‘Yes, I know, but I think it’s important we make a presence at this new strike while the going is good. I’ll find another driver to go south.’
Annoyed, Pippa tapped the paper against her palm. ‘Who can we trust with such a task? It was hard enough to find Tom, and we only got him because he’s too old and arthritic to dig.’
‘There’s bound to be someone, don’t worry. I’ll speak to Tom, he might know—’
‘I have the perfect solution.’
Surprised, Marshall raised his eyebrows, a knowing smile playing about his lips. ‘Oh?’
‘You.’
‘Me?’ His smile slipped.
‘It’s a faultless solution and it’s cheaper. If you go, we don’t have to pay an outrageous wage.’
‘What about all of this?’ Marshall spread his arms out wide, indicating the store. ‘There is too much to do here.’
‘I’ll take care of the builders.’
‘I don’t think that’s wise.’
‘Nonsense, it makes perfect sense.’
He shook his head, his left hand unconsciously rubbing his bad leg. ‘I’ll not leave you here alone.’
His concern touched her. ‘Marshall, I’ve been in town for six months. People know me now. I’ll come to no harm.’
Marshall narrowed his eyes at her. ‘I’ll tell Tom to make this first trip north a short one. If he’s back in two days, then he can immediately head south. Being a day or two late won’t matter to those men.’
‘You don’t know that. Besides, it’s the principle. We told them we would go out every second Tuesday. It makes good business sense to keep to our word.’
He pulled a watch from his trouser pocket and checked the time. ‘Aren’t you to meet the Darlington family at ten o’clock?’
Pippa nodded. Over the months she had sent many families, down on their luck, back to Berrima. The Darlington family were the latest and had agreed to work at the stud. They had two strong sons and both parents were fit and healthy. She’d met them several times and liked them more each time. Today they were leaving for Sydney and the thought filled her with a sudden, desperate longing for her family and the valley.
She wrote to her mother, Hil, and Millie every week, telling them a little of her time at the diggings. Her mother had sent her numerous summons to return home, which she promptly ignored, knowing she wasn’t ready to go back. It was too soon to return to Berrima and face Gil. She needed more time to adsorb his words, his needs, before she saw him again. His declaration of love had turned her upside down. It changed everything she thought solid, leaving her floundering, rudderless. Why did he have to change things and why did she have to be difficult and not accept what he offered? Any normal woman would.
‘You miss your family.’ Marshall stepped closer and clasped her hand.
‘Yes, I do.’ She gazed up into his eyes, emotion closing her throat.
Gil’s image came to mind and longing for his smile engulfed her, but she stiffened her shoulders against it. She had to keep busy. ‘I’d best go.’
Dashing out of the shop, she crossed the street, side-stepping a mile of fresh horse manure.
‘Miss Noble!’ Doris Darlington waved frantically amidst the hustle and bustle of people, children, dogs, and horses. The coach had just arrived and spilled out its human cargo, more souls eager to try digging for gold.
‘I’m sorry I’m late, Mrs Darlington.’ Pippa dodged a small child and shook the older woman’s hands. ‘Are you all ready to go?’
‘Aye, indeed we are, Miss Noble, and it’s with thanks to you.’ Doris nodded rapidly, sending her little black hat jiggling. She squeezed Pippa’s hands again. ‘You’ve given my family a new start and I never thought it would happen. Blasted gold, it’s the ruination of every decent man.’
Pippa grinned at the woman’s outrage, knowing that had the Darlingtons struck lucky, Doris would be singing a different tune. ‘I’m sure you’ll be happy in the valley. My family is wonderfully kind and will treat you well.’
‘That’s all I pray for now, Miss Noble, all I pray for now.’ Doris sobered and tucked her arms under her large breasts.
They were joined by the Darlington men, all laughing and joking, glad to be given another opportunity to live decently. Once more, they asked Pippa for descriptions of the valley, the people there, and the work they’d be assigned.
As fresh horses were harnessed to the coach, Pippa gave introductory letters to Doris. ‘Give these to Robson, my overseer. He’ll meet the coach in Berrima. My family will be expecting you.’
