“Mining does strange things to people.” Hegarty inhaled deeply and his eyes focused on William again. “Clem and I thought the best thing was to move the few remaining cattle closer to the homestead while there’s some feed and water there.” He waved at the cattle in the creek bed; they had come to a stop, picking at whatever bit of foliage they could find. “I was just going to stop and boil the billy for some tea. Why don’t we both take a break? Tell me about the journey south.” He bent to collect some sticks.
William glanced beyond him in the direction of the waterhole.
“Don’t trouble yourself over the South African. He’s not going to find anything of consequence where he is. Anyway, he has other worries.” Hegarty set about making a fire. “When I spoke with him he was concerned for the unrest near his home. I’ve half a mind he’ll be gone before the year’s out.”
“And Wiltshire?” William started the fire while Hegarty got the makings for their tea from his saddle bag.
“It takes stamina to stick with mining. He won’t want to dirty his hands or waste his time if there’s no quick result.”
William thought about that as he prodded the fire to life. He hoped Hegarty was right. The drought still lingered — even though there’d been some rain it had only given a small respite and there was no sign of further falls. William couldn’t afford for his stock to be without one of the last remaining waterholes of any significance.
“If you don’t think there’s any point in me talking to him I will continue to Prosser’s Run.”
“I thought you weren’t setting foot on the place again?”
William sank to his haunches and positioned some rocks either side of the small fire to support the billy over the flames. “I spoke with Georgina just before I left to go south. I think we cleared up the misunderstanding that the gossip-mongers were embellishing.”
Hegarty’s big face split in a grin. “Good for you.”
“You haven’t heard how they’re faring?”
“I’ve only seen Swan once or twice in your absence. He’s the manager now. The Donovans have left along with a couple of their shepherds. Prossers have lost a lot of stock. Didn’t move any south. Like everywhere else there’s little to do but to try to keep the last animals alive long enough to see out the drought.”
Once more William looked in the direction of Prosser’s Run. He had to see Georgina and make sure she understood there was no other person he could love more than her.
He stood and waved away the second mug Hegarty set out. “I’ll drink with you when I get back. I have to make Prosser’s Run before dark.”
Hegarty smiled. “Fair enough.”
William strode to his horse, lifted his hand in farewell and set off.
The sun was low in the sky by the time he had the homestead in sight. There were several horses in one large yard near the stables and cattle in another yard beside the shearing shed. None of them paid him any mind as he walked his horse past. No smoke puffed from a chimney or light shone from a window of the homestead. He didn’t bother to dismount. The whole place had a deserted air. He rode past and noticed a small wisp of smoke escape from the chimney of the smaller dwelling beyond the main house. It was a smudge of grey against the golden orange sunset and the only sign of human presence.
The door flung open as William approached and Swan stepped out, a rifle in his hands.
“It’s your neighbour, William Baker.”
“I know who you are.” Swan didn’t lower the gun. “What do you want?”
“I’ve come to call on Miss Prosser.”
“You’re not welcome here.”
“I think that’s your employer’s decision, not yours.”
In the gathering gloom William could make out the sneer on Swan’s face.
“Correct. Mrs Prosser has made it quite clear you are not to set foot on Prosser’s Run.” Swan raised the end of the rifle.
William rolled slightly as his horse shifted its weight beneath him. “Miss Georgina is expecting me.”
“Is that so?” Swan’s face contorted into an ugly grin. “That would be why she left two days ago to attend Mr Charles Wiltshire’s birthday celebration in Hawker.”
Anger burned in William’s chest. Bloody Wiltshire was always getting in his way.
Swan waved at him with his gun. “Get off the property.”
William drew in a breath then realised he at least knew exactly where Georgina was. He turned a smug smile on Swan. “With pleasure, Mr Swan, but be careful how you speak to me. Fortunes often have a way of changing and work is hard to come by.”
