Ocean Child

by Tamara McKinley

‘I hope so,’ she said honestly, ‘but it could take a while.’

  *

  It was a week later, and Joe could imagine her perched on a stool in the hotel telephone booth, the receiver pressed to her ear, her hair tumbling about her lovely face. ‘As I haven’t heard from you for a week, I was getting worried,’ he said, pedalling hard on the two-way to keep up the charge from the generator. ‘How’s it going?’

  ‘Gwen turned up at the nursing home and caused trouble, but they’ve tightened up security and she won’t be able to get to him again.’

  Joe felt a jolt of fear. ‘You’ve got to be careful, Lulu,’ he said urgently. ‘She might come looking for you next.’

  Her laughter came down the line. ‘I’m quite safe,’ she assured him. ‘The hotel is locked at night, and I’m on the fourth floor.’

  He wasn’t convinced, but decided not to push it. There was no point in making her fearful. ‘Mum’s been telling me about Frank. She knew him when they were kids. How’s it going with him?’

  ‘He’s not the easiest man, and it was tough at first, but we’re slowly getting to know one another.’ Her voice cut through the static so clearly it was as if she was in the next room, not at the other end of the island. ‘He’s not at all what I’d imagined,’ she confided, ‘and I can now understand why he and Peter don’t get on. He’s too fond of getting his own way, and has a tendency to bark at people.’

  ‘But you don’t regret getting in touch with him?’

  ‘No, of course not. He’s my father.’ She paused, and for a moment he wondered if Doreen had cut them off. ‘You’ll never guess,’ she continued, ‘his sister is the well-known landscape artist Sybilla Henderson, and she’s going to exhibit her work in London next year. How about that?’

  He could hear the laughter in her voice and ached to see her. ‘Can’t say I’ve ever heard of her,’ he drawled, ‘but then I don’t think I could name any artist.’

  ‘I saw some of her work in the Melbourne gallery, and loved the bush paintings. You could almost smell the eucalyptus and felt you could rustle through the leaves on the bush floor. She’s very talented.’

  He smiled at that, for he loved her enthusiasm. ‘So what do you and Frank talk about?’

  ‘Everything,’ she said simply. ‘We have a lot to catch up on.’

  ‘I’m glad it’s turning out all right,’ he said sincerely. ‘When do you think you’ll be coming back here?’

  ‘I’m not sure. Frank’s still recovering, and I want to spend as much time with him as I can.’ She paused. ‘How’s Ocean Child?’

  ‘He’s fit and ready for his next race, but I think he’s missing you.’

  ‘I miss him too. Give his ears a good rub. That should cheer him up.’ The static buzzed and clicked. ‘How’s Molly … and Eliza?’

  ‘Ma’s doing good now Dianne’s taken on a lot of the heavy work. Eliza’s gone back to the mainland, but she plans to come back soon, because her dad’s bought a place out at Deloraine. How’s Dolly doing down there?’

  ‘She’s good, but getting a little bored, I think. She’s run out of shops.’

  ‘Eliza said to send her love, and to remind Dolly she promised her a hat from Harrods.’

  Lulu’s voice became crisp, her tone businesslike. ‘I have to go. Peter’s waiting to take me up to the clinic. It was lovely to speak to you. I’ll call back when I have more idea of my plans.’

  ‘Goodbye, Lulu.’ Joe stopped pedalling and sat for a moment, unwilling to let the memory of her voice escape.

  His reverie was interrupted by Molly, who came bustling into the hall. ‘What was all that about Gwen?’ She listened as he told her and her frown deepened. ‘I don’t like the sound of that,’ she muttered. ‘The woman’s dangerous. You don’t think she’d come up here and do any damage, do you?’

  ‘I shouldn’t think so,’ he assured her. ‘She lives almost a hundred miles away, and she’s more interested in getting her own back on Frank at the moment.’

  ‘Mmm. I hope you’re right. With so many valuable animals in the yard, we can’t afford to be complacent.’

  ‘If it makes you feel any easier, I’ll check the place each night and tell Charlie and the others to keep an eye open for anyone lurking about.’

  ‘I think that might be a very good idea,’ she said.

  *

  They were sitting in the sunshine of an early-spring day, with the sound of many birds to accompany them. Lulu felt easier with Frank now they had spent so much time together, more able to confide in him. They were discussing Gwen.

