Greenvale was yet another fabulous property, with fields of organic produce growing healthily on gently sloping ground, but Katherine was becoming quite used to extensive, lavish, perfect country gardens. The long winding driveway led to a log house and some barns. Two German shepherd dogs got up slowly from the long verandah along the front of the house, and after a couple of barks, stood with tails gently wagging. Katherine thought it prudent to stay inside her car.
     Bennett came out of the house and the dogs’ tails wagged with enthusiasm and their ears flattened as they looked at him. Katherine rolled down her window. “Is it all right to get out?”
     “Oh yes. These dogs are friendly with everyone. Well socialized.”
     The dogs approached Katherine as she got out of the car. “What are their names?”
     “That one’s Bingo, and the other is Chess.”
     “Hello Bingo. Hi, Chess. Do you guys like to play? Is that why you’re called that?” She offered them her hand, but they were soon more interested in her shoes and trousers. “They must smell Noodle.”
     “Right, the one that looks like Irma.” Bennett smiled. “That’s enough, you two. I know she’s fascinating, but let her come inside.”
     The front door of the house opened into a huge space dominated by a massive fieldstone fireplace that reaced to the ceiling. Katherine gasped. “It’s beautiful.” Three rocking chairs were perched in front of it. The floor was bare, wide-planed wood boards. Furnishings were minimal, a dining table and chairs in a sunny corner, a long sofa in the middle of the room, also facing the fireplace, and against the wall between two large windows, was an old jukebox. “What fun! Does it work?”
     “Sure does. You want to hear something?”
     “I’d love to,” said Katherine with a longing look, “but I suppose we should get down to business. I don’t want to take up your time listening to your jukebox.”
     “Of course. You’re right. This is a work meeting.” Bennett held out his arm, indicating the dining table. “I thought we’d sit here and go over things. As I think I told you on the phone, I’m hoping to offer educational and recreational programs here, as a way of generating more interest in Greenvale,” Bennett began. “The organics do well during the growing months, but we’re looking for additional streams of revenue. We think that year-round events will raise our profile in the community and give us more opportunities.”
     As he continued talking about his vision for Greenvale and his need for a co-ordinator to arrange the programs, Katherine felt a flicker of excitement. This sounded more like fun than a regular job, and a way to draw on her wealth of knowledge of interesting people.
     “We’d help out as we could, if you need us,” Bennett was saying. “Just let us know, or we’ll check in on you. We’re very casual around here.”
     “So is your wife more interested in the farming side of things? Or does she have a separate career?”
     Bennett gave a puzzled look. “I’m not married. Never have been.”
     “I’m sorry.” Katherine felt herself blushing and growing more confused. How did she get the idea that he was married? “I just assumed you were, I guess. Most people are, it seems. And you said ‘we.’ I just thought – never mind.”
     “Oh, I see. I’ve got seasonal staff and summer students, so sometimes it’s pretty busy around here. A lot of people come and go through here. That’s what I meant.” Bennett paused. “Is that a problem, that I’m not married?”
     “Not at all. It’s not even any of my business. I thought you were, that’s all.”
     “If you’d feel uncomfortable in any way, I’d understand.”
     “Not in the least. It’s not an issue at all. Not even worth discussing. Sorry I brought it up.”
     “No, you have a right to know that about me, since my workplace is also my home. I want you to feel at ease here. That’s what all this is about, after all. Living simpler, more direct lives.”
     Perhaps he’s gay, Katherine thought as they returned to their discussion of programs and events. Doesn’t matter, but it’s interesting to know. About half an hour later, they had both taken plenty of notes and had grins on their faces.
     “I can tell that you’re interested in the project,” said Bennett, “but are you sure it’s something you want to consider doing? It being only part-time work and all.”
     “I’m quite prepared to try it for one season. I don’t have any other work lined up, in fact I haven’t really done much looking, so I’d like to keep my options open, as they say, but I’d really like to do it on a short-term contract basis. That way we both can see how it goes.”
     “Perfect.” Bennett grinned again. “Now how about some of that wine and cheese?”

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