This created a whole set of new difficulties for me. I didn't know most of the people that she wished to invite. I had suffered through months of maki...g contact with Amelia's friends and acquaintances, and had managed to make it with just a few awkward moments. This promised to inundate me with more of the same, as distant relatives and friends came for the wedding. But there was no getting around it, since to not invite them would be a terrible insult.Anne came down to Hartford a couple of. We agreed to talk more online, and as we got to her car the cloudy skies that had been threatening to let loose did. She jumped in and out of reflex, opened the other door for me. We laughed again, and she turned on the cars heater while we talked more and waited for the rain to end. The downpour stopped in a few minutes, but a steady rain continued. She started to take me over to my car, but I stopped her. “Wait” I said. “This was just a meeting, just a chance for us to see how we liked each. But Cindy assured me she was there to offer advice. “I am really happy to have you on-board” she said “Toni speaks very highly of you and apparently you took Butcher quite easily. I think you will fit in very well”. “Yes and your dogs will fit in me very well too” I thought but didn’t say. “I have some loose ends to tie up” I said “but is next Monday ok to start”. “Perfect” replied Cindy “I will ask around and get a couple of new dogs for you to start with”. “One other thing Cindy. Any chance. Rather sour and bitter. I've been trying to think of ways of cheering her up."Gerry smiled. "I suspect you're flogging a dead horse there," he said. "I suppose you're thinking of inviting her here for a meal?" She may not come ... but I'd like to try."He shook his head, but it was disbelieving admiration for this unusual woman. "Why not? Let's give it a try." Would you mind if it were Boxing Day, or would you prefer to have that day free after all the work of Christmas day?" Boxing Day would be.