‘Right you are, Miss Noble.’ Doris tucked the letters into her bag.
Her husband stepped forward and shook her hand. ‘We appreciate this chance, Miss Noble. We’ll work hard for you and your family.’
She nodded and smiled. Shortly after, the carriage driver blew the horn to hurry the passengers. In a flurry of activity, the coach was loaded. Pippa stepped back, waving to Doris, who poked her head out of the window.
As the coach jerked away to shouts and whistles, Pippa took a deep breath. The Darlingtons would see the valley soon. They would see her mother, standing on the verandah surveying her domain, and they would see Millie working in her vegetable garden with Davy helping.
Pippa turned away, the coach gone from sight, leaving nothing but dust in its wake. Sadness weighed heavily on her heart, but it had been her decision to stay here, to earn more money in a few months than the stud could earn in a year. Summoning her courage, she lifted her chin and shook away the self-pity. Soon. Soon, she would go home.
‘Miss Noble.’
Pippa stopped and stared at the working man who addressed her. His hat was pulled low, shadowing his face. ‘Yes?’
‘You don’t remember me, do you?’
She frowned. ‘Unless you hold your head up, I cannot even see you.’
Slowly he raised his face. Neil Chalker smirked, his eyes narrowing. ‘Now you see me.’
For one terrifying second, Pippa couldn’t move or comment. In the time since their last encounter, she’d forgotten him. He looked older, rougher, and by the state of his filthy clothes, obviously down on his luck. ‘I shouldn’t be surprised to see you here. Gold attracts even the lowest of people.’
His cheeks whitened and the smirk faltered.
‘Good day to you.’ Pippa gathered her skirts and lifted them away, as if he contaminated her. ‘I cannot say it was a pleasure, Mr Chalker.’
His hand shot out and gripped her elbow before she could take another step. ‘Perhaps you have no idea of what pleasure is, Miss Noble?’ The pitch of his voice threatened.
With one eyebrow raised, she stared down at his dirty hand. ‘I suggest, Mr Chalker, that you release me before I scream so loud every man in the district will hear me.’
‘Including Marshall, your current lapdog?’
She stilled, irritation racing through her body. So he had been watching her, or asking about her. She hid her fear, ripped her elbow out of his clasp, and strode away, head high. ‘Goodbye, Chalker.’
‘Never goodbye, Miss Noble.’
When she knew she was out of his sight, she ducked into the nearest building, a dilapidated Chinese dwelling proclaiming itself to be an eatery. The owner, standing behind a wooden counter at the back, quickly bowed to her. She blinked and impulsively bowed her head.
‘Missy need drink?’ The small Chinese man stepped out from behind the counter, but made no move towards her. His wide smile was a comfort.
She nodded, berating herself for the sudden inability to act or think.
Light on his feet, his black pigtail swinging, he poured a drink into a tiny blue cup, brought it to her, and scuttled behind his counter.
Pippa smiled and sipped the sweet liquid. ‘Thank you.’
He bowed again and grinned.
‘My name is Miss Philippa Noble.’
‘Phil No-bell.’ He grinned and nodded, then pointed to his chest. ‘Wong Ling.’
Smiling, Pipp
a took another sip and then stepped to the counter to give his cup back. ‘Thank you, Wong Ling.’ She dug in her reticule for a coin.
‘No, missy!’ He waved away her money. His dark eyes lit his pleasant face. ‘You come gain, Phil No-bell. I cook.’
‘Yes. I will.’ And she would. She didn’t think of the new Chinese population as a plague to society like most others did. As far as she was concerned, there was room enough for everyone who spilled off the ships. And one could never have enough acquaintances in this town, no matter the race.
She looked around the fragile tables and stools, the timber walls with scraps of Chinese silk nailed to it. Yes, it was primitive, but that was the way of the diggings. She’d bring Marshall here, they’d have tea.
After a last wave goodbye, Pippa left Wong Ling and headed out into the sunshine. She was late returning to the shop; Marshall would wonder where she’d gone.
