Epilogue
Two years later
Mallory walked out onto the veranda where Blaine’s mother, Rowena, was feeding her six-month-old grandson, Robert D’Arcy Forrester, the pride and joy of the family. Since the arrival of her grandson, Rowena had been a frequent guest to Moonglade. Indeed, having a grandson to love appeared to have given Rowena a new lease on life. It was a situation that worked supremely well. Mallory had grown very fond of her mother-in-law, and although Rowena and honorary aunt Dot had the occasional difference of opinion on what was best for Robbie, they too got on well.
It was sobering news Mallory had to deliver.
Rowena looked up with a welcoming smile that quickly faded. “Everything okay, dear?” she asked in concern. “You look pale.”
Mallory sank into the wicker armchair near to Rowena with Robbie sleeping peacefully in his grandmother’s arms. She turned to Rowena, briefing her. “I’ve had some . . . tragic news.”
“News?” Rowena’s still-beautiful face took on an expression of alarm. Although years had passed since the tragic death of her husband, Rowena still feared the worst.
Mallory hastened to reassure her. “No, no, no! Nothing for you to worry about, Rowena, only lament. That was Margery Cartwright on the phone. She’s tremendously upset. Jessica died from a drug overdose last night. You know she’d been committed to a psychiatric hospital in Brisbane for treatment under the Mental Health Act.”
“For her attack on you?”
“Yes. From all accounts she was a model patient. In fact, she showed such sensational progress she was released a year later. Jessica is . . . was clever. She could have fooled the most experienced psychiatrist. It was hoped she had been rehabilitated, but she couldn’t kick the habit. The fatal blow was when Jason went off to God knows where. Margery has no idea. I don’t think she wants to know. Jessica would have been totally lost without her twin. She had assumed they would always be together. Instead it ended in raw estrangement. Jason abandoned her. He loved her and he hated her. An overdose could have been Jessica’s way out.”
“Oh! I am so, so sorry,” Rowena murmured. “Although I hardly knew the girl, I can never forget the grief she caused. As for her threatening you! Anything could have happened.”
“I had help, Rowena,” Mallory said. “I had my beloved Blaine.” She had never spoken to anyone outside her husband about her belief Kathy’s spirit had been with her that terrible day. She had worked tirelessly to clear Kathy’s name. The two small bottles she had found at the bungalow did indeed contain toxic substances of plant origin that had significant physiological effects. Kathy had done nothing to harm her daughter. The town had had to confront that. Kathy had gone, as all spirits had to go once cleared.
Rowena wasn’t concealing her joy. “Blaine adores you,” she said. “I’ve never seen a man so happy. Now to be blessed with Robert D’Arcy.” Rowena bent to kiss the top of her grandson’s head with its feathery blond curls. “You know Margery and I used to be friends.”
“You can be friends again. Why don’t you consider spending six months with us and six months with your sisters, Rowena,” Mallory suggested.
Rowena blushed with pleasure. “Heavens, dear, you don’t want me moving in with you.”
As saddened as she felt, Mallory laughed. “You’ve seen the size of Moonglade, Rowena. It’s a family home. Blaine and I have discussed it. We would be delighted to have you stay with us for much longer.”
“Are you sure?” Rowena looked like she was about to burst into song.
“Absolutely sure.” Mallory smiled.
“Then I would love to!”
“Look, I’m calling in on Margery tomorrow,” Mallory revealed. “She feels very comfortable with me. I have a few little things for young Evie too. Come with me. Dot can mind Bubby.”
“What a treasure you’ve got in Dot,” Rowena declared, beaming as her little grandson woke up. “I couldn’t be happier you and Blaine have built such a good life, Mallory.”
“Amen to that.” Didn’t she celebrate her blessings every day of her life? She would celebrate their continuance. New life was growing in her. Maybe a little sister for Robbie? Another boy? Did it matter so long as their much wanted baby arrived safely in the world trailing their clouds of glory? She would make her announcement tonight over dinner. They were having friends dine with them. But first she would tell her darling husband. She couldn’t wait. They both wanted a big family.
Out in the garden a whole chorale of birdsong rang out like some wonderful staged performance. The birds couldn’t have been more than thirty feet away, their song spreading and soaring as if over speakers. Competing with the birdsong they heard their two collies, Prince and Blaze, barking excitedly. Next they heard Blaine’s thrilling voice calling from the door, “Mallory, darling. Mallory. Where are you?”
Mallory stood up eagerly.
“Go to him. Go to him,” said Rowena with a smile, turning her attention back to her gurgling grandson. She had never seen a more beautiful baby.
Mallory went. She would have to give Blaine the serious news, which she knew he would receive with a minimum of fuss. He had always maintained Jessica Cartwright would never pull herself together. At the same time he would take her, his wife, in his strong protective arms and empathize with her. She knew she would never have to manage alone as long as she had Blaine.
“Oh, there you are!” They met up in the living room. Blaine, in a blaze of energy, surged towards her, one arm drawing her into him as he dropped a kiss on her cheek. “One extra for dinner if that’s okay. Guy Gibson is in town. He’s at a loose end so I invited him.”
“No problem. I like Guy.” Mallory leaned against her husband, her body with total trust in his. They were two sides of one physical being so far as she was concerned.
“Love you,” Blaine murmured, in a low intimate voice.
“Love you.” However lightly their bodies touched, desire ran deep.
“I’ve got time for a cup of coffee,” he muttered into her hair, “then I have to get back on site.”
She pulled away, smiling. “Coffee coming up. Rowena is on the veranda with our precious boy. I’ll bring it out.”
“Great!” He bounded away.
No matter how hard he worked, the long hours, Blaine never showed the slightest fatigue. He was a powerhouse. Her powerhouse.
Together they bloomed.