Chapter Nineteen

Mary looked around, startled, as Patrick Reilly fell into step beside her on her way back from the hen house to collect the eggs before breakfast. She’d noticed him amongst the other workers, with his tall frame and strong physique, and had been taken by his dark good looks, his black, curly hair, and deep blue eyes that held a twinkle. But they had never spoken before.

“You start work early,” he told her, in a voice holding a hint of Irish brogue. “Have to collect those eggs before breakfast, I suppose.”

“That’s right. My ladies are partial to a fresh boiled egg in the mornings. I’d have thought you’d be at work by now, too. Slacking off today, are we?”

“Not at all. I have to collect some things from the store for Jack, and I decided to take a detour when I saw you.”

“Oh, really now. And why would you do that?”

“Because I want to talk to you, of course. I’ve noticed you around the house, but I’ve never had a chance to talk to you alone before.”

“Why would you want to talk to me alone?”

“Because I think I’d like to get to know you, Mary Treloar, and the best way to do that is to talk, preferably alone.”

“How do you know my name?”

“I asked around.”

“Well, now you’re talking to me. What do you want to talk about?”

“You.” Just the one word, spoken softly.

Startled, she stopped walking. “Now, what’s that supposed to mean? I work here, looking after the house. That’s about all there is about me.”

He shook his head. “Oh no, there’s much more. What do you like, what don’t you like, what do you do in your time off? I want to know everything. Particularly if you have a boyfriend. Though with your looks, I can’t imagine you wouldn’t.”

“Well, before breakfast is hardly time to discuss all that, is it now?”

“No. Which brings me back to what do you do in your time off?”

“Oh, I usually mend socks, or darn the sheets, interesting sort of stuff like that.”

“Then how about coming for a walk with me on Sunday instead?”

“All right then. You can call for me at two o’clock. I’ll be free by then.”

“Righto.” He hesitated. “What about the last thing, is there a boyfriend?”

“No. Now I must go, or breakfast will be late.”

“Okay, see you Sunday.”

As she turned he walked off, whistling jauntily. Mary felt a smile play about her lips as she continued on her way to the house. Life had suddenly become a lot more interesting.

****

When the goods from their shopping expedition arrived, Kitty busied herself arranging the nursery, with Bella’s help. She tried to involve William in the preparations for the baby, showing him the things she had bought, but he made it clear he was not interested; he regarded such things as entirely her province. When she wheeled the perambulator out for his inspection, he glanced at it briefly, but derided the idea that he might wish to wheel the baby around the estate.

His initial excitement at the news of the baby faded. He expected her to deliver him a son; apart from that he took no interest in the process. However, he treated her better than he had and as the baby grew and she began to show her pregnancy, he turned to her less at night. She suggested that she move into a room on her own until after the baby was born and reluctantly he agreed.

****

Bella was watering the roses one evening when Jack Morgan appeared by her side, taking the watering can from her hand.

“Let me do that, it’s heavy for you.”

Bella laughed. “Really Jack, anyone would think I’m a frail old lady.”

He looked at her with admiration in his eyes. “Far from it, Bella. You’re an incredibly attractive woman, in the prime of her life.”

Bella felt her cheeks warm. “Thank you for the compliment, but I think you must be looking through rose colored glasses.”

“Let’s finish watering these roses, and then I’d like you to take a stroll with me, if you will.”

Something in his voice made a little tingle of excitement run through her. “I’d be happy to, it’s such a warm evening, and it is very pleasant outside.”

Jack slipped her arm through his when they finished watering, and led her down toward the river, on-to a path winding in amongst the trees. It opened into a small clearing where a timber seat was set under a melaleuca tree. He led her toward it.

“It might be a bit hard, but would you like to sit for a while?” Jack asked.

“Yes, let’s do that. It’s a very peaceful spot. I didn’t know it was here, tucked away like it is.”

“I brought you here because I didn’t want us to be disturbed.”

Jack turned to her and took her hands in his. “You must realize by now how I feel about you.” He lifted her hand and pressed it to his lips. “You’re the most perfect woman I’ve ever known.”

“You’ll make me puff up with vanity if you say things like that to me.”

“I mean it, Bella. I love you.” His eyes searched her face. “Can I dare hope you could feel something for me?”

“Yes, Jack. Oh yes.” She gave a tremulous little laugh. “I feel the same about you.”

