‘Aye, miss, I made them get a move on so you’d have a surprise to come back to. The dairy is complete now.’
‘I’m certainly astonished, Robson, thank you.’ She leaned forward in the seat to peer at the garden fences around the house.
‘Colin and Peter finished whitewashing the fence only yesterday, miss.’
‘And Noble Blaze? Your letter last week mentioned a gentleman coming from Goulburn?’
‘Yes. He arrived two days ago with his mares.’
‘Mares?’ She clapped in excitement.
‘Aye, three, miss. Blazey boy is getting a name for himself.’
‘Each mare he has serviced has taken, Robson. Isn’t that splendid?’
‘Couldn’t ask for better, miss.’
She stared over the paddocks to where Blaze ate peacefully and thanked the fates for giving them such a fine stallion. Through him, they couldn’t fail. In the next field, she spotted their mares. ‘And our mares. They are doing well?’
‘Fat and healthy, miss.’
‘Five more months and we’ll have foals …’ Joy filled her heart. She wanted to see this whole valley filled with horses. ‘I was bequeathed a small amount of money, Robson,’ she said and pointed behind her to the new provisions tied onto the cart, ‘and after buying all that, I still have some money left. I want to buy more mares.’
‘That’ll be grand, miss.’ He gave her a sideways glance. ‘You have the wages, miss?’
‘Yes, from my father. He’ll—’
‘Pippa!’ Millie ran along the creek with Davy dashing away in front of her, waving madly.
She stood up in the seat and Robson gripped her arm to steady her as she waved back. ‘Millie! Davy!’
She was home.
Later, as the sun began to slip behind the ranges and pink and coral streaked the sky, Pippa strolled up the rise to the newly built house. She wandered around, gazing at the construction, touching the newly installed windows. The internal walls had been plastered and the men had started to polish the floorboards.
She stood on the front verandah and surveyed the valley, shimmering in the golden glory of sunset. Her heart swelled with emotion. It was everything she ever wanted, ever dreamed of.
In the distance, the men were laughing, singing, all getting washed and changed, ready for their trip to Berrima and a night of drinking. The work horses grazed beyond the stables, sharing the wild grasses with the odd kangaroo, who’d managed to slip through or jump over the rail fences. Noble Blaze strutted a few paces along one of the fences, displaying his intentions to the brood mares on the other side.
A shout echoed and in a flurry of activity the men piled into the cart and drove out of camp and towards the end of the valley. Chalker waved to her from the stable block, alerting her to the fact he’d remained behind, but even his audacity couldn’t diminish her joy at being home.
Pippa smiled as Millie handed her a cup of tea.
‘They’ll enjoy their break.’ Millie indicated the dust cloud left by the carts. ‘They’ve worked hard.’
‘Yes, and I told them how much I appreciated it, though they were more interested in their wages and my offer for them to spend two days in Berrima with the first round of drinks on me.’
Laughing, Millie took a sip of tea. ‘There will be some sore heads in the morning.’
‘And a richer landlord at the Victoria Inn. But they deserve a break. They’ll be back after services on Sunday morning, and come Monday morning, they will be again toiling.’
They sipped their tea in silence, watching the sun set behind the valley ridge.
‘Glad to be back?’
‘I never want to leave again.’ Pippa grinned. ‘I’m just so astounded. I was gone for a month and look at all that has been achieved. I cannot thank Robson enough. He is a good man.’
‘He is that.’ Millie nodded. ‘He keeps the men under control and working hard whether they want to or not.’
‘Was there any trouble?’
Shrugging, Millie rubbed the back of her neck. ‘Not much. The groom, Chalker, likes to cause strife if he has the opportunity. I believe he has a cruel streak in him.’
Pippa scowled. She had let him get away with too much. He’d have to go. ‘I’ll speak to Robson about him.’
‘The men are solid workers, but another woman about the place wouldn’t have gone astray in the last month.’
‘I can well imagine.’ She chuckled, then grew serious. ‘Did Robson look after you, though? I mean, were you in any danger?’
