Where Rainbows End

  Robson handed over Hilary’s luggage to a coachman who then tied it amongst the other luggage on the coach roof. Over the last two days, the district had endured storms and torrential rain, turning the dirt into mud, making the smallest job tedious, and sending people into fits of temper.

  Down in the valley it had been no different, and the harshness of living rough in the bush had not endeared Hilary to the country. The ground around the hut became squelching mud. The roof sprang numerous leaks, sending streams of water running down the walls and drips splashing onto the bed. Rain hitting the bark roof sounded like a drum constantly banging inside their heads. Sometimes it was so loud they couldn’t hear each other speak. They re-lit the campfire repeatedly, only for it to sizzle and spit and not draw enough heat to cook anything properly. Robson wouldn’t risk lighting a fire in the hut or the stables, so they ate stale damper and cold stew. This unpalatable meal made Hilary gag and then cry in wretchedness.

  Thinking of it now, Pippa squirmed with guilt. Her sister wasn’t used to such hardships; neither was she, really, but in the end, she knew she’d cope with anything as long as she was in the valley. However, Hil felt differently, and yesterday, when a damp and bedraggled Millie and Davy had to abandon their soaked tent and move into the hut, it became the last straw for her twin. Hilary insisted they all go to join the family on the Hawkesbury. Pippa had refused to go, but sadly, knew Hilary must.

  A horn blew to let everyone know the coach was to depart and the town dogs started barking wildly. Hilary kissed Millie and Davy and turned to Pippa.

  ‘You’ll write often?’ Hilary knuckled her tears away.

  ‘What a silly question.’ Pippa smiled. Their petty arguments over the last few days were forgotten as the bond and love they shared came to the fore. ‘Don’t forget to give Father his letter, it’s important. Don’t let him worry about me, but you must insist he returns here when his health allows him. Tell him about all the improvements and how well everything looks, despite the rain.’

  Hilary hugged her. ‘I will, I promise.’ Robson handed her up into the coach. Once settled, she leaned out of the tiny window. ‘Take care of yourself, I’ll be thinking of you constantly.’

  ‘Goodbye, goodbye, Hil!’

  Millie slipped her hand through Pippa’s arm. ‘She won’t be gone forever.’

  ‘Yes, I know. But it shouldn’t be this way. We should all be together here. Oh, it doesn’t matter.’ She put her hand out for Davy’s. Together they waved and watched the coach trundle up the hill and away.

  Pippa sighed, feeling the lowest she’d been since arriving in Australia. Why did she always feel the odd one out in her family? For as long as she could remember, she never felt she truly belonged in their sphere. Her mother and father were very much alike in the things they did and said. Whereas she either seemed far ahead of them or way behind.

  ‘I’ll go finish the shopping, Pippa.’ Millie looked up at the grey clouds. ‘We might get more rain before the day is out.’

  ‘Yes, we should hurry. If you go to the bakery, I’ll go to the cobblers and see about our boots being repaired.’ She turned and walked up the street, heading for the cobbler, Mr Tan’s, house.

  As she passed Mr Levy’s Inn, she glanced at the stocks, which held a drunken man doing his penance. The inebriated fellow was loudly singing a bawdy tavern song and Pippa had to cover her smile as he, bent over and captured, danced with his feet only. So intent was she on watching his antics, she nearly bumped into someone.

  ‘It is Miss Noble, isn’t it?’

  Pippa glanced at the tall man who addressed her. He bowed and tipped his hat. His green eyes sparkled with either merriment or mischief, she wasn’t sure which, and she immediately wanted to smile. ‘Indeed it is, sir.’

  ‘My name is Gil Ashford.’ He held out his hand and bowed over hers. ‘I have been told, Miss Noble, that you are building a stud for thoroughbreds. Is that correct?’

  ‘Yes, that’s correct, Mr Ashford.’ She liked the look of this gentleman with his mop of chestnut-coloured hair. His clothes were of a superior quality, likely bought in London. He carried an air about him that spoke of wealth, privilege, and boyish charm.

