This exchange reminds me of the opportunity you have to use client communications as a way to show you are on top of your game, are worth your reputation, exorbitant fees e.t.c.
Why don't you try telling the client what is on ground BEFORE she starts worrying and ideas begin to enter her head? This is very intangible and you are a busy lawyer but the pros that I know, know this. Plus your client lives in a different time zone and headspace from you. She is not a lawyer and does not live in your mind and if you assume she can read your mind then your association will be as rocky as marriages where one spouse expects the other to mind-read and fails to express needs and complaints.
Bad or good, tell the client. Do not leave her in space because this exposes her to all sorts of wonderment. Check out Joe Flom over at Skadden who was always turning over the clients issues over in his mind ad nauseum. He was always asking his people 'have you informed the client, have you told her the memo is on its way, have you sent the mail telling her what you've done or where you are at?
The simple idea behind this is you create a deep well of trust and competence. She feels you have it all locked down and nothing slips through the cracks.
A word: it is tempting to go forward and put this idea into play for your special,pay the bill clients which is admirable but limits the reach of this idea. Try it out on everyone and make adjustments as you get used to how it applies in your affairs.
For your law firm HOW you do your work is also as important as what work you do.
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