to get a good return from this crop and have plenty of seed for next year. The straw should bring a good price too.