Margaret learns the difference between official school procedures and the working knowledge Pauline has built over seven years.

Margaret becomes Eastbrook’s school secretary and takes responsibility for the records, money and correspondence that keep the office running.

Margaret begins work as senior administrator at Millbrook and adjusts to networked computers, email and unfamiliar office systems.

Pauline’s retirement prompts Margaret to consider her own working life while their friendship begins moving beyond school-office conversations.

Margaret agrees a reduced three-day working pattern at Millbrook following Alan’s death.

Margaret completes her final day at Millbrook, hands over fourteen pages of notes and leaves the office without moving a changed tray.

Pauline takes Margaret to an Emsworth local history meeting where disputed dates and incomplete memories prove more interesting than the buildings.

Margaret records her present routine in Emsworth, including family visits, gardening, local history and continued work on the Life Archive.