Later, when they’d finished eating but were still sitting around the kitchen table, Anna said, ‘I’m glad you mentioned the others helping out a bit more, because I’m going to have less time in the next few months.’
‘Why’s that? Is it your slave driver of a boss?’
‘He’s not a slave driver, Dad, and it’s not my work for him that’s going to take up my time.’
‘What is it then?’
‘He’s seen some of the photographs I’ve taken and he’s working with me so that I can have an exhibition.’
‘Really?’ Her father looked surprised. ‘Don’t exhibitions cost money? How are you going to afford that?’
‘Daniel thinks I’ll more than cover the costs from what I sell.’
‘And you trust him, do you?’
‘I do. He knows what he’s talking about.’
‘That’s good then, isn’t it? So you’ll be a professional photographer?’
Anna laughed self-consciously. ‘I don’t know about that, but it’ll definitely be the first rung on the ladder.’
He nodded thoughtfully.
‘Please, Dad, say you’re happy for me.’
He looked shocked. ‘Of course I am. And I’ve always been proud of you, even though I don’t always say it.’
‘But my photography?’
‘Ah, well, that’s the thing you see.’ He sighed. ‘I’m a plumber, I see things from a practical point of view. I’ve never really understood the art world. I find it difficult.’
‘Maybe you’d understand more if you came to my exhibition, when I have it?’
‘Would you want me there?’ He looked surprised.
‘Of course I would, Dad!’
He smiled. ‘I’d be delighted to come and see how far my one and only daughter has come.’
‘Then you can be my guest of honour,’ she replied, grinning.
‘And in the meantime, I’ll make sure everyone helps out more in the house. We may need some help at first, though, just so you can show us how it’s done.’
‘Of course. Jack won’t be pleased.’
‘Jack won’t have any say in it. I’ll make sure he pulls his weight.’
* * *
The three of them were sitting round the kitchen table when Anna arrived home from work the next night. Judging by the scowl on Jack’s face, he wasn’t happy about it.
‘I hope this won’t take long,’ he said loudly as Anna walked into the kitchen. ‘I’ve arranged to go out.’
‘It will take as long as it takes,’ her father said gruffly. ‘And no one is going anywhere until we’re all in agreement.’
‘Agreement about what?’ Jack asked.
Anna had told Harry yesterday about her conversation with their father, so he knew what was coming. Jack, it seemed, was the only one who’d been kept in the dark.