  ‘I have a property out at Sutton Forest, Miss Noble, and my father and I have the need to extend our horse bloodstock. We recently bought four thoroughbred mares from Cape Town and were in a quandary as to who should service them, but forgive me! My manners are appalling.’ He laughed at his own folly and Pippa couldn’t help but smile. ‘Obviously, this shouldn’t be discussed in the middle of town or in front of ladies. Pray, could I extend an invitation to you and your family to visit my home, and there, in the right circumstances, I can speak with your father.’

  ‘I’m afraid my father is away at present and may not be back for some time. At the moment, I am in charge, and I deal with all aspects of the stud. So, Mr Ashford, the discussion is very appropriate.’ She raised one eyebrow at him, daring him to challenge her on the subject.

  ‘Well, Miss Noble, in that case may I extend the invitation to you?’ He bowed and grinned, his tone jovial and his eyes alive with interest and humour. ‘And I believe I would be most disappointed if you refused.’

  She bit the inside of her lip to stop another grin. He was like a golden spark, banishing dullness from the day. ‘I would be delighted, Mr Ashford. Thank you.’

  Two days later, Robson brought the wagon to a halt in front of the Ashfords’ impressive Sutton Forest home. Lush gardens and green lawns flowed away on either side of the circular white-gravelled drive, rejecting the drought of summer. Pippa stared at the abundance of tall English trees, the glossy leaves of camellias, the blooms of white and red roses. A peacock’s cry sounded from the stand of pines to the left and in the distance she spotted a dovecote. It all reminded her of the fine estates in England. She liked the place immediately.

  The house, made of pale sandstone blocks, sat on a slight rise, and five wide stone steps led to the double front doors on the deep and wide verandah that ran the whole length of the front of the house and disappeared around each corner. Pillared columns of stone held up the verandah roof and the wrought iron balcony above it. The gardens might be English, but the house was very much styled to Australian conditions.

  A male servant dressed in black with a pristine white shirt greeted Pippa at the door. After stating her name, she soon followed him along the large cool entrance hall. She glanced into the different rooms. No expense had been spared in the decoration and furnishing of this house. She was glad to have worn one of her best dresses of blue silk with white lace at the throat and cuffs.

  The servant bade her to sit in a small drawing room while he went in search of a member of the family. Pippa didn’t have much time to study the hunting prints on the walls before Gil Ashford entered the room and bowed before her, his expression full of cheerfulness.

  ‘Dear Miss Noble, what a delight it is to have you here.’ His handsome face broke into a warm smile.

  ‘Thank you for the invitation, Mr Ashford.’ She grinned back at him, happy to be in his company.

  ‘Please, I abhor formality, it’s so … stuffy. I insist you call me Gil. With luck, we’ll shock everyone.’ He winked at her as though she was a fellow conspirator. ‘I do like shocking people, don’t you? It’s enormous fun.’

  She stared at this whirlwind of a man, bursting with energy and humour. He was a living advertisement for vitality and his openness intrigued her, made her want to share his enthusiasm. ‘Very well, I will call you Gil and you must call me Pippa.’

  ‘Excellent.’ He beamed. ‘I’m so relieved you aren’t conventional, it’s terribly boring, you know. I want us to become good friends. One can never have enough friends in this small colony.’

  ‘I agree.’ His exuberance washed over her, lifting away the worries and anxieties that consumed her in the valley. Here in this beautiful house, she could imagine she was a lady of leisure again. She was sure that for an hour the pretence w
ould be fun – unlike in her previous life, when she had chafed at the restrictions society placed on her.

  ‘Come, you must meet my parents and sister. They are quite eager to greet you.’ He held out his arm and escorted her through French doors leading directly out onto a paved terrace and down a slightly sloping lawn. ‘You are aware, of course, that you are somewhat of a sensation in these parts?’

  Pippa frowned. The news surprised her. ‘Really?’

  ‘Oh, indeed. Your courage is very much admired. People say your stud will be a great asset to the district, to the whole country, perhaps.’

  ‘There is no pressure on me, then?’ she joked and he laughed.

  ‘I think you would do it easily.’ His green eyes flashed a secret light and Pippa laughed.

  ‘You have more confidence in me than I do.’ As they walked across the lawn, she peeped at him from under her straw bonnet. ‘Is that all they say, Mr Ashford?’

  ‘Gil.’

  ‘Sorry, Gil.’

  He paused, his smile slipping slightly. ‘Should there be more?’