A hand clamped over her mouth and she was grabbed from behind with a force that lifted her off her feet. Instinct made her scream against the rough fingers clamped over her lips, pressing them back into her teeth. She tasted blood and twisted violently to be free. The villain who held her swore as she struggled. His hat was knocked off and her boot kicked it to one side when he dragged her down the lane between two buildings and into a dim shed.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Pippa woke to whispered arguing. Slowly she raised her head; her neck creaked at the movement and a sharp pain made her wince. A throbbing alerted her to the tenderness of her left cheek. In the shadowy darkness, she made out two men having a heated disagreement.
Dried blood caked her lips. She remembered the slap she’d received from the fellow who’d taken her. He’d not hesitated to administer punishment for her screaming and thrashing. His last smack on the side of her head had sent her world black.
The twine he’d tied her hands and ankles with cut her skin, but she dared not move, for the two men weren’t aware she was awake. Her head throbbed. For a moment she could only focus on the pain.
Through the open doorway, the evening twilight descended. Because it was autumn, she knew it must be around six o’clock. Hours. It was hours since she’d waved goodbye to the Darlingtons. Would Marshall be worried, maybe looking for her? Or would he think she’d returned to her rooms, gone shopping?
She couldn’t believe this had happened. Outrage filled her, squashing all fear. How dare someone take her! The very thought incensed her so much it made breathing difficult.
Sudden movement from the men forced her to calm down. Quietly they approached and she closed her eyes, pretending to be still unconscious.
‘You frigging fool, Reg. I told you not to hit her. She’s still out cold.’
Pippa stifled a moan. Chalker. It was Chalker who knelt close by, he who spoke. Reg was the man who’d accosted her on her first day in the diggings, and had since jeered at her when they passed each other in the street. Rage consumed her like a burning fever. She would kill them both!
‘Now listen, Chalker,’ Reg argued. ‘You said to grab the wench and I did. The bitch screamed and fought like a madwoman. Did you want the whole town to hear her?’
‘No, but now she has evidence to show people.’
‘Then when we’re finished with her, I’ll slit her throat.’
Pippa’s whimper silenced the men. She was grabbed by the arm and jerked straighter.
‘Wake up, now.’ Chalker shook her shoulders, making her head wobble.
Pippa’s eyes sprang open and she glared with every bit of hatred she could summon. ‘You touch me once more and I’ll see you hang.’
Reg laughed. ‘See, told you we should have gagged her. The stuck-up cow has spirit, that’s for certain.’ He rubbed his hands together and chuckled. ‘I’ll enjoy taming this one.’
Chalker sprang to his feet and gripped Reg by the shirt. ‘Touch her again and you’ll deal with me.’
Reg held up his hands in surrender. ‘Rightio, mate. Settle.’
‘I’ll not tell you again, remember that.’ Chalker threw Reg from him and turned to Pippa, and for once, his eyes were tender. ‘You’ll be all right.’
‘What do you hope to achieve by this? Did you want to frighten me? Well, you’ve done your job. Congratulations. Now release me before I’m reported missing.’
Chalker glanced at Reg and indicated for him to go. Silently, the man slunk outside. A horse snorted close by.
‘Where am I?’
‘Outskirts of town. No one can hear you scream, so don’t bother trying.’
Pippa strained to hear other sounds. Nothing but the jingle of harness. ‘Let me go, Chalker. I’ll tell no one.’
He shook his head. ‘No can do, Miss Noble. You’re coming with me.’
‘Not likely.’
‘You have no choice in the matter.’
‘Where do you plan to take me?’
‘Now that would be telling, wouldn’t it?’ He knelt, untied her ankles, and helped her stand. Being so close together, Chalker hesitated; he touched her loose hair. ‘You know I won’t harm you, don’t you? I’ll not let anyone hit you again,’ he whispered.
Pippa swallowed. She read the desire in him and a tingle of fear as cold as mountain snow spread through her body. ‘Please let me go.’