Swan frowned. He opened his mouth then closed it again. William gave him a curt nod and turned his horse in the direction of Hawker.
Twenty-seven
Charles stood on the front verandah of their family home, his father on one side and Georgina on the other with her mother beside her. The party to celebrate his eighteenth birthday was a grand affair and no expense had been spared to ensure it would be a night to be remembered by the dignitaries of the district.
Carriages and horses, carts and people on foot streamed into their circular driveway and made their way to be greeted. All manner of people were attending. Charles was proud that no-one had refused the invitation to the party, in spite of the Prosser ladies’ attendance. He thought it a good sign of the Wiltshires’ standing in the community.
Lanterns hung from the verandah eaves, and brightly coloured ribbons were tied to each pole. It was a balmy night and the partygoers had the choice of enjoying the evening outside on the verandah or going inside via the new French doors into the dining room. The table in there was laid with a lavish supper, prepared by Mrs Nixon with help from Edith. There were also the delightful tones of the new piano. Henry had bought it for Laura’s lessons, but tonight the teacher, Mrs Butler, was playing for their enjoyment.
Charles was pleased Laura had been sent to stay the night with the Hemmings. This was a grown-up party and he didn’t want his little sister spoiling it with her silly antics, though they inexplicably charmed any other adult in her vicinity.
Mr and Mrs Button greeted Charles then moved on to speak to the Prossers. Charles had a moment before the next group stepped forward. He smoothed his moustache, patted the natty bowtie at his neck and ran his hands down the soft dark brown velvet of his jacket. His grandmother Harriet had done a fine job with the suit. Underneath the jacket was a satin vest and he wore tan trousers cut in the latest narrow-fitting style.
Beside him Georgina looked like a princess. She had taken his breath away when she joined him before the first guests arrived. She wore a dress of white lace. Scoops of lace were gathered around the low neckline and draped down her arms. The bodice nipped in to show off her tiny waist and the lace fell in three tiers in a flowing skirt. Her hair was piled high on her head in tight curls and her lips and cheeks glowed a soft pink. She was exquisite.
“Charles.” His father interrupted his reverie.
Councillor Hill, his wife and two daughters were waiting to be welcomed. Charles smiled and extended his hand to each. The two younger ladies were prettily dressed but were no match for Georgina.
He smiled at her as the Hills moved on. The Prosser ladies had continued to be regular guests throughout the year. Georgina had not sought his company but neither had she turned him away. Tonight, encouraged by his father and her mother, Charles planned to ask her to marry him. He was eighteen now and his business was improving in spite of the drought. His prospects combined with hers would make them a formidable couple.
Edith appeared, carrying a tray of drinks. Her pale pink gown was much more fetching than the usual drab colours she favoured.
“Thank you, Edith.” Georgina smiled sweetly as she took a glass. “My goodness, Charles, champagne.” She lifted the glass and took a small sip. “How enjoyable. I haven’t tasted it since Mother and I were in France.”
Charles took a glass and Edith moved on. He took a sip and tried not to wince at the
sour taste. He didn’t see why people wasted their money on the stuff but his father had insisted they serve it tonight.
He offered Georgina his arm. “Let’s mingle, shall we? I want everyone to see how magnificent you look tonight.”
“Charles.” Georgina lowered her gaze and took another sip of champagne. Her cheeks went a little pinker and when she looked at him again her eyes sparkled. “It’s nice to have the opportunity to wear a dress. This is one I had made on our travels and I haven’t worn it since. There’s little need for lace at Prosser’s Run.”
“Then I’m so glad we have an excuse to celebrate tonight.”
She smiled and raised her glass. “Happy birthday, Charles.”
He bent forward to kiss her. She averted her head so quickly his lips barely brushed her cheek.
“Look, Mrs Nixon has made some of her delightful savoury puffs. I am famished, I must say. Let’s try some.”
Georgina set off to see Flora. Reluctantly Charles followed. Now all he wanted was for the party to be over so he could take Georgina in his arms and kiss her properly.
