*
Ellie had no idea how long she’d been lying against Clipper’s neck. They had plodded across the plains, drifting like the windflowers that came in the spring, the rhythm of the old pony’s gait lulling her to an exhausted sleep. She dreamed of Joe, and how they’d ridden into the bush on their one and only night together. Dreamed of his kiss and the way the moonlight had turned his hair the colour of a raven’s wing and his eyes into the deepest emerald.
Her thoughts meandered, dwelling momentarily on one snapshot of memory before moving to the next. She thought of her father and of the unmarked grave in the middle of nowhere. Thought of the months of tramping, the people she’d met and the places she’d seen. Thought of Joe and his beloved Satan and examined her burgeoning friendship with the complex and unsettling Charlie.
With deep sorrow she realised she’d known Joe’s war was over. Yet there had always been a glimmer of hope to cling to – a chance he’d survived – until now. The tears came and she finally gave into the grief she’d held back for so long.
Yet with the tears came solace. His spirit would ride with her always in the silence of the open plains. For this was their special place. Their grass kingdom.
14
Claire closed her eyes and let the last of the sun warm her face. With the darkness of Warratah’s history and her sister’s animosity far into the distance, she felt relaxed and happy for the first time since coming home Matt’s surprise picnic by the gorge was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
‘Penny for ‘em? Or should I say dollar?’
Claire smiled. She hadn’t got used to the new currency either. ‘I was just thinking you have the ideal life,’ she murmured. ‘You get to travel, to meet so many lovely people and to know all the best places for a picnic.’ She glanced across at him. ‘Thanks for a bonzer day.’
‘It’s not a bad life,’ he said as he put kindling on the fire. ‘But when you’re called out in the middle of a lightning storm it isn’t much fun. And some of the landing patches are mud slips when it rains.’
She watched him light the fire and set the billy. He moved with an economy of energy, swift and sure, just as he’d done throughout the day, and she found his presence not just reassuring – but solid and dependable, and strangely arousing. There had been a horse with a nasty gash on its leg, a couple of cows with mastitis, a ewe with a difficult twin birth and a bull with an abscess at the root of its horn. She’d stood by and watched as he dealt efficiently with them all, and from the welcome he got, she knew he was well liked by the station owners. ‘I almost wish I wasn’t going back to Sydney,’ she said drowsily.
Matt left the fire and came to sit on the blanket. They were shoulder to shoulder, their backs resting against a tree. ‘There’s always room here for another vet,’ he said quietly. ‘The area’s so vast we’re often racing against time to get to our patients. Vets come and go, and the youngsters only stay long enough to get their practical experience for their exams.’
Claire smiled. ‘I have to plead guilty to that one,’ she murmured. ‘Did my practical experience in the Hunter Valley.’ The sun was sinking fast, the heat diminishing. Her gaze drifted to him and she found herself looking into hazel eyes. He was too close for comfort – her sudden desire to kiss him too strong. She shifted away and set about grilling the fish for their supper.
‘I was thinking of starting up a Flying Veterinary Service similar to the Doctor’s,’ he said as he cupped his hand around a match and lit a cigarette. He brought his knees to his chest and rested his elbows on them. ‘Would you be interested?’
She knelt by the fire, garnering warmth from the hot embers. ‘I already have a job waiting for me in Sydney,’ she reminded him gently. She hadn’t missed the almost too nonchalant note in his voice. This was obviously something he’d thought deeply about and she didn’t want to spike his enthusiasm.
‘I’d base it at my place, because it’s fairly central. But I should be able to get some kind of government funding for the extra planes, and of course each vet would buy into the partnership and have equal share of the profits.’
Claire looked back at him as her imagination took flight. ‘That’s a brilliant idea,’ she said. ‘Each vet would have their own areas radiating from your place, and could cover for one another on days off or if they’re crook.’ She knelt back on her heels. ‘Matt Derwent, you’re a bloody genius.’
‘So you might be interested after all?’ His hazel eyes held her through the drift of cigarette smoke.
