“It doesn’t matter, the point is I should have been told.” Paula’s gaze shifted back to Dan. “We promised no more secrets.”

“I know, Paula, I’m sorry.” He reached his good hand across the table but she put her hands in her lap.

“How could you keep quiet about this? Even without all the complications I should have at least known the property wasn’t officially yours until you turned thirty. We’re meant to be partners.”

Rowena shifted in her chair.

Paula directed her attention to the older woman. “And how were you going to fix the mistake you made with allowing the second loan?”

Dan leaned forward. “To be fair, Rowena didn’t intentionally—”

Paula put up a hand. “She got wrong advice, I know. Glen told me.”

“Glen?” Dan shook his head.

Paula took a breath. She hadn’t meant to drop Glen in it but bad luck. She’d gone to him on the pretence of setting up her own will then had mentioned a few things that implied she knew about Dan’s inheritance. By the time he’d cottoned on that she didn’t know everything she made a convincing argument to get him to tell her the rest. “Just as well he did. What were you both thinking, that some good fairy was going to come and fix this mess up?”

“I tried to change the loan over,” Dan said.

“Yes, but I didn’t know why. Why didn’t you just explain your need to change it?” She thumped the table, anger burning deep inside her. “I’m not a princess who needs to be kept wrapped in cotton wool.”

“Please don’t get upset, Paula. This is the reason I didn’t want to worry you. You had enough on your plate with the baby and then the high blood pressure.”

“Don’t.” Paula pushed herself up from the table. “Don’t you dare make this about me, Dan Woodcroft.” She had planned to tell them the rest of her conversation with Glen but she was too upset. “I’m sure you two have got lots to do without my help. I’m going home.”

Chapter 37

CHAPTER

37

When Paula woke the next morning she was amazed at how much better she felt. Even though her annoyance hadn’t dissipated she was physically refreshed. When Dan had finally come home yesterday afternoon he’d tried to explain but she was still too angry to listen. They’d eaten their meal in silence and she’d gone straight to bed. At least the room was cooler now. Some time in the night a breeze had sprung up and now the fresh air from the window was wonderful, although the house would have to be shut up again soon enough.