Page 86 of The Farmer Has a Wife

She was just wondering whether or not she should go on a long walk and try to forget that the rest of the world existed, when a knock sounded at the morning room door. She turned and saw Indi standing in the doorway, grinning.

“Let myself in,” Indi said airily. “There’s no security around here, did you know that? Big old door, just standing there unlocked. Honestly, if I weren’t such a law-abiding citizen, I could have stolen the family jewels by now.”

“What are you doing here?” Eleanor asked, narrowing her eyes.

“Girls’ afternoon,” Indi said, breezing past her into the room and dumping an armful of bags on the sofa.

“Girls’ afternoon doing what?” said Eleanor suspiciously.

Indi shrugged. “Trying on clothes, gossiping, drinking tea… or something stronger. Your choice.”

Eleanor crossed her arms. “Is this a setup?”

“Absolutely,” Indi grinned. “I’ve been working on a new dress, and I need a human model. There’s only so much I can do on a mannequin. And you seem to be at a loose end.” She held out a garment bag.

Eleanor sighed, but took the bag. Even Indi was better than a cross tromp through the countryside, she supposed.

???

Danni pulled up outside The Willows in her battered Land Rover, and Isabella was already standing on the porch and waiting.

“It’s about time,” Isabella grumbled, as she clambered up into the passenger seat. “And when are you going to get rid of this awful vehicle? Honestly, you’re a lady of the manor, surely you could drive something with a little more class.”

“Sentimental attachment,” Danni said. “Besides, sheep don’t fit in the back of the Rolls, so it’s not exactly practical.”

Isabella laughed. “Is everything ready?”

“Ready as it’ll ever be,” said Danni, pulling out of the driveway. “We’ve just got to stop by the big farm and then we’ll be on our way.”

“Has Eleanor guessed anything yet?” Isabella asked as theydrove.

“Don’t think so. But you know her, she’s a dark horse. There’s every chance that she knows it all and just hasn’t said anything about it.”

“She did call me this morning,” said Isabella. “I told her I was busy.”

For a while they chatted about the farm, Isabella showing shrewd interest in Danni’s new planting policies. And then they were bumping over the cobblestones into the big farmyard. Hector was already pacing around, looking far from happy in his suit and tie.

“I hate suits,” he said as he opened the door and climbed into the back seat. “And you’d better make sure you keep that Elizabeth away from me. She’s a maneater.”

Isabella rolled her eyes. “She’s a lawyer, not a lion.”

“Same thing,” Hector said darkly.

There was the sound of high heels on the cobblestones and Danni looked in the rearview mirror to see her mother tottering toward the car.

“She’ll be on her best behavior,” Hector said, catching Danni’s glance.

“She’s promised to teach me poker,” Isabella said.

“Oh God,” said Danni.

“She’s pleased to be invited,” said Hector. “Honestly, Dan. You’ve made her year.”

“Yeah, well, she’s my mum,” said Danni. She started the engine as her mother climbed into the car.

“Drink for the journey?” asked her mum, rattling a bag that seemed to be filled with airport miniatures.

“Oh, yes, please,” said Isabella, accepting a tiny bottle of gin.

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