‘It’s a big decision, and I already have plans. I don’t know...’ She fell silent as she saw the crestfallen look in his eyes. She didn’t want to rain on his parade, but her future was set in the city. She couldn’t just veer off course. ‘Tell me more,’ she encouraged. ‘How would you recruit other vets? You’d need at least four – and they’d all have to get pilot’s licenses. Then there’s the question of funding. You know how long it’s taken the government to fork out for the Flying doctors and it’s still never enough.’
Matt laughed. ‘I’ve drawn up a business plan already, and a friend of mine in local government reckons it shouldn’t be too hard to get a grant. Most of the funding will come from the partners to begin with – it’ll have to. But once we’re up and running it should pay for itself.’
Claire looked away. She’d had a sudden, rather nasty thought. ‘So you took me out today to sound me out about becoming a partner?’ she said with a hint of sadness. ‘Not because you wanted my company, but because you knew I’d have the backing to join such a venture.’
He sat bolt upright, his face pale with shock. ‘How could you think that? Of course I didn’t,’ he stormed. Standing, he crushed his smoke beneath his boot. ‘Bloody hell, Claire, are you always this suspicious? Why shouldn’t I want to spend the day with you? I like your company, and you’re the one person I’ve met in a long time that I thought I could…’ He came to an abrupt halt, the colour returning furiously into his face. ‘Sorry. I didn’t meant to shout,’ he muttered.
Claire stood up. ‘Thought you could what?’ she asked softly.
Matt ran his fingers through his already tousled hair. ‘I don’t know,’ he mumbled. ‘Maybe I thought you and I could become friends.’
She smiled at him, relaxed in the knowledge that Matt could never be devious and under-hand. He could never hope to win at poker, either, she thought as she saw the obvious message in his eyes. ‘I was hoping it could be a bit more than that,’ she teased.
His hazel eyes were startled as he looked into her face. ‘So was I,’ he breathed. ‘But you’re so young, so beautiful. I didn’t think I stood a chance.’
‘I like older men,’ she said with a teasing twinkle in her eyes. ‘Must be looking for a father figure.’
‘You’ll be the death of me,’ he murmured as he cupped her face in his hands and looked into her eyes.
‘I hope not,’ she whispered as the electricity sparked between them.
Matt hesitated as if unsure of himself and of her reaction. Then his lips touched hers and as she coiled her arms around his neck and drew him close everything else was forgotten.
*
On May 1st 1945, Russian troops entered the ruins of Berlin and six days later Germany surrendered unconditionally. The Japanese held out for another three months then surrendered on 15th August. The war was over.
Jack arrived home lean and silver-haired, the effects of his war etched deep in his face. He stepped out of the utility and into Aurelia’s waiting arms. ‘Will you marry me?’ he asked after he’d kissed her.
‘Absolutely, you old fool,’ she replied. ‘I’ve waited quite long enough.’
The little church in Burketown had been built almost a century before, and this September morning it looked as if it had woken from a long sleep and was surprised to find itself decorated with flowers and ribbons. The organist thumped enthusiastically on the keys, her feathered hat bobbing in time to the wedding march as Aurelia emerged from the sunl
ight into the dim coolness.
She clutched Mickey’s arm, the spray of roses trembling droplets of dew as she tried to compose herself. ‘I hope to goodness Jack knows what he’s letting himself in for,’ she muttered as she fidgeted with the unfamiliar trailing skirt and cream silk blouse.
Mickey’s ravaged face creased into a smile as he patted her hand with trembling fingers. The malaria had hit him hard and it had been touch and go as to whether he’d be strong enough to attend. ‘He’s a lucky man,’ he murmured. ‘And you are a beautiful bride.’
She raised her eyebrows and the monocle popped out and danced on its ribbon. ‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ she snorted. ‘I look like the dog’s dinner.’ Yet she was flattered. She’d taken an inordinate amount of time dressing this morning and knew she looked better than usual, for the mirror had told her so. The colour was high in her cheeks, the loss of weight had taken years off, and she rather liked the way the long silk skirt swished around her feet. It was good to feel feminine again after all the years of drab jackets and plus fours. Yet the shoes Alicia had made her wear were killing her. How on earth women were supposed to totter about in high-heels was a mystery, and she couldn’t wait to get back into her comfy old brogues.