“This war between the English and the Boers sounds rather serious.” Dr Chambers spoke gravely. “Did you get much of a feel for what might happen when you were in England, Mrs Prosser?”
“That was some time ago now, Doctor.” Johanna took a sip of the drink she clasped in her gloved hand. “And our last few months were spent in Birmingham, where the main topic of conversation was the new museum and art gallery — which Georgina and I both enjoyed while we were there.”
“But there was also talk of the possibility of war, Mother.” Georgina had escaped Charles for a while and then found herself caught up with a group of very young ladies, all discussing what they were wearing and ogling him. Georgina had extricated herself and joined her mother, who was with a group of adults talking on broader topics.
“Such a depressing subject.” Johanna gave her daughter a withering look.
“Nevertheless it must be discussed. Even though we are in the bush we should still keep up with what’s happening in the world, don’t you think, Dr Chambers?”
“Do you think Britain will want our young men to help?” Mrs Button’s concern for her four strapping sons saved the doctor from coming between mother and daughter.
“Great Britain is still our home country, Mrs Button,” the doctor replied.
“War hasn’t actually been declared yet, has it?” Her question took on an anxious edge.
“We will be the last to know out here.” Mr Wood gave a superior smirk. He was newly arrived from Melbourne to fill a position in the Hawker pharmacy, but Georgina thought he would not be there for long with that attitude.
“Are we a little too dull for you here, Mr Wood?” Georgina’s question drew another raised eyebrow from her mother.
“Oh, no, Miss Prosser … not at all.” Mr Wood’s cheeks went pink and he fiddled with his necktie.
Georgina felt immediate remorse, and gave him a charming smile. All she longed for was to be home again at Prosser’s Run. Life in the bush — as city folk loved to call it, even though there was hardly a blade of grass in sight let alone a bush — would be a bit dull for a city man.
“How are you settling in, Mr Wood?”
“I have enjoyed my first two months here, Miss Prosser.”
“It must seem very quiet after Melbourne life,” Johanna said.
“It’s quite a … different way of life.”
Georgina smiled at Mr Wood’s diplomatic answer.
At that moment, Mr Hemming, who was dressed in a dapper dark suit and in charge of serving drinks for the night, stepped up to their group. Georgina noticed Mr Wood was quick to empty his glass and put it forward for a refill.
Dr Chambers led the conversation again once the glasses had been charged. “It seems you Victorians were as eager to vote yes to Federation as we were here in South Australia, Mr Wood.”
“There is certainly much enthusiasm about Australia becoming a commonwealth. I think Alfred Deakin’s speech was a turning point in the Victorian campaign.”
“Yes, I read a summary in the newspaper. He spoke very well.”
“Victorian manufacturers are ready to share their expertise with broader markets.”
“Goodness.” Georgina couldn’t help her teasing tone. “Do you think they will even send their goods as far as Hawker, Mr Wood?”
“Well of course they will, Miss Prosser.” Mr Button had missed her attempt at light humour altogether. “It should help our local wheat farmers and even perhaps our one remaining flour mill if these jolly tariffs are removed between states.”
“If it will mean the removal of the Victorian stock tax I will be well pleased,” Georgina said.
“You must be one of the few pastoralists in the district with cattle left to sell, Miss Prosser.” Mr Wood looked at her over the top of his glass.
Georgina noted the twinkle in his eye. Touché, she thought. “No, Mr Wood. Like everyone else we have but a few cattle we are desperately trying to keep alive until this terrible drought breaks. But when it does—”
“Oh look.” Johanna turned away. “Mr Wiltshire is asking for our attention. I think it’s time for speeches. Come along, Georgina.”
She gave Mr Wood a parting smile and followed her mother to where Henry and Charles stood beside the piano. At least Mr Wood had added a welcome diversion to the evening. She glanced back but he was lost in the gathering crowd. Georgina sighed. Now she had to stand dutifully in front of everyone while Henry Wiltshire sang his son’s praises.
