CHAPTER 30

The weather conditions at Lunar House continue into the following week until the wind direction changes into a south-easterly gale. A storm is bearing down upon them, and Grandpa taps the weather gauge in the study with his finger. With a roaring fire, a delicious dinner of shepherd’s pie, and apple pie for dessert, the three of them are cosy.

Grandpa is writing a paper, his first in twenty years, about the orange-bellied parrot. Evie starts drawing the greater one-horned rhinoceros, but ends up moving on to rhesus monkeys, and George is thoroughly engrossed in reading Cook’s old family recipe books.

Claudette and Florette lie sprawling in front of the fire and Albine is perched on her favorite cushion in the wing chair, her eyes hooded. Every now and then, she burk burks in her sleep, swaying and jolting herself awake.

Evie feels the temperature dropping as another freezing cold night seeps in around them. She’s worrying about the animals in the stable. Simon and Mini, in particular, feel the cold.

“Grandpa, the barometer has dropped very low,” says Evie. “Might we light the forge in the stables?”

Grandpa taps the barometer again. “Of course, Evie. There’s going be a frost. I’ll go and do it now,” says Grandpa rising from his chair.

“I’ll come and help you, Charlie,” says George, and the two men leave the room.

For some reason, Evie stops drawing, and her pencil hovers in mid-air. She puts it down, and tip-toes after Grandpa and George into the inky black, cold night.

The stables are chilly and her breath puffs in white clouds. She tip-toes into the feed room and wraps herself in a horse rug, crouching in the doorway to listen.

The forge, a brick-lined fire pit, is set in the middle of the stables. Next to it lies an anvil and an assortment of hammers and nails and rods of iron to smith into horseshoes.

Grandpa uses a flint to light the kindling and the fire takes with a whoosh. It crackles and pops and casts a shadowy, orange glow inside the stables.

“Here, George. Crank this handle for me, will you?” says Grandpa.

George pumps the bellows to feed the flames.

“Keep doing it until the timber chars and forms coals. It’ll keep the stables warm all through the night then,” adds Grandpa before going to check on the animals.

Bernard sleeps while standing and sways as Grandpa passes. In the foaling stall, Rhino and Dominique nestle side-by-side in the straw, softly snoring.

The ladies burk burk when they see Grandpa, and Rhino lifts one sleepy eyelid in acknowledgement.

Grandpa touches him on the nose before returning to George, who is leaning against the warmth of the forge. Grandpa rubs his chin and blinks several times.

“I have to ask, George,” says Grandpa, “you’ve been at Lunar House now for, what, two and a half weeks? And, well, I’m wondering when you’re planning to take Rhino?”

Evie squeezes her eyes shut. This is what she’s been waiting for, this is what she’s been dreading.

George stutters. “I–I was waiting for the floodwaters to recede. That bullock dray bogs at the drop of a hat.”

“I think the roads are mostly safe to travel on again,” says Grandpa.

George nods and swallows.

“The longer Rhino is here, the more attached Evie becomes to him. I don’t want to hurry you or ask you to go, George, but I’ve got to know your plans.”

Evie breathes out, pressing her knuckles into her mouth.

George inhales and exhales. “I’m sorry, Charlie. I know I’ve been putting it off. I–I . . . I like it here. I like it here so much, I haven’t wished to leave.”

“And we like having you, George. Let me assure you, my boy, you will always be welcome here. Always.” Grandpa grasps George’s shoulder. They stare into the fire and Grandpa speaks with measure, wanting to make his meaning clear to George. “You must understand, I need to prepare Evie for her separation from Rhino.”

Tears tumble from Evie’s eyes and she bites down on her fist to stop herself from crying out.

“I know, Charlie.” George’s voice is despairing. “I understand. This situation doesn’t sit well with me either. I’ve thought a great deal about what Evie has been through with the loss of her parents. And what you’ve been through, Charlie. I–I–I’m terrified I’ll let Rhino down. And you and Evie.”

“You won’t, George. You’re an adult now and there’s no way you would let what happened to Gerta happen again. Zoos are different places these days, too. And Rhino is a placid fellow. He’s grown up in captivity, so he won’t be any trouble. And you’ll be there to make sure he’s fine.”

“But what if something happens? You don’t know what my father is like.”

“None of us know how strong we are until being strong is the only choice. The darkest times bring out the best in people. You’re a good lad, George. Goodness always prevails.”

“I’ll go into Breamlea tomorrow. I’ll find out where the zoo handlers and the bullock dray are. It’s time to get myself organized.” George nods.

“Yes, it is, George. Thank you.”

As Evie wipes her tears away, her heart sinks deep inside of her. She cannot trust George like Grandpa can. Yes, he’s a good person, but his father isn’t. If George can’t protect Rhino, then what will become of him?

Evie is furious with herself. She’s dillydallied for far too long. She must put her plan into action immediately, she has to stop this from happening!