  ‘I’d hoped she would learn to love me, but when she tried to run me over on the quay that day, I finally had to accept she never will. The ensuing encounters merely confirmed it.’

  ‘How do you feel about that?’ The blue gaze was direct.

  ‘Liberated,’ she replied, and smiled as he raised a questioning eyebrow. ‘The loathing is mutual, and I no longer fear her or want anything to do with her. I’m strong and capable enough to be myself – and I’m proud of who I am, and what I’ve become.’

  ‘Ha!’ He slapped his thigh and glanced at Peter. ‘Spoken like a true White! Good on you, girl. That’s the spirit.’

  She laughed. ‘I think it probably has more to do with being raised by Clarice,’ she replied drily. ‘She’s a woman of strong principles and rarely minces her words.’

  ‘You could be right,’ he agreed with a chuckle. ‘That woman has a glare that would stop the tide coming in.’

  ‘We’ve talked about me long enough. I want to know more about you.’

  ‘My life isn’t very interesting,’ he drawled.

  ‘Tell me anyway.’

  He pulled a face and reluctantly told her his life story. ‘I’m almost sixty,’ he said finally, ‘and when I lost Andy and Caroline a part of me died too.’ He looked at Peter, who’d remained silent throughout. ‘I haven’t been a good father, and I’m sorry I’ve let both of you down.’

  ‘It’s all right, Dad,’ Peter responded gruffly.

  ‘Of course it is,’ said Lulu, ‘and I’m grateful to both of you for letting me have this chance to make things right.’

  Frank threw off the blanket that had been covering his knees. ‘Do you know what?’ he declared. ‘I’m going to get out of this place and take you both home to Queensland.’

  Lulu gasped. ‘But I’m leaving for England in less than three weeks.’

  ‘Cancel your booking,’ he ordered. ‘We’ve wasted too many years already, and I want to get to know you properly. The only place to do that is in the Outback, with just the cattle and the big blue above us for company. What d’you say?’

  Lulu looked helplessly at Peter. ‘I don’t know. It’s all a bit sudden, and I have responsibilities in England.’

  ‘Dad, you can’t make Lulu change her plans like that. And I don’t think it’s wise for you to travel so far again so soon,’ muttered Peter.

  ‘Rubbish,’ Frank retorted, before turning back to Lulu. ‘Come on, girl – where’s your spirit of adventure?’

  ‘It’s alive and well,’ she replied. ‘That’s why I’m here – but Peter’s right. I can’t just take off for Queensland. What about Clarice? She’s expecting me home.’

  He waved away her objection. ‘She’ll understand,’ he said dismissively.

  ‘I have work waiting for me, things I must do if my career isn’t to come to a grinding halt. And then there’s Dolly. I can’t expect her to fall in with your plans.’

  ‘Having met her a couple of times, I reckon she won’t be able to resist,’ he said with breathtaking implacability. ‘Queensland is God’s own country, and there isn’t another place in the world like it. I take it she can ride?’

  ‘Yes, but—’

  ‘Then she’ll fit right in.’

  Lulu didn’t appreciate being steamrollered in this fashion, but the idea of going to Queensland was enticing. ‘As long as Dolly agrees, I suppose we could change our booking and stay for a couple of week
s,’ she said cautiously, ‘but Clarice isn’t as strong as she thinks she is, and I don’t want to leave her too long.’

  ‘That’s settled then,’ he said, slapping his knee. ‘Help me up, Peter. I need to sign out and shake the dust of this place off my boots.’

  Chapter 16

  The next two days passed in a whirl of activity, and Lulu was still finding it hard to come to terms with being swept along by her father’s enthusiasm. She had telephoned Joe to warn him they were driving up from Hobart and would need to be accommodated overnight on their way to catch the boat from the mainland. Dolly had been surprisingly eager to make the trip to Queensland, but Lulu continued to have second thoughts.

  ‘I’m really not convinced it’s the right thing to do,’ she said, as they packed their bags on their final morning in Hobart. ‘Clarice is expecting me home, and I don’t like to disappoint her.’

  ‘Frank certainly knows how to bully people into things,’ agreed Dolly, ‘but a few extra weeks won’t really make much difference to Clarice, surely?’

