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helped Jenny prepare some of the delicacies for the meal. Already the goose was simmering gently in the oven and neatly wrapped in shining foil lay a generous portion of smoked salmon which had been frozen earlier. She set the formal dining table, making tiny sprays for Gam and Jenny of miniature pink rosebuds and fern. Happily she found a crystal bowl and filled it with tiny flowers, arranging them to form a neat low ball with the green fern forming a delicate tracery.
    When the boys arrived home from school they hurried through their homework and did their chores quickly before their swim. Afterwards they climbed into their Sunday best shorts and shirts and, faces gleaming, hung round the kitchen appreciatively sniffing. Finally Jenny threw them into the lounge to watch television while Frances and she changed. Jenny wore the pretty dark blue tiered dress and Frances selected one of her old favourites, a silky-soft green-toned dress. Its tiny ribbon straps led across her shoulders, the bodice was fitted to the waist, the skirt flaring gently to mid-calf. She hadn’t worn it at the farm, although she had used it regularly in town. It took her longer than usual to dress; perversely tonight she really wanted to look beautiful. She selected an old pendant with a fine gold chain and placed it in position. It was an exquisite piece with aquamarines and seed pearls which had belonged to her grandmother. She dressed her hair into an upswept style with deeply curving curls around her face swooping into a waterfall of curls at the back. When she had finished dressing she felt a small pride in knowing she looked as nice as possible. It gave her confidence that she could spend the evening in Ian’s company without spoiling it for Jenny, Rupe and the boys.
    As she walked out to the lounge an appreciative silence greeted her appearance.
    Rupe came over and took her to meet Gam. It was easy to see the relationship to Jenny and Ian in the tall, brown-haired woman. She spoke quietly to Frances, explaining that Gam had been her title for years. ‘I’m actually Thad, Ivan and Greg’s Great-Aunt Matilda, but that’s rather a long name for small children! Their grandfather was my big brother, and he was a real darling of a man. I was very much of a surprise gift to the family and was spoilt outrageously. When I finished at university I went overseas, met Ricardo and lived in Italy for twenty years. When Ricardo died I came home to Coppers.’
    ‘And thank God for that,’ said Ian, approaching them with a drink for Gam. He enquired what Frances would like to drink, and politely poured her a dry sherry. When their hands met over the stem of the crystal glass Frances stiffened involuntarily and knew Ian saw her reaction. Deliberately she turned away from him and questioned Gam about life in Italy, a subject she hoped Gam was happy to talk about.
    The meal was superb—first the apple and orange juice, followed by an oyster cocktail and to the delight of all the smoked salmon served with a creamy tangy sauce and the main dish, the big goose, bought steaming to the table. The three little boys were wide-eyed with the splendour of the feast and with being allowed a taste of the various light wines. The meal was pleasantly entertaining. Gam was a natural raconteur and she told many stories of previous ‘wool away’ occasions. As well, she kept them all laughing with highlights of her recent trip to a conservationists’ conference, gently mimicking the characteristics of several well-known folk. It did not hide her deep knowledge and love of her pet field, and now that she knew Gam’s surname Frances recognised her as a nationally known lecturer on trees and conservation.
    The three boys were obviously a special delight to her and she questioned them about the coming holidays. Frances caught a conspiratorial wink from Jenny as the boys discussed their favourite beaches. By the time the dessert of lychees was reached, plans for a holiday at