‘Ready?’
She nodded, the diamonds in her ears and at her throat catching the morning sun that streamed through the stained glass windows. ‘About as ready as I’ll ever be. Let’s get on with it, then I can have that lovely man all to myself.’ She took a deep breath as Mickey escorted her down the aisle to where Jack was waiting. He looked so handsome in his suit, so distinguished now his hair was silver and the ravages of war had softened in his face. She trembled as he turned to watch her, the smile warm and so full of love. I’m a lucky woman, she thought as she stood beside him. I’ve been given a second chance.
The ceremony was over all too quickly. The register was signed, the congratulations received and when Aurelia stepped into Jack’s embrace his kiss confirmed the vows they had just taken. When they finally drew apart the organist crashed the keys in fanfare and made them both giggle. ‘How does it feel to be Mrs Withers?’ he shouted above the racket.
‘Mrs Bligh-Withers, if you don’t mind,’ she said with mock severity. She’d always been rather proud of her distant link to the legendary sea captain.
He grabbed her hand as he laughed. ‘Don’t ever change, Aurelia,’ he stuttered. Then he sobered, his expression solemn. ‘You’re quite a woman, Aurelia, and I love you monocle, bull-whip, plus fours, bloody mindedness and all.’ He kissed her again, softly this time, conveying so much in that delicate touch that Aurelia had to blink hard to stop her emotions running away with her. ‘Come on then, Mrs Bligh-Withers. Let’s show this lot how to have a real party.’
*
There was always a certain atmosphere at weddings, Alicia decided, that made people act out of character. The insular world of the wedding party seemed to heighten emotions, bringing a sense of romance to the fore, making for careless declarations and some unwise behaviour. She sipped her champagne and eyed the people around her, aware as always of feeling distanced from these almost naive, reckless men and women of the outback whose home-spun clothes and philosophies were in sharp contrast to her Dior suit and worldly experience.
Neighbours had come hundreds of miles to witness Aurelia marrying her Jack. It had been the subject of speculation and gossip for years and this was an occasion not to be missed – especially now the war was over and it only needed the slightest excuse to throw a party. The bright dresses and frivolous hats of the women vied with the sombre suited men as the noise rose in the function room above the hotel bar. Faces were reddening and collars were undone as jackets and ties were slung over the backs of chairs and the serious business of drinking got under-way.
Alicia watched as the men drifted towards the bar and leaned against the counter. Their talk was of cattle and sheep, of their experiences in the war and the comparisons between the different beers they’d tasted abroad. The married women sat at tables, huddled in gossip, eyes flitting back and forth beneath hat brims taking it all in. The younger women stood in giggling clusters at the far corners of the room, their flirtatious eyes dancing across the men at the bar as they waited for the band to strike up.
‘Thought you might like another drink,’ said Mickey as he carefully deposited a glass of champagne on the table. His hand still trembled from his latest bout of malaria and he tutted with annoyance as the champagne spilled on the pristine cloth.
She smiled up at him. ‘Thanks,’ she said with a studied degree of warmth.
He stood beside her, awkward and ill at ease in his suit and tight collar. Yet he seemed reluctant to leave her and Alicia felt a touch of irritation. She did so hate being followed about and Mickey had been like a soulful puppy ever since he’d returned from the war. She had hoped to be long gone by now – back to England – but Aurelia’s wedding plans had put paid to that.
The band was warming up, making a discordant rasp and twang as they tuned their instruments. Alicia noticed the girls begin to edge from their corners. The younger men leaned on the counter, beers in hand eyeing each one as if they were prize heifers to be cut from the mob. Alicia sighed and sipped the lukewarm champagne. She was almost glad she wasn’t young any more.
‘Do you want to dance?’ Mickey asked. ‘Might be a bit rusty, but I’ll give it a go.’
‘I’d rather not,’ she shouted above the din. ‘Far too much of a crush.’