‘Oh, Robson was very good indeed. And the men were most considerate. Barney treats me like a long-lost daughter, and Colin and Peter are always polite. And Davy thinks of them as family now. He needs that male influence.’
‘Did you see the Merediths or the Ashfords?’
Smiling, Millie nodded. ‘Gil and Augusta rode over once. They said they knew you weren’t here but they missed you and wanted to see how the stud was coming along.’
‘That is kind of them. I missed them too.’ She thought of Gil and her heart did a little skip. She had missed him more than she expected.
Millie pulled a loose thread from her skirt. ‘Amelia came for a visit twice and Davy and I went back with her for the night, which was a welcome break. It was a pleasure to eat a meal I didn’t have to cook.’
‘Good. You need time to yourself. You work too hard.’ She tucked her hand through Millie’s arm. ‘Where is Davy?’
‘Playing with the toy soldiers you bought him. I think he may sleep with them.’
‘As long as he’s happy, that’s all that matters.’ Pippa gazed at Millie. ‘Are you happy?’
Millie nodded and gazed out over the view. ‘Very. I have a healthy son, a home, food, and you. What more could I want?’ Millie frowned at her. ‘What about you?’
Pippa swept one arm out wide, encompassing all before them and nearly spilling her tea in the process. ‘I have all this, why wouldn’t I be happy? Look at it, Millie. Look at the thriving little community it has become.’ Then she sobered. ‘And I will fight to the death to keep it.’
Millie grimaced. ‘Are there problems?’
‘Nothing I cannot handle. While I was away, Father told me that none of our money went into buying the land. So, if we default on the repayments, the property will solely belong to a family friend. I was lead to believe that our money was used as well as the loan, but that is not so.’
‘Oh, Pippa. I’m sorry.’
‘Well, it’s not how I’d like it to be, but I’ll not give up. This is Noble land and it will remain that way. I just have to pay the money back as quickly as I can. With half of my bequest I repaid some of the loan, but it wasn’t a lot. Hilary wanted to do the same, but I know she really wanted to enhance her trousseau, which is severely lacking. I told her to keep the rest because she may need it when she marries—’
‘She is engaged?’
‘Not yet, but it’s only a matter of time. Toby Talbot is eager to make her his bride. I want her to have money of her own when that happens. In case she ever needs it.’
Crickets in the grass began to chorus as dusk settled over the land.
‘When will your family arrive?’
Shrugging, Pippa sipped her cooling tea. ‘In a month, perhaps. Father promised me he would return as soon as his health allows. He is getting much better, but Mother is digging in her heels and claiming all sorts of excuses why she shouldn’t come yet. I must not get my hopes up. Father’s promises have been empty before.’ She sighed. ‘Mother is hoping Toby Talbot will propose to Hilary soon and save her the bother of coming here at all. Poor Hilary would be newly married and have Mother living with them. Not an ideal start to married life.’
‘How would you feel if they didn’t come at all?’
‘Disappointed.’ Pippa listened to the last of the bird calls as the sun slid beyond the range. ‘But they must do what pleases them. I cannot make them live here, although financially it is the better option. Whate
ver they choose, I shall continue building the stud. The valley is my home,’ she said, smiling at Millie, ‘and the people within it are now my family. Father, hopefully, will listen to his conscience for once and—’
Millie stiffened. ‘Chalker is coming. He must want a word with you. I’ll go and check on Davy.’ She took the teacups and walked down the slope.
Pippa straightened and made her expression businesslike as the groom come closer. ‘Did you wish to speak to me, Chalker?’
He removed his hat and stopped a few feet away. ‘Yes, Miss Noble. Robson needed someone to stay behind while the men go to Berrima.’
‘And that person is you?’
His rakish smile was not lost on her. ‘Yes, miss, it is. So, if you need anything, anything at all, just holler and I’ll come running.’
She swallowed, feeling foolish at the double-meanings she thought she heard in his simple words. His grey eyes narrowed as his grin spread and his stance became leisurely, which irritated her. He thought himself to be so appealing and charming. Obviously he was used to fascinating the women he met, but she only felt a sense of unease and wariness.