He pulled her to him and kissed her on the lips, gently at first then more urgently, and Bella responded to his passion.

When he finally let her go she leaned back, her face alive with happiness. “You’ve got me all in a tizzy, Jack. My heart’s racing like a sixteen year old’s. I never thought to experience such feelings again, or that coming to Australia would lead me to find love again. I thought that was all finished in my life.”

“It’s just starting.” He took her hand in his again, his eyes intent on her face. “Will you marry me?” he asked.

“Yes, I will. I can think of nothing better, but it can’t be for a little while yet.”

He frowned. “Why not? I don’t want to waste a minute of the time we have left. I want you to be my wife as soon as possible.”

“I can’t leave Kitty until after the baby is born. She needs me. I can’t leave her to William’s mercy while she’s so vulnerable.”

Jack narrowed his eyes. “Is he cruel to her?”

“He can be, used to be. Although, since he’s known about the baby he’s changed. Perhaps, when they have the baby, he’ll be all right.” She sighed. “But I must be sure before I can leave her here with him.”

“She could come away with us. I’d look after her as well as you. We could go somewhere right away from here.”

Bella’s hands fluttered and she swallowed as she shook her head. “Thank you for that offer. I want to be your wife more than anything, but I must stay here for now. She wouldn’t leave him before the baby is born. He’s been better since he knew she was with child, but…I hope you understand.”

Jack took her in his arms. “Whatever you say. It’ll be agony, wanting you as much as I do, but we’ll wait.”

They kissed lingeringly, then Bella drew back. “We must keep it quiet for the time, my darling. William won’t take it well, I fear. I’ll tell Kitty, but that’s all.”

A frown crinkled his forehead. “And how will she feel about us?”

“She’ll be delighted. You need have no fear on that account.”

His face cleared. “Very well, my love. Hard though it’ll be, I’ll wait.”

****

Kitty fanned her face with a handkerchief as she leaned on the verandah rail and scanned the leaden sky. Summer was drawing to a close. The promise of rain tantalized her; it was six weeks since the last downpour. The atmosphere was heavy; heat and humidity hung in the air like a wet sheet. She turned to look back at the top of the mountain. There had been a slow buildup of clouds over the last few days. The first, high white and streaky, had given way to round, rolling masses spilling over the mountain and billowing down above the tree tops, growing darker day by day. Now she heard the distant rumble of thunder and caught a sudden flash of lightning above the timbered slope. Looking down toward the river, Kitty observed everything was still and silent, even the birds were nowhere to be seen or heard. The surface of the water quivered as she watched, stirred by the faintest of breezes, then reverted to its brooding stillness.

Kitty dabbed her face with the handkerchief, then went down the steps from the verandah and walked along the path toward the water, hoping for a breath of cool air. Another rumble of thunder sounded, louder than before, and another flash of lightning came, closer now. Then all was quiet again. Reaching the riverbank, she sat on a tree stump and gazed across the water. Usually sunlight played on the surface and dappled the ground below the trees, while birds swooped about in their incessant search for food, but today all was motionless. The only sign of life was a pelican perched unmoving atop a stack of cedar aboard the punt. It seemed as if every living thing waited for relief from the oppressive heat.

Then suddenly, a tiny drop of water broke the still surface, and then another and another. Kitty spread her hands out in front of her and felt a gentle touch of moisture on her palms. Was it really raining? She looked around her and saw a faint misty rain filling the air. Jumping up, she hurried back up the path, cautious optimism lending lightness to her steps. By the time she reached the house, the faint mistiness had turned to rain, gentle but steady, and Kitty felt a gentle sigh in the air that hinted at a cooling breeze.

The rain continued for the rest of the day. By nighttime it increased its tempo, falling heavily now, and rivulets ran down the sloping track on the far side of the garden and flowed down the drain alongside it.

****

The next morning, Kitty sat on the window seat, looking out at the steady, drumming rain. How the garden would love it. She imagined the plants lifting their heads to catch the precious water as it fell from the sky. Bella would be happy; she loved the garden so. Her mind drifted languidly, picturing the new life ahead for Bella as Jack’s wife. She hoped they would live nearby. William would be angry. Would he allow Jack to remain as manager? She doubted it.

