“We’re having a barbecue on Saturday night for Dan’s birthday,” Paula said. “Can you come? I thought it would be easier than trying to get people here during the week.”

“Yes,” Rowena said. Paula really still had no idea that it didn’t matter what day of the week it was during harvest. “Does Dan know about it?”

“Of course.” Paula put her hands on her hips. The baby was making quite a bulge these days. “I’ll cook the barbecue if necessary but I told him he had to eat sometime.”

“Good for you. What can I bring? I could make a…”

“I think I’m right.” Paula dropped her hands to her sides. “Perhaps something sweet if you have time.”

“Of course.” Rowena turned to move off again then stopped. “I’ll bring mother’s mincer. If you like making pasties with that you may as well have hers. I’m not going to use it. She was the best pastie maker in the district. See you Saturday night.”

Rowena hummed to herself as she started the car. Paula gave a wave from the gate. There was much for that young woman to take in but she was a fast learner and she certainly had some gumption. Sweets were not her thing, though. Rowena would make a cake for Saturday night. Dan loved Rowena’s special chocolate cake with the frosty icing.

* * *

Paula turned away from the gate. What a strange encounter that had been. She had been startled to find Rowena in the house but it had been her odd behaviour coming out of the office that had really put Paula on edge. How long had Rowena been in there? Was the parcel just an excuse to snoop? She’d handed over the farm books but maybe Dan’s aunt wasn’t really ready to let go, or she was checking up?

Paula went to the clothesline and began to tug at the pegs, dropping the clothes in the basket as she went. The nerve of Rowena, wanting to know if Paula had Dan’s permission to hold a barbecue. It had been on the tip of her tongue to tell Rowena that her food wasn’t welcome. Gripping her hands behind her back, Paula had bitten back the words she’d wanted to fire at the infuriating woman.

The last of the socks dropped into the basket and Paula hefted it up to her hip. The bump of her stomach made it more difficult to carry loads in front. She was glad now she had remained civil and asked Rowena to bring sweets. It really would have been cutting off her nose to spite her face if she hadn’t let Dan’s aunt bring something.