She took a step back. ‘Thank you, Chalker. I doubt I’ll require you tonight.’
He bowed like some highborn gentleman. ‘Well, should you change your mind, Miss Noble, you’ll know where to find me.’
Pippa headed down the slope, eager to be with Millie. The man unnerved her.
Chapter Thirteen
The horse’s hoofs crunched over the frosted grass. Autumn had come and gone with no real rain. The land was dry, parched, and everyone prayed for winter rains.
Pippa ducked her head under a low branch and guided Honey up from the frosty valley floor and into the wooded slopes. The cold July morning allowed the mist to linger and, as they climbed higher, she looked back at the homestead peeking through the whiteness as though it floated in the clouds.
The incline levelled out for a distance and Pippa reined Honey in. Over the past weeks, she had taken to riding the boundaries of the property searching for signs of local Aboriginals. Recently, a group of natives were noticed crossing the valley. She’d given orders for them not to be harmed, even when they realised later that night that a few sheep went missing. Aboriginal raids weren’t as frequent in this area as others, and she didn’t want to start a war over some sheep. Her men were under orders not to injure them unless in danger themselves.
Pippa shifted in the saddle and the creaking leather sounded loud in the quiet of the bush. She patted Honey’s neck and clicked her heels to ride on. Her new horse, bought with the remaining money Howard left her, had been a good investment, being sure-footed and of sound temperament.
After an hour of riding the top of the range, Pippa turned back with reluctance. Accounts and correspondence awaited her. With luck, she’d receive no visitors today. All week she’d been terribly busy. Augusta had called with an invitation to a picnic that she declined because of concerns needing her attention. Old Barney Goodfellow had slipped while chopping wood and cut his foot with the axe. Chalker fought with two men: a new hired man and then Colin. Barney had threatened to take his sons and leave if Chalker wasn’t sacked. With quick talking that came close to begging, Pippa had convinced him to stay, promising that Chalker was on his last chance.
She knew she should have sacked the groom on the spot. However, he handled Noble Blaze better than anyone else. With the stallion their main source of income, she had to make certain her decisions were the correct ones, and that meant keeping Chalker a little longer.
To top it all off, a letter from Hilary told her not to expect them any time soon, as Mother had accepted invitations for parties for the next three weeks. This hurt more than she cared to admit. When she’d left the Talbots’ house, her father promised they would follow her soon, but here it was July and they were still in Sydney!
She sighed and thought of the positives. Three gentlemen had brought their mares to be serviced. The stud fees greatly improved her situation, allowing her to pay some accounts. Noble Blaze was fit and healthy and with luck would continue to be so. The crop fields were fully sown and, come spring, would start to shoot. Nearly all the ewes were in lamb and those that weren’t became food for the table.
As Honey carefully trod back down the slope, Pippa tightened the reins, but the horse was sure-footed and she relaxed. She looked forward to spending the day with Millie, who had been staying with the Merediths for a week, helping Amelia with her new, weak baby boy and had returned only that morning. Also, Pippa wanted to teach Davy to ride the old pony she’d rescued a few days ago from the knackery in Berrima.
‘Pippa!’
She turned in the saddle to look over her shoulder. Gil was riding towards her through the trees. She smiled and waited for him to reach her. ‘This is a pleasant surprise.’
‘I’ve just returned from Goulburn last night, so I thought I’d come and visit you this morning. It has been too long since I’ve seen you. How are you? Augusta tells me you have been extremely busy. Too busy for entertainments?’
She laughed, patting Honey’s neck. ‘I’m very well, thank you and, yes, extremely busy. You seem well?’
‘I am and much better now I’ve seen you.’ He relaxed in the saddle. ‘I’m sorry I missed your visit last week. Our property in Goulburn needed my attention longer than I expected. How are things here?’
‘Fine, Noble Blaze is earning his keep.’ She blushed at her meaning.
‘He’s a lucky boy to be so popular.’ Gil grinned. ‘Your reputation will build because of him.’