  ‘I’m a woman building up a property, naturally all sorts of gossip will abound.’

  ‘Tremendous!’ He chuckled at her shocked expression. ‘I adore gossip. It makes a hot lazy day slide away and you never know what you might learn.’

  She stared at him in open amazement.

  His laughter increased. ‘Don’t you know that the more they gossip about you, the better you’ll be remembered? No?’ He patted her hand as though she was a child. ‘Never mind. I’ll teach you. Before long, you’ll be furious if your name isn’t mentioned in certain circles.’

  She pulled her hand out of his grasp. Her past had been riddled with gossip about her father’s debts and then her feelings for Grant and the fool she made herself over him. She needed no more gossip in her life. ‘I’m afraid I don’t share your joke, Mr Ashford.’

  He stopped. The laughter left his face immediately. He studied her for a moment before bowing, a look of apology in his eyes. ‘You must forgive me if I’ve offended, Miss Noble. I forget not everyone has my sense of humour about the ridiculous, and that is what gossip is, isn’t it? Ridiculous nonsense.’

  ‘It’s not nonsense if you’ve been on the receiving end of it.’ She stepped away and wondered if she should go home. The visit was nothing like she’d expected. He was not what she was used to. All the men in her life had been serious, staid, gravely polite, and respecting of a lady’s sensibilities – this man was none of those things.

  ‘I’m sorry, deeply sorry.’ He sighed and rubbed his forehead with a pained expression. ‘My mother always says I’m ill-mannered. Perhaps she’s right. I think I’ve lived in the country too long and have forgotten how to curb my tongue. It caused me no end of trouble in London. I couldn’t abide the opinionated stuffiness, or the conceited pompousness when they knew I was colonial born and bred. I had to laugh at it, Pippa, or wallow in righteous depression. I find I am unable to do misery well, so I make light of the world.’

  She looked up at him and his sincerity was clear. His sober expression revealed just how exceedingly handsome he was. She relaxed her stiff shoulders.

  His eyes turned emerald with disappointment. ‘I hate to think I made you feel uncomfortable. Do you wish to go home? I can make the excuses should you want to.’

  Pippa shook her head. She wanted him to smile again, for she preferred his jauntiness. Life was full of despair. She would take his jolliness and be thankful, for she didn’t do misery well, either. ‘Now it is my turn to ask forgiveness, Mr Ashford. I am too quick to judge, sometimes, and far too quick with my tongue! Introduce me, please. After all, I need more time to consider whether you really are ill-mannered or not.’

  He stared at her a moment and when she grinned, he broke into laughter again. ‘We will be firm friends, Pippa Noble, I just know it!’

  Under a large gum tree, the Ashford family rose from their seats and greeted her with smiles as Gil introduced her.

  Settling herself at the wrought iron table, Pippa made polite conversation about the weather with Gil’s father, Edgar, while Tabitha Ashford, a large woman of no apparent prettiness but with plenty of goodwill, bantered lightly with Gil and his sister Augusta.

  Although tall, thin, and plain, Augusta’s energy and humour drew Pippa’s attention. Gil teased in easy familiarity with his sister and their laughter filled the air. Pippa enjoyed being surrounded by such happiness. For too long, her family circumstances had given them nothing to laugh about.

  Tabitha refilled Pippa’s teacup. ‘So, Miss Noble, you say your parents are living in the Hawkesbury River community at the moment.’

  ‘Yes, that is correct. My mother has friends there. They were in Sydney, but gave it up. My father’s health has not been good lately.’

  ‘Do they worry over you being out here by yourself?’

  ‘Yes, they do. However, we have a property that needs attention and since my father has been unwell, the responsibility falls to me.’ Pippa took a sip of her tea.

  ‘But surely a man could be put in charge?’ Mr Ashford sniffed in disapproval. ‘I must say that allowing a daughter to stay alone on a remote property is hardly responsible of your parents.’

  ‘Edgar!’ Tabitha nearly choked on her tea. ‘It is not for you to air your opinion on how the Nobles behave, my dear.’

  Chastised, Mr Ashford bowed his head in Pippa’s direction by way of an apology.

  ‘I am not entirely alone. I have a companion and recently my sister stayed at the property. I rely on my overseer completely.’

