Chapter Twenty-Seven

Thirteen years later

Kitty Barron stood on the verandah of Redwoods and wondered at her feeling of dissatisfaction. Why should she feel this way? After all, she had everything she’d ever wanted—Hadn’t she? It was many years since she had vowed that she would do whatever she had to do, to claw back the prosperity that had been snatched from her family. And she had succeeded.

Looking around, her gaze swept over the large swathe of land that lay between the imposing Bulahdelah Mountain and the Myall River, glinting silver in the sun before her. It all belonged to her, her and Joy. And there was more—the forest of hardwood timber that rang with the sound of the timber cutter’s axes and the mill that supplied the timber requirements of the local area and beyond. This was Redwoods. Security for herself, her mother, and her daughter. What more could she want?

Sighing, Kitty turned and went inside, heading to her office where she sat at her desk and pulled a pile of papers toward her. It was time to begin work. There was a quick knock at the door and her mother entered the room.

“Good morning, Kitty. It looks like you’re busy already. And so is Joy, I see,” Bella added, glancing through the window to where her granddaughter was busy grooming her horse.

“Yes, she wants to spend as much time as possible with Dancer until she goes down to school in Sydney tomorrow. I’ll just finish with these and then we’ll have breakfast.”

Bella nodded as she sat in the chair opposite. “I’m happy that Joy is looking forward to going to St. Catherine’s tomorrow.”

“Oh yes, she’s excited; she’s told me how she can’t wait to see ‘the big world out there away from Redwoods,’ as she puts it.” Kitty’s throat tightened. “I’ve told her she won’t find anywhere better than here, but she doesn’t believe me.”

“It’s natural at her age. She’s growing up.” Bella gestured at the papers. “What are you working on now?”

“I’m trying to decide whether to plant more timber or not in the areas where the cutting has finished. I need to look to Redwoods’ future.”

“Redwoods’ future, yes. But what about you, Kitty? What about your future? I know you never wanted to marry before, because you worried about losing Redwoods but now, since the Married Women’s Property Act was passed, there’s no danger of that. It’s many years since William drowned, and you’re too young to spend the rest of your life alone. What about Harry Osborne? Will you consider him?”

Kitty thought of Harry Osborne, a faithful, dependable friend as well as a good customer over the years. He had proposed marriage and she had refused him. Since then, he had often pointed out how it would make good business sense to join their two enterprises—his boat building and her timber mill. But marriage? She didn’t think she wanted to marry again.

She shrugged. “Marriage would mean I couldn’t do as I like, when I like. And I’ve grown used to that, and I don’t know I want to give up my freedom. I don’t need a husband and besides, although I enjoy Harry’s company and value his friendship, I don’t love him.”

Bella sighed. “Well, I know better than to try and change your mind.” She stood up. “I’ll go in to breakfast. Don’t be too long.”

****

“Now then, you won’t forget to write and let me know how everything is, will you?” Kitty asked Joy as they said their farewells in the hall of St. Catherine’s School.

“No, and don’t you forget to write and let me know how everything is at home. And you won’t forget to see Dancer has plenty of exercise, will you? You know she’s used to me riding her every day. And don’t forget, she loves an apple or a carrot when you go to visit her.”

‘“I won’t forget, I promise.” Kitty nodded toward a mistress assembling the waiting girls into groups. “And now, I can see you have to go.”

Joy picked up her case. “Bye, Mother. See you in the spring holidays.”

“I’ll be here to meet you.” Kitty watched her go with an ache in her heart.

****

Kitty counted each day until Joy would be home again, but finally it happened, and once again Kitty undertook the trip to Sydney to meet her. She was delighted to receive a good report of Joy’s progress, and to see that her daughter was happy in her new school.

The holiday passed quickly, with Joy spending much of her time riding Dancer and then, all too soon, it was back to school again for Joy. This was the pattern of their lives for the next two years. Kitty’s business prospered during this time, and she was glad her daughter had adjusted so well and happily to life at St. Catherine’s.

****

Kitty met Joy as usual when the autumn holidays arrived in the third year of her schooling. On the way home, Joy chattered happily about school and the other girls, and especially about her best friend, Lily.

“Lily’s father has horses,” she told Kitty. “He breeds them. They sell most of them, but any really good ones they keep. Just imagine having loads of horses on the place.”

Kitty smiled at her enthusiasm. “You’d think that’s wonderful, wouldn’t you?”

“Oh, wouldn’t it be? And Lily knows loads about looking after them and their bloodlines and all that sort of stuff. It’s really good business,” Joy said seriously. “Her father makes a lot of money from them. We have all those empty paddocks where the timber’s been cut. Perhaps we could use them to breed horses.”

Kitty frowned thoughtfully. “I think you probably need special knowledge, but I could make some enquiries.”

“Then you will look into it?”

Kitty nodded. “Yes, I will. Horses are certainly more appealing than sheep or cattle, and we have to do something with those empty paddocks. But I can’t promise anything definite will come of it.”