He eyed her soulfully before walking away. She watched him join the other men and order a beer. The ravages of malaria were clearly marked in his face and the doctors had told him he would always carry the sickness and it would recur frequently. Poor, Mickey, she thought vaguely.
She put down the glass and lit a cigarette as she watched the youngsters on the dance floor. Charlie and Ellie had joined in with the others in some newfangled dance called the jive that had been introduced by the Yanks, and as far as she could see it was asking for trouble. Petticoats and stocking tops were on show and the men were overexcited enough – they didn’t need encouragement. There was an air of desperation about it all that wasn’t quite decent. It was as if these kids had to make up for the lost years of their youth – as if by drinking hard and laughing loudly they could banish the sights and sounds of battle they had lived with for so long. It was the same for the girls as well as the boys, she realised. They’d been left behind to work the land and the stock, with no chance for parties and courting and all the trappings of youth. She despaired for the consequences.
‘They’re just having fun,’ gasped Aurelia as she plumped down beside her. ‘I shouldn’t worry too much.’ She fanned herself with a handkerchief and took a long drink of champagne.
Alicia grimaced. ‘I wish he’d move on. Ellie’s grown too close to him. And after what Wang Lee told us about his sneaking into the safe, I wouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him.’ She looked at her sister. ‘Wang Lee was genuinely frightened of him, you know. He knew that if Charlie found out he’d been seen he’d be in trouble.’
Aurelia wiped the sweat from her face, drank the last of the champagne and stood up. ‘I’ve made certain changes to things now Mickey’s back,’ she said firmly. ‘Tied everything up so it’s safe.’ She grinned, the monocle glinting in the bright light. ‘Charlie’s going to find he’s made a big mistake thinking he can pull one over on me.’ She strolled off, grabbed Jack from the bar and whirled him on to the dance floor.
Alicia noticed she’d kicked off her fancy shoes and the disreputable old brogues were peeking out from beneath the silk skirts. She sighed in exasperation. Aurelia would never be chic.
The party lasted well into the afternoon. The fancy hats had been discarded, the ties and inhibitions along with them – three fights had already broken out but thankfully these altercations were swiftly dealt with and the protagonists ended up the best of mates as they downed even more beer and broke into raucous song. Aurelia and Jack
emerged hurriedly from the depths of the mayhem, in an attempt to escape the hullabaloo. They weren’t quick enough and Jack had to almost carry Aurelia out to the car as they were showered in confetti and rice.
She stood laughing on the running board, the wilting bouquet held aloft. The young girls surged forward, hands high as it performed a graceful arc through the air. Ellie caught it and to a roar of applause looked up into Charlie’s face and laughed with delight as he swiftly kissed her cheek.
Aurelia’s smile wavered as she caught Alicia’s horrified gaze, then she turned and climbed into the car beside her new husband and hid her expression beneath the brim of her picture hat.
The noise was horrendous as the bride and groom left for their honeymoon, the trail of boots and billies and fire-crackers kicking up the dirt behind the car. Alicia waved until they’d disappeared behind the dust cloud, then stood for a long moment in the ensuing silence as the rest of the guests trailed back into the party. It was cooler out here, and quieter too. She needed this moment to herself after such a hectic day. Needed to think about Ellie.
‘Alicia?’ Mickey’s almost apologetic voice startled her some moments later. ‘Can we talk?’
With a sigh, she turned to him. She had a fair idea what was coming and she’d been dreading it. ‘Let’s walk a little,’ she suggested. ‘Do you feel up to it?’
He nodded. ‘Legs are still a bit crook, but I reckon I could make it over to those trees.’ He took her hand and placed it protectively in the crook of his arm as they set off down the dusty road to the stand of Coolibahs and willows that lined the river. They found a picnic bench and sat down.
‘I want to say something to you, Alicia,’ he began. ‘And although you’ve probably guessed what it is, I’d like the chance to tell you what’s been on my mind before you come to a decision.’
Alicia’s throat was tight. This had to be stopped before it went any further. ‘I don’t think...,’ she began.
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