She had even managed to push away thoughts about the will and the state of Dan’s marriage. Rowena had finally allowed herself to relax and enjoy her own wedding day. It had turned into quite a party. She had wondered how her friends would mix with Austin’s family and friends but everyone had mingled and enjoyed themselves, even Uncle Gerald, who Rowena had reluctantly invited at Dan’s insistence.

“Rowena?”

She spun at the sound of Paula’s voice outside her door.

“I’m in here,” she said.

Paula popped her head around the door. “Joan’s wondering what you want done with all the leftovers.”

“They can’t be refrozen and we don’t need any. Can you and Dan use them?”

“I can take some but there’s far more than we can use. Are you happy to give the last of the guests doggy bags?”

“Of course, and I hope Joan will take whatever she wants.”

Paula disappeared and Rowena made a decision. Quickly she moved to the door. “Can you give me a minute?” she said.

Paula stopped a few steps away. Her hands were clenched at her sides then she turned slowly. Rowena faltered before the look of steel on the younger woman’s face.

“I won’t keep you. I wanted to thank you for all you’ve done,” Rowena said quickly. “Without your help, we couldn’t have managed.”

“I didn’t do much.”

“I’m sorry about…” Rowena didn’t want to be disloyal to Dan by saying she’d urged him to tell Paula everything. “It’s best you know everything now and it will be sorted.”

Paula simply stared at Rowena.

“You will work things out with Dan.”

“Here you are.” Dan appeared from the lounge. “Austin’s got the car out ready to go and Joan has packed a small esky with leftovers she insists you take.” He stopped behind Paula and looked at Rowena. “Is something wrong?”

Paula remained facing Rowena. “I think your aunt was reluctant to leave but there’s nothing more for her to do here.”

“Of course not.” Dan draped an arm around his wife. “You get off on your honeymoon. Paula and I will make sure everything is finished here.” Paula’s lack of response worried Rowena. Even though she was married to Austin now, Dan was the centre of her life. She loved him as much as his mother would have. She couldn’t bear to think his marriage was failing.

Dan stepped around Paula and gave Rowena a hug. “You look washed out,” he said. “Get going and relax. Don’t worry about anything.” He exaggerated the last word. “You have a good time and we’ll hear all about it when you return.”

Rowena hugged him back and then pulled away. Over his shoulder, she had seen Paula turn and stalk away.