Darcy continued brushing his horse. His gaze frequently coming back to the woman beside him. Occasionally she would ask a question which he would answer with his usual honesty, but even when neither of them spoke there was a strange easiness between them.
"We should head back. Dinner’s probably ready by now." He placed the tack back on the shelf and gestured for her to lead the way. She waited as he bolted the stable door in place behind them, keeping the mare safe inside.
"Thanks for letting me help. Please tell me if I get in your way," Meghan said as they walked side by side back to the house.
He turned to her, his mouth set in a straight line, his gaze steady on her. "I will. And just so you know, I never lie. Not to anyone." If there was one thing he hated, it was secrets and lies. He’d seen what damage they could cause, and was not about to repeat the sins of his father.
Meghan bit her bottom lip. As he studied the lines in her lips, he wondered about their softness.
Joey barked and ran up to the house. Darcy watched as his mother greeted the dog at the door.
"Come on. I smell dinner." They started walking back up the path.
Darcy couldn't imagine Meghan getting in his way. In fact, it might be nice to have a young woman around the place for a few days, especially if she could keep Lachie in line. God knows he needed it.
Meghan breathed in the cooler evening air and gazed across the brown plains. Lachie and Darcy were relaxing next to her in wicker chairs spaced out on the veranda specially to enjoy the evening sunsets. Both men had their long, denim-clad legs stretched out in front, a cold beer in hand.
Harriet came out and took the vacant seat closest to Meghan. A ready smile on her face.
"What work do you do in Townsville?"
"I'm a vet nurse at a surgery. We mainly see cats and dogs." Meghan sipped her beer, the crisp ale washing away her nerves.
"You must really love animals then." Harriet leaned towards her. The faint smell of perfume lingered, reminding Meghan of the similar scent her mother had worn.
"I've always loved animals. But it's hard work. I really only see sick or abandoned pets, which is hard." Even talking about it choked her up and she swallowed back the emotions. "I’d like to learn more about cattle and horses."
"You’ll certainly get a chance to do that here."
Lachie leant forward to join the conversation. "She’s also a great photographer, Mum. You should see her work."
Meghan felt her cheeks warm. "I love photography. Painting too, but only as a hobby."
"I'd love to see some of your work. I'm sure you're very talented." Harriet patted her hand lightly. The familiar action surprised Meghan. She had forgotten what it was like to be part of a family.
"I see you brought your camera with you," Harriet nodded at the SLR on the coffee table. "Our sunsets are pretty spectacular."
"I'm always prepared."
"Speaking of." Darcy pointed to the huge orange disc hanging low in the Western sky. She snapped a continual stream of photos as the sun made its graceful descent below the horizon, streaking the sky red and orange for a few moments before darkness suddenly surrounded them.
"You don't see sunsets like that at home," Meghan breathed in awe as a cool breeze brushed her cheek.
"They are pretty spectacular," Darcy murmured.
"Come on then. I'm starving." Lachie's stomach growled in agreement.
Meghan collected her camera and followed the family inside to the dining room. She took the space next to Lachie while Darcy sat down opposite her.
Harriet's tender beef roast didn’t disappoint. Meghan enjoyed every moist mouthful, unlike both the men who scoffed the meat and potatoes and picked at their greens.
"Seconds, Mum?" Lachie smiled sweetly.
Harriet nodded toward the bench. "There's plenty there. I cooked enough for sandwiches for the next few days too."
He stood and went to retrieve more.
"Do you ride any of the horses, Harriet?" Meghan asked, curious to see who Darcy had inherited his love of horses from.
"Not anymore. The horses are Darcy's. Lachie doesn't like horses. He prefers his motorbike." Harriet turned her attention to Darcy. "You should take Meghan. Molly’s a sweet, gentle horse for a beginner."
Darcy glanced at Harriet. "Her dad used to breed horses."
"Really?" Lachie returned to his seat with his plate loaded up. "I didn't know that."
Meghan brushed the comment off. "Yes, we had a small property near Charters Towers, but we sold it when Dad got sick. I haven't ridden much since."
Darcy shifted slightly in his seat. "I need to do a bore run tomorrow if you want to come."
"That would be great. Thanks." Meghan smiled, eager for the chance to ride and explore the vast station. "You don’t mind, do you, Lachie?"
