He ignored her and went on to explain the work that needed to be done. Bree bristled. It wasn’t as if she was a rookie who couldn’t manage a day’s work on the place. Kate and Laura were having trouble keeping straight faces as her dad reiterated some of the tasks but she didn’t see the funny side.

“So tomorrow Kate will be out in the paddock with Graeme and I…and I think Jack’s going to come for a while as well.”

“He’s been around a bit lately,” Bree said.

“He’s determined to make changes to the Halbots’ stock line and…” Milt fixed a piercing look firmly on her. “He’s keen to learn.”

The hairs on the back of her neck prickled. Was he intimating she wasn’t?

Milt’s focus shifted to his youngest daughter, and having spelled out the jobs that would be Bree’s and Kate’s he moved on to matters of the stomach. “Do you think you can manage the food side of things, Laura?”

“Yes.” Laura’s eyes widened and she sucked in her lips. Her heavy make-up and colourful hair reminded Bree of the Bratz dolls they’d had as kids. “I’m sure Granny will help.”

“She’s gone home.”

“Already?” Kate said. “She must have been up early.”

“She wanted to get back to town in time for church.”

“I’ll give her a call later,” Laura said.

“You’re not to bother your grandmother.” Milt’s tone was gruff.

Laura pulled a face. “Okay. Keep your shirt on. Usually Granny likes to help, that’s all.”

“Not this time. She’s got a busy week ahead.”

Bree raised her eyebrows. That was news to her. Her grandmother was a bit of a committee-goer but she didn’t usually let that interfere with helping when there was work to be done on the farm and last night she hadn’t said anything about a full week. She was always one to provide a long list of what she was doing so everyone knew how busy she was.

“Granny loves to come out and help.” Kate echoed Bree’s thoughts.

“She’s not as young as she used to be and it’s a long drive in and out from town.” He looked to Bree. “There’s still cleaning up in the shearing shed to do.”

“I know.” Bree gritted her teeth.

Milt glanced at the other two. “So we’re all clear on our jobs?”

“Aye, aye, Captain.” Laura giggled.

He gave a snort and headed off to the dog kennel.

“It’s freezing out here.” Kate stamped from foot to foot then headed inside with Laura right behind her.