Her mother had pressed her again about her plans earlier, when Keely had managed to put in a quick call before the first guests arrived. She hadn’t needed to be too evasive as her mother was full of news from home. Evidently, her father and brothers were away on a fishing-trip weekend and her mother had been gardening all day and was just on her way out for dinner and a movie with some friends. The doorbell had chimed in the background and the call had ended hastily.

It had been a strange conversation. So different from the earlier ones where her mother had been full of worry and she’d wanted Keely to return home. Keely felt a mixture of relief that she was no longer being pressured but it was tinged with regret that they were all busy and not missing her. How contrary is that, she thought to herself as she came back through the bedroom. She’d wanted her mother to stop fussing and pressuring her and she had. Keely should be pleased.

Anna’s voice carried from the kitchen. Speaking of people interfering, her mother paled in comparison to Anna. Keely slowed and stood silently behind the door. She’d had enough of Anna for one night and decided to avoid her if she could.

“Is this what you wanted me to carry?” Hugh’s voice rumbled from the other room.

There was a clatter of plates. “Thanks,” Anna said. “I thought Keely might be in here washing dishes. Can’t have her doing too much work.”

Keely gritted her teeth. No, not when you want to claim the prize for being the Levalliers’ star friend and helper, she thought. She should just step out into the room. Surely she could embarrass Anna a little by suddenly appearing.

“Perhaps she’s nipped down to the studio,” Hugh said.

“She’s certainly making herself at home.”

“What do you mean?”

Keely had been about to step around the door but she hesitated.

“Flynn said she’d moved in there and she’s got it all set up for making jewellery. Perhaps she’s planning on staying.”

“She just told me she was moving on.”

“Yes but is she just saying that?”

“Come on, Anna, she—”

“She’s not paying rent, you know.”

A flush warmed Keely’s cheeks. She couldn’t step out now.

“She does a lot around the place,” Hugh said.

“Piffle!” Anna’s sharp response made Keely jump. “She’s recovered from her op. Why doesn’t she just move on? I think she’s got an ulterior motive.”

“Like what?”

“Flynn would make a good catch. I’ve seen the way she looks at him.”

A door banged.

“Oh, Anna. Have you got the cake ready?” It was Pam’s friendly voice. “Euan is going to make a speech.”

“I’ll bring it right out.”