  Lulu heaved a sigh and sat on the bed. ‘It’s so frustrating not to be able to speak to her. It takes ages for letters to get through, and it’s impossible to telephone from here.’ She eyed the case. ‘Bertie will not be pleased,’ she muttered. ‘I promised him faithfully I’d be back in December.’

  Dolly sat beside her. ‘If you’re that worried, then we won’t go,’ she said. ‘I’m sure I can change the tickets back again.’

  ‘I’m torn,’ Lulu admitted. ‘I’d love to see Queensland, but I’m worried about letting Clarice and Bertie down. On the other hand, I don’t want to disappoint my father. He’s cheered up no end now he’s got things to plan.’ She looked at Dolly. ‘What do you think I should do?’

  ‘Still got that penny I gave you back in London?’ At Lulu’s nod, she grinned. ‘Hand it over, and we’ll see what happens.’

  Lulu watched as she flicked the coin in the air. ‘Heads for London, tails for Queensland,’ she murmured.

  ‘Tails it is.’

  Lulu smiled as the relief flooded through her. ‘Queensland here we come,’ she said, ‘but first I’m going to send Clarice and Bertie a telegram; then I’ll write them each a long letter explaining everything in more detail.’

  ‘Are you going to tell her what Gwen said?’

  Lulu shook her head. ‘I’m sure she’s already guessed Gwen wouldn’t keep that tasty morsel to herself – it was probably the reason she was so determined I shouldn’t come here.’ She let her thoughts meander. ‘Who would have thought it?’ she mused. ‘Clarice and her sister’s husband – I wonder if he’s the reason she never married again?’

  Dolly flopped back against the pillows. ‘The older generation call us flappers and hold their hands up in horror – but actually they were just as bad. I suppose she never got over the shame of it, which is terribly sad. No wonder Gwen turned out the way she did.’

  ‘Mmm. I almost feel sorry for her,’ said Lulu.

  ‘Who? Gwen?’ Dolly snorted. ‘I wouldn’t give her an ounce of pity after the way she treated you.’

  Lulu resumed her packing and finally locked the case. ‘Hurry up, Dolly. I’m famished and they’ll stop serving breakfast soon.’

  ‘Peter’s awfully nice, isn’t he?’ Dolly hovered by the bed, the contents of her case still spilling out on to the counterpane.

  Lulu raised an eyebrow. ‘Yes,’ she replied, ‘and I’ve seen the way you look at him. I hope you aren’t—’

  ‘Nothing like that,’ she retorted with a flick of her hair. ‘He’s very handsome, I admit, but of course one couldn’t possibly contemplate anything more than a mild flirtation when there is absolutely no future in it.’

  Lulu turned her back on Dolly and stared out of the window, reluctant for her to see the sadness she knew must be in her eyes. The memories of Joe’s face, his laughter and the deep drawling voice were poignant and sharp. They would meet for the last time tonight, and with so many people in the house it would be impossible to snatch any time alone with him. She dipped her chin and wrapped her arms around her waist.

  Perhaps it was for the best. Dolly was wise not to get entangled so far from home – it could only lead to heartache.

  ‘Will you come back to Tasmania?’

  She withdrew reluctantly from her thoughts. ‘I don’t know,’ she said truthfully, ‘but I like to think I might one day.’

  ‘To Tasmania – or to Joe?’ With an impish smile, Dolly flicked the coin in the air.

  Lulu glanced at her friend and smiled. ‘That is a leading question, Dolly, and not to be determined by the toss of a coin.’

  Galway House Racing Stables

  Lulu and Dolly shared the driving. The second utility had proved necessary when it became obvious they couldn’t all fit in with Peter. It had been borrowed from an old friend of Frank’s, and Joe would drive it back down when he attended the December race meeting. They arrived at Galway House just as the sun dropped behind the hills.

  Lights twinkled from the homestead windows, making it look warm and welcoming after the long drive. The dogs were barking, prancing back and forth, tails wagging furiously.

  As Lulu switched off the engine and eased the crick in her back and neck, the door was flung open and light spilled out on to the drive. Joe ambled out and stood on the step, Dianne peeked around the doorway and Molly came bustling towards Peter’s utility.

  ‘As I live and breathe,’ she shouted, ‘Frank White! How you going, Frank? It’s good to see you.’

