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a few things I simply don’t understand and need to clarify.’
    Just as Erin was going to speak again, Jay did a silent wide-eyed, head-shaking warning. ‘Maybe we could talk about the arrangements over lunch?’
    ‘Good idea.’ Tavish stood up and winked at Jay. ‘Your mother thinks she’s been kept out of the wedding loop for far too long. She’s got all sorts of questions that need answering.’
    Erin groaned inwardly. Trust Deena to arrive now and put a bloody spanner in the works. Just when they’d got everything running so smoothly. What on earth was she talking about anyway? Why would she imagine that their wedding was going to take place somewhere else? Oh, why did people have to
interfere
?
    Crossly, Erin swung her legs over the rustic bench and caught the heels of her unfamiliarly high sandals on the edge of the table. One sandal flew off across the rustic benches and disappeared into the riverside undergrowth.
    Erin groaned. Loudly.
    The swans stoppedand stared at her with haughty disdain.
    Oh Lordy, Erin thought, mortified as she bunched up her frock and hobbled lopsidedly to her feet. In front of Jay’s perfect parents, too. And just when she’d wanted to be all elegant and sophisticated.
    ‘Oh, dear.’ Deena stared at Erin, clearly trying not to laugh and holding out her hand. ‘Are you OK, darling?’
    ‘Fine, thanks. I’ll just have to look for the sandal,’ Erin sighed, clasping Deena’s perfect pearly-nailed proffered hand to steady herself.
    Deena smiled again. ‘Jay’s searching for it now. Shall Tavish and I start making our way to lunch? We don’t want to be late, do we? And I can’t wait to show you both our surprise.’
    Erin forced a smile. ‘I’m sure we’ll love it.’
    Jay had quickly retrieved the errant sandal from the long grass and held it out while Erin slid her foot into it.
    ‘There you go, Cinders.’ He grinned at her. ‘You shall go to the ball.’
    ‘Ta, but lunch’ll do nicely right now.’
    ‘Mmm, me too. I’m starving. Although, much as I love Mum and Dad –’ Jay glanced towards the rear view of his parents, making sure they were out of earshot ‘– a picnic for two, by the river, sounds a pretty good alternative at the moment.’
    ‘I wish,’ Erin muttered. ‘What the heck is your mum on about?’
    ‘I’ve no idea, but I suspect we’re about to find out that it’s all about tradition, ritual and culture.’
    ‘Oh, goody. And the surprise?’
    ‘Probably yet another bejewelled elephant ornament to join the rest of the herd in the loft.’
    ‘That’s what Ithought,’ Erin giggled. ‘Oh, well, we’ll just have to look suitably thrilled, won’t we?’
    ‘We’ve had enough practice, haven’t we? And – er – right,’ Jay said loudly as they caught up with the elder Keskars, ‘we’re all sorted now and I’m starving.’
    ‘Me too, and I can’t wait to have a good chat about these arrangements. And to share our wonderful surprise, which you’re both going to love.’ Deena slid her arm through Erin’s and they set off towards the first rustic bridge with Jay and Tavish behind them. ‘Oh, and if you’re going to be wearing heels on your wedding day, darling, maybe you should have a few deportment lessons before the wedding. I know a very good –’
    ‘Mum!’ Jay frowned. ‘Erin doesn’t need lessons in anything at all – least of all deportment.’
    Erin shot him a grateful glance. ‘And actually, I’ve just told Jay I’m going to be barefoot at the wedding.’
    ‘
What?
’ Deena looked at her in horror. ‘Why? We’re Hindus, darling, not Jains. There’s absolutely no cultural or religious need for you to go barefoot.’
    ‘Joke, mum,’ Jay chuckled. ‘And Erin will be perfectly OK with heels on the big day.’
    ‘Well, of course. But –’ Deena pouted playfully ‘– I was only trying to help.’
    ‘We know you were,’ Tavish interrupted smoothly. ‘But I’m sure, as Jay says, Erin will be perfectly