Weekend workers entailed extra chores, particularly in the catering department, but Emma preferred to be busy, knowing work would take her mind off Monday morning’s meeting with Colin Theobald. In the end, she had postponed making her request for a meeting until Friday, believing it prudent not to appear over-anxious.
The Ritchie-Beaumont family were due to arrive for lunch, during which Cal would allocate shed-building tasks. An evening storm had cleared the air and the wind was now blowing from the south, ensuring slightly cooler temperatures. From late morning, the backyard was in shade, a second advantage for the workers. Emma tried to envisage elegant Sonya undertaking manual work, so wasn’t surprised when an apology arrived via e-message, advising that her mother, Dorothea, was unwe
