“Rowena.” There was a deeper tone to his voice. “You said you wouldn’t tell Paula about the will and I’m holding you to your word.”

The phone beeped in her ear. He hadn’t waited to hear her reply.

Rowena replaced the handset and pictured Dan’s face set in that frown of his. She was worried about him. Keeping the will from Paula was one thing but he seemed to be carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

The sound of a vehicle drew her attention. She listened. It had stopped but not out the back. That was odd. Rowena was just going to go out and look when there was a knock at her front door.

No sooner had she opened the solid wooden door than Rowena wished she hadn’t. Through her security screen she could see a smartly dressed young woman standing on her front verandah, a very pregnant young woman.

“Aunt Rowena?”

“You must be Jacinta.” Rowena didn’t unlatch the screen door.

“Yes.” Jacinta fanned her face with her hand. “What a relief it’s not as hot as yesterday but it’s still warm. Can I come in?” Jacinta didn’t wait for Rowena’s response but waved towards the car where a man leaned against the bonnet. “My husband Stewart is with me but he wants to stretch his legs. We’ve got a big drive ahead of us.”

“I was just about to go out,” Rowena lied.

“I won’t keep you long.”

Reluctantly Rowena turned the latch and pushed open the screen. “Come through.” She led the way into her lounge.

Jacinta perched on the edge of Rowena’s floral couch and perused the lounge room. No doubt looking for any family heirlooms she thinks she might fancy, Rowena thought as she lowered herself to the single seater nearby and clasped her hands in her lap.

“I don’t know why you’re here,” she said.

“Yes you do.” Jacinta smiled at her. “I’m here because Dan has turned thirty which is the vesting date of Uncle Daniel’s will. A will which he declared should include me.” She put a hand to the bulge of her stomach. “And my son.”

“That’s being dealt with via our lawyer and yours.”

“I thought we could speed things up if we had a little chat. You’re the executor and it’s in your hands to decide. We could wait until my son is born but why hold things up?”

Rowena could feel heat rising inside her even though the room was cool. “Your child makes no difference, Jacinta. I have been advised by my lawyer that Dan’s claim to the property trumps yours.”

Jacinta met Rowena’s look and continued to smile. “As I said, you are the executor but if that power was taken away from you—”

“You’re being ridiculous.” Rowena ran her fingers inside the collar of her blouse.