  Lulu clambered out of the utility and watched as Peter helped Frank down. She smiled as Molly swamped him in a hug.

  ‘Look out, woman,’ Frank grumbled. ‘You’ll have me off me bloody feet.’

  ‘You haven’t changed, you old bludger,’ she said fondly as she released him. ‘Still cantankerous, with no idea of how to treat a lady.’

  ‘When I see a lady, I’ll know how to treat her,’ he drawled, the twinkle in his eye belying his words. He slipped his hand around her generous waist and gave her a squeeze. ‘Still a cuddly bundle, Moll. I always liked that about you.’

  She laughed and playfully slapped his hand. ‘Don’t touch what you can’t afford, Frank White,’ she warned him with a wagging finger. She turned to Peter. ‘You’re as handsome as your dad used to be,’ she said, shaking his hand, ‘but I hope you haven’t inherited his flaming manners. Now get indoors, all of you. Tea’s getting cold.’

  ‘I could do with a cold beer,’ Frank retorted, snatching the hated walking stick from Peter.

  ‘The doctor said no beer until you’ve finished your course of pills.’

  ‘Phwah!’ He grimaced with disgust. ‘If a man can’t have a beer now and again, then life’s not worth living,’ he growled. ‘Lead on, Moll – I can taste it already.’

  Lulu’s gaze drifted past them to the doorway and Joe. He was still nonchalant, standing with his hands in his pockets, an amused tilt to his mouth as he watched the reunion of Molly and Frank. It was as if her arrival meant nothing. She turned back to the utility to unhook the tarpaulin from the flatbed and retrieve their bags.

  ‘I’ll do that,’ he murmured.

  She turned and found he was standing very close. Looking up at him, she held his gaze, almost afraid to break the spell.

  ‘Ocean Child will be pleased you’re back,’ he said. ‘He’s off his feed.’

  He’d given nothing away, and she had no idea if he was pleased to see her, if he had missed her – or even thought much about her during her absence. She followed his example and remained businesslike. ‘Then I’ll go and see him now,’ she said evenly. ‘Thanks for helping with the bags.’

  Walking away into the darkness of the stable-yard, she didn’t look back; it would only add to the disappointment of his lack of welcome if he wasn’t watching her. She hurried into the feed store and took a couple of apples from the bin.

  Ocean Child’s head leant out of his box. He gave a whicker of welcome and his so
ft nose nudged her face, his hay-breath stirring her hair.

  ‘At least you’re pleased to see me,’ she murmured as she massaged his ears. ‘Did you miss me, boy? Is that why you’re off your feed?’

  He snaffled one of the apples and chewed it with relish. The second apple disappeared the same way, and as her strong fingers worked their magic on his ears, his eyelids fluttered in ecstasy and he dribbled over her shoulder.

  She rested her cheek on his, fighting the tears. She would probably never see him or Joe again after tonight – and they would both forget her.

  *

  Joe regretted not saying what was in his heart when she first returned. But he couldn’t tell if she was pleased to see him, if she had missed him, or even thought of him – so he’d stuck to being the trainer of her colt and kept it impersonal. But to see her again, to hear her voice and her laughter in his home, warmed him and at the same time saddened him. This would be the last night and, as he watched her throughout the evening, he tried to burn the memory of her into his heart.

  There was heightened colour in her face and her eyes had darkened to the deepest violet. She laughed easily, her hands moving expressively as she spoke. It was clear she was reborn since finding Frank and Peter, and although he knew they would take her from him in the morning, he had to grudgingly admit he liked them both.

  He eyed his mother, a little embarrassed at the girlish blush to her cheek and the flirtatious way she reacted to Frank’s teasing. They had been born within a few miles of each other, had attended the same school and country dances and shared many memories. He hadn’t seen his mother this animated for years, and it crossed his mind that she and Frank might have had something going before she married his dad. He caught Peter’s eye and realised he was wondering the same thing.

  Joe leant back in his chair and let the chatter flow around him. Lulu was listening avidly to Frank regaling Molly with tall stories of his adventures on the cattle station. Dolly was pestering Peter with questions about the Outback, and Joe wondered wryly how she would fare so far from civilisation. Yet he suspected she was resourceful enough to find a way – and it was clear there was a spark of something between her and Peter which would help.