Her attention returned to the present with a jolt as a strong gust of wind blew a spray of rain heavily against the window at the same moment as a loud peal of thunder sounded overhead. The next moment, a tree on the far side of the garden exploded as a flash of lightning speared into its leafy center. Kitty’s heart jumped and she cried out. She jumped up and ran to the front door. As she opened it, a fierce gust of cold wind snatched the door from her grasp and slammed it back against the wall. Desperately, she pulled at it as the wind howled past her down the hallway, blowing a vase of flowers from the hall table and smashing it on the floor. Finally, she managed to wriggle in behind the door and, pushing with all her strength, slowly forced it closed. She panted from fear as well as the exertion of pushing the heavy door against the force of the wind.

Leaning her back against the door, Kitty surveyed the damage in the hall. As well as smashing the vase and sending the flowers scattering, with a pool of water spreading over the floor, the force of the wind had blown rain inside along with leaves and twigs, which now littered the wet floor.

A sob rose in her throat as thunder sounded overhead again. What if lightning struck the house? Would it be blown apart like the tree? And could the house withstand the fierce winds?

The door at the bottom of the hall opened. Bella and Mary hurried in.

“Oh, Kitty, are you all right?” Bella rushed to her daughter. “What happened? How did all that water come in? And who knocked the vase over?”

Kitty took a deep breath to steady herself. “I opened the door after the lightning struck the tree and the wind was so strong.”

Bella reached for the door handle. “Lightning struck a tree? Let me see.”

Mary grabbed her arm. “Oh, no, Mrs. M, don’t you open that door. Not in a storm like this, the wind’s too strong. We can see through the window.” She led the way to the window where Kitty had been sitting.

The scene outside had changed amazingly. The rain bucketed down; the ground was now a sodden mass. On the other side of the garden, the drain was a furious torrent as it raced down to the river below.

Bella’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh my God.” She turned to Mary. “Does this happen often?”

Mary nodded. “Yes, we often have storms. It’s nothing to worry about. It’ll pass over.”

“I hope you’re right. It seems very violent.”

“Don’t worry. Why don’t you and Mrs. B go down to your sitting room and draw the curtains to shut it out. I’ll just clean up this mess here.”

A loud knock sounded on the back door, and Mary hurried to open it. Jack stood outside under the sheltering verandah, rain dripping from the brim of his hat and trickling down his coat. The storm raged behind him.

“Jack. Whatever are you doing out in this rain? Come on in.”

“Thanks.” He removed his hat and coat and shook them before stepping inside. “I’ve just come to see if you’re all okay.”

Mary closed the door behind him, took his wet garments, and hung them on pegs inside the door. “Yes, we’re okay. The ladies had a bit of a fright what with the lightning and all.”

“I thought that might be the case. They’re not used to our wild weather.”

Bella appeared in the hall. “Jack. I thought I heard your voice. Come into the sitting room.”

He shook his head. “I’ve just come to see if everything’s all right here. Seems as if it is, so I won’t stay.”

She put her hand on his arm. He covered it with his own as their eyes met.

“You must at least stay for a cup of tea after braving this weather. There’s only Kitty and me here, and it’s time for our morning tea.”

Jack looked unsure and stepped back. “I don’t know. I wouldn’t want to cause trouble.”

Bella tilted her head. “Listen to that rain. You can’t go out again yet. Besides, it’s coming in cool now, and you could light a fire for us.”

“Well, if you put it that way, how can I refuse?”

He followed her into the sitting room, where Kitty stood by the window, watching the lightning flash across the sky. She shivered and turned as they entered.

“Hello, Jack. What wild weather. The lightning is so frightening, after seeing what it did to that tree. And all that water pouring down the hill—I hope it doesn’t cause any damage.”

“It depends how long it lasts.”

“Is it likely to last long?”

He shrugged. “It’s hard to say. After a dry spell like we’ve had it could go on for a day or so, maybe even more.”

“With all that water going into the river, could it overflow?”

“It’s been known to break its banks. It’s not just this water, but what enters the river upstream. But you don’t have to worry; you’re well above the flood level.”

“But what about that terrible wind? Can the house stand up to that?” Bella asked.

“Easily. This house is solid. I should know; I helped to rebuild it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Quite sure. You’ll be safe here. Now let’s see about this fire.” As he busied himself with lighting the fire, Bella pulled the curtains to shut out the storm.

“I wonder where William is,” Kitty said as she pulled chairs up to the round table in the middle of the room and seated herself. “The men won’t be working in this weather. I wonder where he can have gone?”