  Augusta selected a jam tart from the cake stand. ‘I think it admirable that Miss Noble is managing the business. I know it is something I could do, if the opportunity arose. In this country, many women have taken over the administration of their homes while their menfolk are away. I know of some women left alone for years as their men drive cattle overland. Indeed, I have read of women defending their homes from bushrangers and—’

  ‘That is quite enough, thank you, Augusta. We know of your reading habits. It is Miss Noble we wish to know about.’ Mrs Ashford sipped her tea and addressed Pippa once more. ‘Do you miss England? I imagine your mother must find it distressing to be so far away from home.’

  ‘I believe she will adjust, and I don’t miss England for a moment. There is too much for me to do here.’

  ‘But the prices in Sydney! They are extravagant. When I was in London a few years ago with Gil, I bought everything I could possibly need and brought it back with me. It saved an enormous amount.’

  ‘At the moment I haven’t given it much thought, but yes, I suppose the day will come when I need to think of having beautiful furniture as you do in your home.’

  ‘You must bring your mother to visit me, when she comes into the country.’

  ‘I will, thank you. Mother would be pleased to make your acquaintance, I’m certain.’

  Gil offered her a plate of macaroons. ‘Do you enjoy riding?’

  ‘Very much so, although the opportunity has been limited since arriving. I have no horse of my own as yet.’

  His smile deepened. ‘Perhaps you could ride one of our horses? My sister and I could show you some of the countryside?’

  ‘I would enjoy that, thank you.’ She felt so relaxed in their company, and for the first time in a long time she felt happy.

  Tabitha raised her eyebrows. ‘As long as you don’t involve Miss Noble in your reckless escapades, Gil. You and Augusta believe me to be blind, deaf, and dumb when it comes to your adventures.’

  Gil laughed and suddenly twirled Augusta into the air. ‘Can I help it if my sister possesses a devil’s streak?’

  Augusta shrieked. ‘You, Gil, are the only devil around here!’

  Falling to his knees, Gil pretended to be heartbroken. ‘To be slighted by my very own sister.’ He swivelled on one knee to Pippa. ‘Do you think I can be saved, Miss Noble?’

  Pippa covered her laughter with her hand
and leant forward. ‘I very much doubt it, Mr Ashford.’

  Gil and his family roared with amusement.

  Amidst the jollity, Pippa watched the family, liking their closeness, envying them for it. Her own family never behaved with each other as easily as the Ashfords did. Too many times they were at war over another of Father’s failed investments, hiding from creditors or moving around the country, having to start again.

  She placed her teacup on the table and stood. As much as she wanted to stay, she needed to go home and work. ‘I must be on my way. I thank you all for a very pleasant afternoon tea.’

  ‘Won’t you stay a little longer, Pippa?’ Gil’s expression was that of a little boy who had lost his toy.

  ‘Another half an hour, Miss Noble?’ Augusta nodded encouragement.

  ‘No, I’m afraid not. Much awaits me in the valley. Thank you, anyway.’ Pippa turned and shook hands with Gil’s parents. ‘Thank you for your hospitality.’

  Edgar bowed. ‘Responsibility is a heavy burden, Miss Noble. Please think of us, should you ever need assistance.’

  His words warmed her. It seemed he was a man of little conversation, but his eyes missed nothing. ‘Thank you, sir, I will.’

  Tabitha patted her hand. ‘You must come again. Soon.’

  ‘I will, and I offer you the same invitation to my home, humble though it may be.’

  ‘I have every confidence that soon it will be as grand as anything in the district, Miss Noble.’ Tabitha smiled. ‘You have the spirit to do it, if anyone can.’

  ‘Augusta and I will walk you out.’ Gil offered his arm.

  They walked her to the front of the house and Gil handed her onto the wagon seat.

  Augusta promptly pulled herself up and kissed Pippa’s cheek. ‘You’ll come again, won’t you? Please say you will. This has been a wonderful afternoon.’

  Pippa nodded. ‘Yes, of course, and I insist on you both visiting the valley soon.’

  ‘Oh, definitely. Gil and I will ride there. Is next Wednesday convenient?’

  Laughing at her enthusiasm, Pippa nodded. ‘That will do wonderfully.’ She turned to Gil, who stepped closer and took her hand. ‘Come and inspect our stallion. You’ll not be disappointed.’