****

Again the holidays went too quickly, and it was time for Kitty to escort Joy back to school. As the cab came to a halt outside the main door, Joy jumped out and held the door open for Kitty.

“Do you want me to wait?” the driver asked, as Kitty paid the fare.

“No, thank you.”

“You needn’t stay,” Joy told her. “I’ll be all right. I can see some girls I know.” Her face brightened. “Here comes Lily. Now you’ll be able to meet her.”

A slim girl about Joy’s age with long, dark hair was walking toward them.

After introductions Kitty spoke to Lily with a smile. “Joy’s told me lots about you. She’s hoping you can come and stay with us some time. Perhaps next holidays if you’d like to, and if it’s all right with your parents.”

Lily’s face lit up. “Oh, I’d love to come. I’ll have to ask my father, but I don’t think he’ll mind.” She turned to look across the schoolyard. “Oh, here he comes now. He had to find a place to leave the trap.” She waved and called out. “Father, I’m over here.”

Kitty’s heart lurched, and she felt the blood rush to her face as she saw that Lily’s father was Rufe Cavanagh. With a racing heart, she stood watching as he approached them, noticing even in her state of shock that he had not lost his good looks or his upright bearing.

His step faltered as recognition crossed his face, and he stood still for a few seconds, but resumed walking toward Lily as she hurried to meet him. Taking him by the hand she pulled him back with her.

“Father, this is my best friend Joy and this is her mother, Mrs. Barron, and they want me to go and stay with them for the next holidays. That’ll be all right, won’t it?”

Rufe looked pale, but he answered calmly enough. “Lily, where are your manners? That’s no way to introduce me to your friends.”

Lily’s hand flew to her mouth. “I’m sorry. This is…”

Rufe interrupted her. “As it so happens, Lily, I have met Mrs. Barron. And Joy, too, although it was a long time ago.” He turned to Kitty. “How are you, Mrs. Barron? I’m pleased to meet you again after so many years.”

Kitty swallowed at the ball of nerves that seemed to be filling her throat. “Why, Mr. Cavanagh. What a surprise. Yes, it is many years. Sixteen, I believe.”

“Sixteen years,” exclaimed Joy. “Oh, we would’ve both been babies then.”

“Perhaps I wasn’t even born,” Lily chimed in. “After all, you’re seven months older than me.”

Something sharp and painful twisted inside Kitty as she struggled with the implications of the girl’s remark.

“As often happens, you’re quite right Lily,” Rufe told her. “No. You weren’t born then.”

“Can I please go to stay?”

“Are you still at Redwoods, Mrs. Barron?”

“Yes.”

“Then if it suits Mrs. Barron you might go, but Mrs. Barron and I will have to discuss it first. Now, you two had better go inside and settle in. We’ll let you know when we’ve decided.”

Rufe put his hand on Kitty’s arm when the girls left. “How are you, Kitty?” he asked softly, his eyes searching her face.

Kitty felt a rush of anger as she remembered that this was the man who had professed his love for her, and then stormed off after a quarrel and married someone else immediately.

“I’m fine, thank you,” she told him, lifting her chin. “And you?”

“Fine.”

“And how is Irene?”

“I really have no idea.”

Kitty’s stomach flipped. “What do you mean?”

“What I said. I have no idea how she is. I haven’t seen her since Lily was three years old.”

“But…”

“Look, we can’t stand here talking, let’s go someplace where we can. There’s a nice little tearoom down by the beach. Do you fancy a cup of tea? Although I must say seeing you again has made me feel more like a stiff drink than tea. But it’s a bit early for that.”

Kitty hesitated, her insides churning. “I don’t know that we have anything to discuss. After all, anything that was between us ended all those years ago.”

“Please Kitty. Give me a chance to explain.”

“What is there to explain? You chose to marry Irene.”

“There’s more to it than that.” He took her by the arm. “My trap’s close by. Please come with me.”

Kitty hesitated, her mind in turmoil. What did Lily’s age mean? Had Rufe left her bed and gone straight to Irene’s? But no…the timing wouldn’t fit. So, what had happened? She took a deep breath. It wouldn’t hurt to find out, and then at least she would know.

“Very well. I’ll come.”

They had no further conversation until they were seated in the tearoom overlooking Bondi Beach and the waitress had taken their order.

Rufe sat back and looked at her. “The years have been kind to you. You’re still as beautiful as ever.”

“You don’t have to flatter me.”

“I’m not. I’m telling the truth. Now, tell me how everything is with you. You’re still at Redwoods, then?”

“Yes, I am. But I’m wondering why you haven’t seen Irene for so long. When your letter came, I realized you’d gone straight from me to her.”

“Don’t,” he said sharply, frowning. “First, I’d like to know, are you married again? I know Lily called you Mrs. Barron, but that could be assumption on her part.”

“No, I’m not married.”

Rufe leaned back in his chair with a sigh. “When I left you at Redwoods after we quarreled I went straight back to Sydney. When I arrived, I found Irene waiting for me. As you know, I’d spent time with her in Sydney when we all met at Petty’s Hotel that time and then I saw her again when I visited the diggings after Bradshaw and I salted the mine. And then I didn’t see her again until after you and I parted.”

