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out her hand to Aubrey. ‘You’re obviously Mr Wilde, Harriet’s father. How do you do?’
    Aubrey gave her his best smile as he took her hand. ‘Delighted to meet you. And who is this lovely young lady?’ he added as Claudia joined them.
    ‘I’m Lily’s sister,’ she informed him.
    ‘Welcome to you both, and to you, Crawford,’ Aubrey added, as James joined them.
    ‘Thank you, sir. Sorry to intrude this early, but I had to make sure all was going smoothly, and these two insisted on coming with me.’ James turned to Harriet. ‘Good morning. I hope you weren’t disturbed too early.’
    ‘Not a problem,’ said Aubrey jovially. ‘Harriet’s always up with the lark anyway.’
    ‘Even on Saturdays?’ said Claudia.
    Harriet shook her head. ‘No. Normally I enjoy a more leisurely start at the weekend.’
    ‘But I’ve put paid to that today,’ said James, frowning.
    ‘She can have a nap this afternoon,’ said Aubrey airily. ‘Now, if you’ll forgive me, I must get off—due at the club shortly.’
    ‘We’ll see you tonight, sir,’ said James, and turned to Harriet. ‘Would you care to take a look in the marquee with us?’
    ‘I’ll wait to see it lit up in all its glory tonight.’
    James nodded coolly. ‘As you wish. Come, girls.’
    Claudia thrust a possessive hand through his arm, but Lily loitered behind to look up at the house. ‘You have such a beautiful home, Harriet. See you later.’
    Harriet went indoors and locked River House securely behind her, suddenly in the mood to spend the day down in the town while the unsettling bustle was going on. But if the new venture was a success this kind of disruption would be part of life at River House from now on. She shrugged. As long as the disruption brought in money for repairs and maintenance she would live with it. Happily.
    Harriet got home later that afternoon to the sound of piano music in the marquee. She strolled up the drive to the terrace, which now held a bar at one end, ready for the influx of guests later. Lights had been strung in the trees below, and there was an infectious expectancy in the air. She breathed it in and smiled. If she had to be at the party tonight she might as well enjoy it. As she turned to walk back her father came hurrying out of the house.
    ‘I’m glad I spotted you, Harriet. Should I wear black tie tonight?’
    She shook her head. ‘This is a party for James Crawford’s workforce, Father. I imagine it will be less formal than that. Just wear one of your suits.’ Lord knew, any one of them was expensive and elegant enough for the occasion.
    ‘You’re right,’ he said, nodding. ‘Are you wearing an evening gown?’
    ‘No, Father. Don’t worry. I won’t let you down.’
    His mouth tightened. ‘I never imagined you would.’
    ‘By the way, Miriam came to see me last night,’ Harriet informed him. ‘She was furious when she saw the marquee—thought you were having a party and hadn’t invited her.’
    Aubrey snorted. ‘As though I’d dare! What did she say when you explained?’
    ‘Quite a lot. You know Miriam.’
    ‘I do indeed.’
    ‘I’d better get back and think about getting ready. Youhad a very short game today,’ Harriet added, surprised when he flushed slightly.
    ‘I wasn’t actually playing; just having lunch with a friend.’
    Harriet’s eyebrows rose as she walked down to the Lodge. Her father often had lunch at the club with a friend. Why so shifty?
    Harriet was almost ready later when she heard piano music vying with the chatter and laughter of the guests as they were conducted from the paddock car park. She zipped up the dress, fastened on her mother’s pearl and diamond earrings and slid her feet into the nude heels bought earlier from the shop that sold ruinously expensive footwear in the arcade near the market hall. Pleased to see they made her legs look yards long, she went downstairs to open the door to her father, who looked resplendent in one of the dark suits he