“I suppose he must have gone into Bulahdelah,” Bella answered as she sat down alongside her.

At that moment, Mary entered with the tea tray and placed it on the table. “Let me know if you need anything more, Mrs. M,” she said as she set out the teapot, cups, saucers, plates and biscuits, ready for Bella to serve.

“Thank you, Mary. I’m sure this will be all we need.” She turned and spoke to Jack as Mary left the room. “Come on, Jack, that fire has caught now. Come and have some tea.”

Jack seated himself opposite her and Bella poured tea.

“I noticed we have a good pile of cedar on the punt ready to go, so I suppose the men have been working hard and won’t mind a day or so off. What do they do with themselves when they can’t work?” Kitty asked.

“Most of them catch up on jobs around the house, the married ones, that is. The single blokes usually go to the pub, play cards, darts, whatever.”

“There’s not a lot for young people to do here, is there? Do the younger men usually stay, or is there a big turnover in cutters?”

“Oh, they come and go. Young Billy Ryan left just before you went to Sydney, but not long after we had another man, Patrick Reilly, come in looking for work, so we put him on. He’s not really a cutter but he’s young and strong and he’s willing to learn. He’s coming along quite well.”

At that moment the door opened and William strode into the room. At the sight of the three people at the table he stopped abruptly, his face flushing and his jaw tightening.

“Well, what have we here? A tea party?” His voice was hostile. “So this is what you get up to when I’m not at home.”

Kitty put her cup down carefully in its saucer. “We’re having morning tea, William. Won’t you join us?”

“What’s Morgan doing here?” he asked.

Jack put his hands down flat on the table on either side of his cup and plate and spoke calmly. “I came to see if everything was all right, because of the storm, and Mrs. Morland kindly invited me to have a cup of tea before I went back.”

William glowered. “Oh, did she now? Well, you can just get out. I do not entertain workers at my table.”

Bella paled and she put a hand on Jack’s arm as he pushed back his chair. “Wait, Jack.” She addressed herself to William. “I think you overstep the mark, William. Mr. Morgan is my guest at this moment. I expect you to be civil to him.”

“Oh, do you now? This is my house, and I’ll say what I like in it. I repeat: I do not fraternize with workers.” His eyes narrowed as he glared at Bella. “I recently heard a rumor that you’re becoming friendly with Morgan but I ignored it. I didn’t believe you would lower yourself to consort with someone so inferior to you, but it seems as if I was wrong.” He raised his voice. “I warn you, if I see you so much as talking to Morgan from now on, I’ll fire him immediately.”

Jack shook off Bella’s arm and stood up, pushing his chair back and taking a step toward William. “I’m sorry if you feel I’ve overstepped the mark.” A pulse beat at his temple, but he spoke calmly. “However, perhaps I should remind you, Mr. Barron, that you’d find it difficult to run this place and oversee the men without me.” His expression was grim. “You need me more than I need you.”

William’s face distorted with rage. “How dare you speak to me like that? You colonials are all the same. You have no respect for your masters. Get out. Get out of here this minute, or it will be the worse for you. For all of you.” His face was brick red, his eyes bulged, and his lips were flecked with spittle.

Jack took a step toward him. “Look here, Barron―”

Bella cut him off. “Jack, I’m sorry, please go.” Please leave now. I’ll see you later.” Jack threw her an imploring look. “Please, Jack, for all our sakes.”

Without another word he strode past William, throwing him a disdainful look as he passed.

When the door had closed behind him, William turned his fury on the two women. “How dare you invite riff-raff into my home behind my back?”

Kitty trembled with rage. “Jack Morgan is a decent man. He came here to make sure we were all right. There was no harm in offering him a cup of tea.”

“Shut your mouth. You connived with your mother to get this man into my house. I’ll deal with you later. And as for you, madam,”—he directed his spleen at Bella—“is this the way you repay me for all I have done for you? I brought you here to live in my home out of the goodness of my heart and this is what you do in return? Bring scum in here behind my back?” He narrowed his eyes. “Don’t think that you are going to get away with this. Or you either, Kitty. You have to be punished. Both of you.” His mouth twisted. “Oh yes, you’ll be punished.”

He turned toward the door. “I’m going to my study now to decide what I’ll do. Don’t disturb me.” He went out, slamming the door behind him.