Rufe paused before continuing, his face tight. “She told me then that she was pregnant and the child was mine.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “We’d always had an understanding, and I’m not proud of it, that our relationship was not serious. I never had any intention of making it serious, and she’d told me she didn’t want any commitment—she was interested in furthering her ambitions as an hotelier.” He paused again, clearing his throat. “I didn’t have to marry her; I could have made other arrangements for her. But you and I had parted. I thought you’d never marry me, so I didn’t really care.” He took a deep breath. “When she pressed me for marriage, to give the child a name, I agreed.”

The waitress brought their pot of tea, and they fell silent while Kitty poured the tea and handed Rufe his cup, her mind in a whirl.

He took a sip before resuming his tale. “When your letter reached me telling me you’d had a change of heart, I thought I’d go crazy, because it was too late. Irene and I were already married.”

Kitty bit her lip. “I wish I’d known, I thought you didn’t really care about me, that it had been Irene all along.”

He shook his head. “Perhaps I shouldn’t discuss this, but I’d like you to know. You spoiled me for anyone else. It was a long time before I could bring myself to touch Irene. Anyone but you. Our marriage was in name only for the first year.”

The last of Kitty’s anger evaporated as she sipped her tea. How stupid she’d been. It was all her fault Rufe had left the way he did. Her fault they parted, when they could have had all these years together. And now it was too late. They had moved in different directions. And where was Irene now? Had Rufe met someone else? She roused herself, aware he was watching her. “So where’s Irene now?” she asked him.

“She left us when Lily was three years old. I disappointed her by refusing to buy her a hotel in Sydney. She met someone who was prepared to buy one for her in Melbourne and as far as I know that’s where she still is. I haven’t heard from her since.”

“And Lily? Does she see Lily?”

“No. She never bothered to contact her. She obviously didn’t want the complication of a child in her new life, but I’m happy about that.” His face brightened. “Lily and I are great friends.”

“I’m glad. That’s like Joy and me. And have you married again?”

“No.” He shook his head. “And now tell me, how’s your mother? And Jack Morgan? Are they still both well?”

“They certainly are, and they’re very happy together. They live with me at Redwoods. I’m glad of their company, particularly now Joy is at school. Mary and Patrick married, too, and they’re still with us. Patrick manages the timber gang now and Jack’s busy running the mill.”

Rufe raised his eyebrows. “Well, you always wanted a successful business of your own; it sounds as if you’ve realized your dream. It seems as if you have everything you ever wanted in life now.”

Kitty’s throat tightened. “I’m not sure I could say that.” She paused. “And now tell me what you’ve been doing. Joy told me you breed horses now?”

“Yes. After our parents died, about six years ago, my brother Edward and I bought a property close to Morpeth, not so very far from you. It’s good horse country and Morpeth has a deep river port.”

Kitty felt a flicker of anger return. “That’s only about forty miles from Bulahdelah. You never thought to come and visit?”

Rufe looked at her for a long moment before putting down his cup. “I thought of you often, but I didn’t think you’d want to see me. Besides, I thought it likely you’d be married again.”

“Unlikely, don’t you mean?” Her words came out as a snap.

“I’m sure it’s not for lack of offers.”

“I’ve never had the inclination.”

He reached across and brushed her hand with his fingers. “Don’t be angry with me, Kitty.” A half smile lifted one corner of his mouth. “Please.”

His touch caused a tremor to run through her, and his words made her feel she was being unjust. “I have no right to be angry.” She sighed.

When he spoke again, his voice was soft. “I suppose Redwoods is changed now, after all these years. I’d like to see it again, if I’m welcome. And the people there, too. When Lily comes to visit in the holidays, do you think I could come with her?” His warm eyes pleaded. “Perhaps we could even become,” he hesitated, “reacquainted.”

Kitty’s heart faltered as she looked across the table at the man whom she had loved so desperately all those years ago. Was it possible they could pick up again where they were before they quarreled? Was there any chance those feelings could ever be recaptured? Sixteen years was a long time. How much would they have changed? Kitty took a deep breath. Unless she gave it a chance, she would never know.

She smiled at Rufe across the teapot. “I see no reason why not.”

~*~

To Be Continued

A word about the author…

Kate Loveday grew up in the seaside suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia, with a love of books, and always wanted to write. She received a Diploma of Media Studies from the Australian College of Journalism in 2002. Her career has included publication of travel articles and short stories, as well as popular fiction.

She has worked in real estate and building, as an office manager, and finally as a natural beauty therapist, running her own natural therapy business with husband Peter.

When not writing, she enjoys reading, listening to music, good food and wine, and ‘hanging out’ with family and friends. She takes part in writing groups, as well as being the financial manager of a Community Association.

Kate says, “I just want to write good stories, stories you can lose yourself in, with real characters you can love—or hate—that will keep you engrossed to the end. And if I can manage to touch your heart along the way, I’m happy.”

http://www.kateloveday.com