His fingers ran down her cheek, neck, and across the top of her chest. She stood still, her chin raised in challenge, and he smiled. ‘You’re the most delightful creature I’ve ever met.’
‘And I’ll never be yours.’
Chalker dropped his hand and stepped back.
Reg stuck his head around the door. ‘Everything is set. Come on.’
Pippa’s bravado left her. In panic she looked from one to the other. ‘Where are you taking me?’
‘We’re going bush.’ Chalker pushed her forward.
‘Aye. A long way bush.’ Reg grinned like the devil. ‘We’re off digging for gold far from this mangy town.’
Outside, Pippa halted at the sight of three saddle horses and two pack horses. It couldn’t be real. She dug her heels in the dirt and refused to walk another step.
Reg sidled up to her. ‘Just get on the horse, missy, and make no fuss.’
She wished her hands were free so she could slap his impertinent, ugly face. ‘You’re stupider than you look if you think I’ll do as you say.’ She suddenly screamed for help loud and clear.
His hand whipped out and struck her on the side of her head, knocking her to the ground. She landed with a thump and sat stunned in the dirt.
‘No, Reg! No!’ Chalker’s face twisted in disgust. ‘I said not to hit her!’
Reg spat into the dirt. ‘You might want to let her be the boss, but not me. She’ll not scream the place down, or speak to me as though I’m her lackey.’
Chalker came beside her and took her elbow. ‘Come, mount up.’
Dazed, her head ringing, she allowed him to help her to her feet. ‘You …You cannot do this. Let me go and I’ll tell no one.’
He ignored her and guided her towards the horse.
Eyes wide, she stepped back, shaking her head. ‘You’re mad.’
‘Very likely.’
‘You cannot kidnap me.’
Reg swung up into the saddle, the leather creaking. ‘We’ll be long gone before anyone knows you’re not sleeping in your bed, missy. They’ll never find us.’
‘No more talk.’ Chalker lifted Pippa and thrust her onto the saddle. She sat like a limp doll and, swearing in frustration, he pushed her boots into the stirrups and placed the reins in her tied hands. He tapped the horse’s rump and it walked obediently behind Reg’s mount.
In a swift movement, Chalker mounted, trotted to Pippa’s horse, and grabbed the reins from her stiff fingers and secured them on his own saddle. ‘I know what a good rider you are. I’m not taking any chances.’
‘Please, listen to me—’ She stopped and stared as he whipped out a handkerchief, quickly reached across, and gagged her. She squirmed in alarm, but
in danger of falling from the horse, she froze.
Satisfied, Chalker spurred the horses on and Pippa clung to the saddle as they rode past the fringes of the town in near darkness. Looking over her shoulder, she watched the twinkling lights of the huts, tents, and buildings fade. Tears ran down her cheeks and soaked into the gag.
When they entered thick bush, Pippa kept a constant record of their progress. Thankfully she was at the end of the line. Reg rode ahead, leading the packhorses, and behind them, Chalker rode, leading her horse. Without him being aware of it, she could turn and look around her to keep a mental record of their journey. They were heading directly north-west.
For a while they followed a meandering creek, and when she believed them to be a few miles from town, she used her fingertips to prise a handkerchief from her pocket and drop it to the ground. She swivelled to stare at it until they rounded a bend and she lost sight of it.
The moon rose high in the star-peppered sky as they rode for hours. She tried to keep focused. She thought of her family, the stud, recalled the times spent with Gil, the dinners, the picnics, the rides, the garden parties. She remembered his smile, the way he looked at her, his laugh …
Despite her best efforts to stay alert, at times Pippa drifted into sleep, only to jerk awake when she felt herself sliding from the saddle and struggle to sit upright again.
‘We’ll stop here, Reg,’ Chalker called, jerking Pippa into full wakefulness.
She waited for the men to dismount. Reg led their horses to a creek. Chalker lifted her down without speaking and made her sit at the base of a large gum tree, its enormous branches hanging over the water. Her mouth and cheeks hurt from the gag and her throat convulsed with thirst.
Where Rainbows End Page 24