She had often travelled with her parents, and had thus spent much time in hotels. Fresh linen, well-served meals, helpfulness where it was required, all these were comforts she had taken for granted. For the first time she grasped the work and organisation that went on behind the scenes, and her respect for Mary grew. Even when she was in an advanced stage of pregnancy Mary's routine was long and arduous. By the time she had finished with the linen Kelly's back was stiff from the unaccustomed bending. It was close in the room, and she felt the need of fresh air, so she went outside. Nicholas was nowhere to be seen. He had made no mention of further duties, but she knew already that she would be needed in the kitchen to supervise lunch. Until then she could sit down and enjoy the view of the mountains. The verandah was almost deserted at this time of the day. The engineers were closeted in the convention room, and the regular holidaymakers were out enjoying the mountain trails or sunbathing beside the pool.