‘Yes, I plan on keeping a colt of his from one of our own mares.’
‘And are your family well?’
‘Father is better, though still not fully himself. They still reside in Sydney.’
‘And you miss them.’
She looked out over the valley. ‘I do, yes. I wish for them to see this place and once they do I am sure they will adore it as much as I do.’
‘You would not wish to return to England then?’
‘No.’
‘Good. I would hate for you leave.’
She turned back to him and saw a different expression on his face, not his usually happy smile, but something more reflective and serious. ‘I don’t plan on ever returning to England. You can’t get rid of me that simply, Gil Ashford.’
‘I never want rid of you, Pippa.’ His eyes sent a message that she read quite easily. He had feelings for her, or at least he wanted her as a man wants a woman. She ducked her head and gathered the reins. ‘I’d best be getting back.’
‘Will you join us for dinner on Friday night?’ Gil asked suddenly. ‘I want to catch up on all your news.’
‘That would be lovely, thank you.’
‘I’ll send our carriage for you at seven.’ He reined his horse away and into the trees.
She waited a few minutes after he’d gone before descending the hillside. Gil was very much in her thoughts. She was unused to him being serious like he had been just now. She sensed the change in him, and it surprised her that she had caused it. After Grant she had not thought of other men that way. However, to think that Gil might find her attractive … Clearing the last of the trees at the bottom of the incline, Honey abruptly shied at the sudden movement leaping out from behind a tree. Pippa gripped the reins and swirled around, her heart in her throat. Her first thought was of Aborigines, but instead, Chalker stood there, grinning.
‘Good morning, Miss Noble.’ He tipped his hat ever so slightly, his smile cocksure.
Surprise and anger made her voice sharp. ‘What are you doing here? Why aren’t you at work?’
Chalker folded his arms, his manner relaxed. ‘I’m collecting firewood.’
Honey side-stepped again before settling. Pippa looked beyond Chalker and saw a small, empty handcart. ‘Then I suggest you get about your chore, and in the future don’t jump out at a horse and rider. You nearly unseated me.’
‘You are far too good a
rider for that, miss.’ His gaze roamed over her. He patted Honey’s flank near Pippa’s skirt, his hand inching towards her leg.
Stiffening in the saddle, Pippa glared at his insolence. ‘You are on your last warning, Chalker. Robson says you tend to shirk your duties and I’ve noted how many times you’ve caused trouble with the men. Do not tempt me further.’
His grin widened and the tip of his fingers pressed through her skirts to touch her calf. ‘It warms me to know that you watch me.’
Pippa shivered with repulsion. ‘Don’t flatter yourself.’ She jerked her leg away. ‘Move back, please.’
‘You wouldn’t say that to Ashford, would you? I saw you talking to him. I’ve seen the way he looks at you.’ Chalker’s eyes narrowed as he looked up at her from under his hat brim. ‘I was thinking you might be lonely out here. It’s perfectly natural for a woman to want a man’s comfort sometimes and, should you have such needs and don’t want to be obvious to Ashford, then I’d be more than willing to ease your feminine urges. Of course, it would be our secret.’
Speechless, she stared at him, her mouth opening and closing. The audacity of the man’s proposal whirled about in her mind.
Spluttering and gripping the reins, she whirled Honey about in a tight circle. ‘You impertinent scum! You think I’d want you touching me?’
Chalker smirked. ‘Spirited women like you are always up for some bed sport. The fire in you needs to be quenched, and I’m willing to do it for you. No one will know, I promise you. Get down, Pippa, and let me show you how good it can be.’
Outraged, Pippa leaned down from the saddle to sneer in his face. ‘You’ve no idea what women like me need! Now pack your bags and get off my property. Consider yourself fired.’ She jerked Honey into motion and thundered away.
At the stables, Pippa dismounted and, leading Honey by the reins, marched inside to Robson, who stood checking the feed barrels for vermin. In the corner, Colin forked cut grass into a stall. ‘Robson, I’ve just fired Chalker. He’s to leave the property within the hour. Can you see to it?’
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