Charles was beaming at her as she approached. “I’m so glad you’re here, Georgina. You’ve made tonight so special with your presence.”
There was such an eager note in his voice she felt a pang of guilt over her attitude. She swallowed her irritation, smiled back at him and took her place at his side.
Twenty-eight
William’s bravado with the Prossers’ manager began to evaporate as he rode towards the woman he had hoped to make his wife. He tried not to think about the possibility of her being attracted to Charles Wiltshire but the younger man had seemed to have some kind of hold over her when they’d last all been together. Perhaps in William’s absence Georgina had somehow been converted to Wiltshire’s way of thinking. William gritted his teeth. Of course Georgina would be at Charles’s birthday. The Prossers and the Wiltshires were friends. It was natural that they should attend each other’s family events.
Once he made the road that led to Hawker, William tried to block the jumble of thoughts that churned in his head and concentrate on the journey ahead. Thankful for a near-full moon shedding clear light, he pushed Big Red hard to cover the distance quickly. He wasn’t sure what he’d do when he arrived in Hawker. It would be well after midnight, but at least he would be able to look for Georgina first thing in the morning, arrange some kind of meeting and see how she felt about him. He prayed she still wanted to see him.
William eased Big Red to a trot as the first houses came into view, then he leaned forward in the saddle and patted the horse’s neck. “We’ve made good time.”
At the end of the Wiltshires’ street William paused, surprised to see a horse and carriage pull out of their yard.
He turned up the road and, as he approached, he could hear voices raised in farewell. When he drew level with the house he took in the festive lanterns and ribbons. Chairs had been set outside and through the glass of the front window he could see more lights blazing. Tonight must have been the celebration for Charles’s birthday.
William watched from the other side of the road as the last visitors stepped away from the verandah to their waiting cart. He sucked in a breath. Georgina was standing between her mother and the Wiltshires as they raised their hands in farewell to the guests. William drank in the sight of her like a parched man would take water. There was a lantern above the door and one on each of the poles either side of where she stood. Her hair was high on her head, revealing her elegant nec
k, and the dress she wore fell softly around her like petals. She had the appearance of an exquisite flower. He slid from the saddle and tethered his horse, and without taking his eyes from her he crossed the road.
“That was the most wondrous evening, Henry.” Johanna Prosser smiled from their host to his son. “A birthday celebration to remember always, Charles.”
“It was certainly a grand turn-out,” Henry said.
“I am sure I spoke with everyone here.” Johanna’s eyes sparkled. “It’s so good to be able to hold one’s head up.”
“And why shouldn’t you?” Henry said. “You and Georgina are most deserving of your place in our society.”
“Thanks to your continued kindness. Without your support we would still be shunned because of what Ellis —”
“Mother.” Georgina put a restraining hand on her mother’s arm. “Let’s not spoil the evening with sad memories.”
“Of course not.” Johanna turned back to Henry. “I do hope you will excuse me. It’s very late and I fear I am not as young as I used to be.”
Henry stepped forward and offered his arm. “Nor I, Johanna. Let’s leave the young ones to it, shall we?”
Georgina bristled at the wink he gave his son. What did that mean?
Johanna took Henry’s arm then reached up and patted her daughter’s cheek with her other. “Don’t stay up too late, my dear.”
Georgina smiled through gritted teeth as they swept inside.
The door closed and she turned to Charles, ready to wish him good night. Her feet ached from standing all night in the dainty satin shoes with their high heels, her body felt constricted by the corset she was no longer used to wearing, and she was tired of small talk. He distracted her by taking her hand.
“Let’s take a walk in the garden before we retire.”
Georgina swallowed her sigh. “Very well.” She let him slip his hand under her elbow. It was his birthday after all. She only had to be nice for a little longer and then she could return to Prosser’s Run.
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