That night we had decided to make a simple meal of steak, vegetables and potatoes with rich brown gravy.

Emma said that the man who was eating with us was a long time friend of Charles – of both of them really – and dined at the house at least once per week. So there was no need to be formal at all.

Johnathan O'Neal I was told was the cornerstone to most of Charles success, or rather their partnership was. Johnathan was supposedly a share market genius of some kind with the organisational skills and self discipline of a clever saint. On and on Emma rhapsodized extolling the virtues of a man I could see she liked and admired very much.

Unfortunately, he had been married several times and has lost his ability to trust women somewhat Emma confided.

I pictured him as a greying older man just like Charles with a quizzical attitude and a slightly suspicious nature.

I had been cleaning all day, making beds, folding ironing then it was time for Emma to show me how to use the kitchen.

She showed me how the knobs turned and explained that it would take some time for the element to heat up properly. Together we used the stove while she taught me how she liked her meat seasoned – her potatoes mashed with fresh cheese and tomato, her green vegetables simply dunked into boiling water and then removed.

"Barely cooked crisp vegetables is how we have them here, Sarah," she coached.

Soon enough the gentlemen had arrived home and were going over some final business of the day in Charles' home office.

Emma and I set the table in the formal way she enjoyed every night and then she went off to fetch the men.

I stood standing as they all entered the dining room together. I was quite nervous. I had quickly refreshed myself earlier and changed once again into the dress from Anna; it really was the perfect dress for meeting people I thought. I was so glad I had it. I never would have had the forethought to buy such an extravagant thing.

Charles held my shoulders when he saw me and kissed me loudly on the cheek. "Lovely to see you again Sarah, this is Johnathan my main man." - "Johnathan, this is Sarah our new live in helper."

I shook Johnathans hand quickly, eager to sit down so my presence might be forgotten for the moment. Johnathan was not as old as Charles and I was surprised. I guessed his age to be around 40 or perhaps 45.

He had soft looking brown hair which was combed over to the left. Thick, rich and shiny all at once. He was tall, at least an inch taller than myself and I knew I was quite tall. His eyes were dark brown and friendly.

"So you cooked all of this Sarah?" Johnathan asked.

"Oh no, Emma cooked most of it while I watched." I clarified.

"Oh well thank you both anyway, it all looks and smells great."

"I agree," said Charles, "cheers to the ladies."

I smiled at Emma and we all began to eat.

"How was your first day working for us?" asked Charles.

"Fine thank you," I answered guessing that it was better he didn't know the full truth.

"Well did Emma tell you that I also need someone to collect my office supplies from Atlanta?"

"Yes, Emma was going to arrange some driving lessons for me so that I would be able to drive in and collect groceries and all that you need."

"Hmm," said Charles. "Jonhathan and I were just going over what we needed to have restocked in the office here. There are quite a few things and some are quite urgent now too, I guess I'll need to drive you in myself the first few times anyway to show you the way and acquaint you with the shops and products I like to use."

"Actually Charles that might not be necessary," Johnathan chimed in suddenly. "I'm free tomorrow why don't I take Sarah into the town and help her shop?"

"Ok with me if that's ok with you Sarah."

"That's fine," I said. "What time should I be ready?" I asked Johnathan.

"I'll be around to collect you at 10am."

"Ok." I said.

After that the talk turned to some big deal they were trying to put together and I was forgotten just as I had hoped I would be. My mind was wandering a bit, remembering my day – so different from any other I had ever experienced. I was tired again, mentally preparing for another strange day tomorrow.

After the meal Emma and I collected the plates and presented the men with sliced fruit and coffee.

I returned to the kitchen to finish packing the dishwasher, I filled the tiny soap holder, snapped it shut and turned on the machine as I was taught that very day.

I finished by wiping down all the benches with disinfectant and then drying them off. I polished the shiny sink leaving everything sparkling before wishing everyone goodnight and heading for the shower gratefully.