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Kaiteriteri beach were well advanced, much to the delight of three brown-haired boys. Gam had arranged a holiday house for three weeks from the eighth of January for herself and the boys. Only small Greg looked slightly anxious at the prospect of such a lengthy time away from his parents. He looked at his big brothers, who were so delighted at the prospect, and turned back to his plate with a worried frown. His uncle Ian, who had been observing him, said, ‘Greg, what if I come up and see you for a couple of days?’
    The smile that lit the face was ample reward. His beam shot from ear to ear; everything would be all right if Uncle Ian was going to come and see them.
    Frances had to admit that Ian loved his family and they loved him. He was wonderful with the boys, playing with them yet always fairly, assessing their capabilities with skill and judgment. With them he was quickly compassionate and full of fun.
     

CHAPTER FIVE
    After the meal Rupe and he cleaned up, insisting that Gam, Frances and Jenny had earned their rest. The three boys helped, then were taken off to bed by their beloved Uncle Ian, going willingly because he was reading them a story.
    They had coffee and a liqueur and Frances felt pleasantly mellow. Gam was so likeable it wasn’t necessary to erect barriers against her, and Frances spoke of her family and friends. When Rupe and Ian rejoined them Jenny suggested dancing and Frances, unaware, went pale with horror at the thought. Rupe put the record player on and played a popular soft mood piece, pulling his wife into his arms despite her laughing protests. Ian danced with Gam and Frances was heartily relieved that she wasn’t having to dance. Then Rupe came and danced with her, thanking her for her assistance with Jenny. When Ian asked her to dance she hesitated, unwilling to go into his arms when she knew their traitorous power. However, it was abundantly clear he was doing it out of some sense of duty and, unwilling to spoil the happy occasion, she agreed. She could not relax and knew she was dancing badly, her thoughts muddling her concentration and missing the beat. Ian obviously was infuriated; she had danced so easily with him before and now she was a miserable non-rhythmic stiff bundle. His eyes gleamed as he looked at her and she turned away. They were both glad when the dance was over and she was reclaimed by Rupe, much to her great relief. Now that she had coped and the evening was almost over she moved softly and easily against Rupe, feeling relaxed and unafraid. After the dance she excised herself, politely saying to Gam that she had enjoyed meeting her.
    ‘I hope we see a lot of you in the future. Come over and see me later on, perhaps next week?’ said Gam.
    She said goodnight to the others and nearly missed Ian’s quiet voice saying, ‘Want me to read you a story, water baby?’ before she fled.
    The next morning Rupert called Frances. ‘On Monday Jenny has an appointment with her gynaecologist in Christchurch. Normally I’d go with her, but I’m hoping to get organised with the hay machines over the weekend and start on Monday. It’s early, but the first cut can usually be made before Christmas.’ He grinned. ‘Jenny’s going to throw a wobbly, but with the baby coming in January we’ll have to go to town for a while, so we must get ahead while we can! The weather’s been obliging, I must say.’
    Later Frances was glad she had been warned. Jenny’s normally cheerful countenance paled when she heard and obviously recognised the sound of the big red machine. She threw the potato knife down and still clutching the potato went marching indignantly towards the garage.
    Frances smiled at her wrath and wondered how it would turn out. It was some time before Rupe and Jenny returned to the house. Later Frances wondered aloud what had happened to the potato, but Jenny’s grin was unabashed. Rupe laughed too and kissed his wife passionately. ‘Peace, peace,’ she answered. It was