He shook his head in reply.
"Now, Meghan," Harriet patted her hand gently, "Lachie has brought a couple of girls’ home in the past, I won't lie."
"More than the couple you know about," Darcy teased quietly. His mother shushed him and continued. "He usually likes blondes."
"Mum!" Lachie protested.
"It's true. Darcy’s the one who likes brunettes."
Meghan glanced across the table at Darcy. His sun-kissed skin had a touch of pink on it, but he avoided her gaze.
"Anyway, it's lovely to have you here, for the next couple of weeks." Harriet raised her wine glass in a toast.
"While we're toasting then, I should tell you that Meghan and I are engaged," Lachie announced.
Meghan's eyes widened. She had almost forgotten the reason for their trip. Her pulse raced as she took in the reactions. Darcy's eyebrows were raised in disbelief.
"Congratulations!" Harriet cried out, clapping her hands together.
Meghan stood to accept a warm hug, relief sweeping through her.
"I never thought this day would come!"
Darcy shook his brother's hand with a forced smile plastered on his face.
Lachie didn't seem to notice. He had a smug smile and a cheeky twinkle in his eye.
Darcy turned to her, his voice light with humor. "Sure you want to join this family? He’s a handful." Darcy nodded at Lachie.
Meghan grinned. "I think I can handle it."
Harriet clapped her hands together. "We should be celebrating with champagne or something bubbly. I don't have anything, though."
"Beer will do." Darcy raised his bottle. "To the happy couple."
"To the happy couple." Harriet cheered as they all clinked their drinks together.
As the others sat down, Darcy pushed his chair in and gathered his plate.
"Where are you going?" Harriet asked.
"Gotta check on the horses." Meghan found Darcy's attention focused on the plates in his hands. "I’ll be back late, so I’ll say goodnight."
"Okay then. Good night." Harriet waved him off.
Harriet and Lachie dismissed him as if this behavior were normal for Darcy. Meghan frowned at his excuse. They had already closed the stable for the evening. Why did he need to check on the horses again? She watched as he put his dishes in the sink and slipped quietly out of the house and into the chilly night.
"What's the deal with Darcy?" Meghan asked Lachie later as they were getting ready for bed. "Does he have a girlfriend?"
"Nah. He did in high school, but she did a number on him, and he hasn't dated much since."
"What did she do?"
"Who knows?" Lachie shrugged. "Darcy doesn't tell people much; he keeps to himself."
Meghan frowned and wondered what had happened. Darcy was good looking and would surely have women fighting over him if he lived in town. Perhaps he hadn’t found one willing to live so remotely yet. Or perhaps he was a romantic and was holding out for true love. She liked the idea of that.
He must get lonely, though. She knew loneliness well enough.
She looked back at her fiancé. Lachie, Harriet, and Darcy were her family now. She couldn’t ha
ve hoped for a better welcome or a better family to marry into.
Meghan woke to find the bed empty and sunshine streaming through the curtains. She had hoped that Lachie would wake her so they could have breakfast together. After quickly dressing in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt she headed to the kitchen.
"Good morning. How did you sleep?" Harriet stood at the kitchen counter kneading dough; the smell of baking filled the room.
"Amazingly well, thanks. Must be the fresh air."
"Good. The boys have left already and don't know when they'll be back. Help yourself to cereal and toast, or I can cook bacon and eggs for you."
"No, you're busy, and cereal sounds great." Meghan fixed her breakfast and chatted to Harriet while she ate. It had been a long time since she had enjoyed the company of an older woman and she was surprised how comfortable it was.
"I try to do a bunch of baking once a week. Bread, biscuits, and cakes. The boys like sweets for smoko."
"How far away is the supermarket?" Meghan polished off her Weetbix.
"There are two in Julia Creek, which is forty minutes away. But I only buy essentials from them or have them brought out on the mail run." Harriet adjusted the temperature on the oven in preparation for the next tray of Anzac biscuits. "I go west to Cloncurry once a month and do a big shop there."
"Cloncurry? Isn't that another couple of hours’ drive?"
Harriet nodded. "That's why it’s only once a month."
Meghan thought of Jodie. This was why she had insisted on her friend trying out country living before making such a huge move. They took things for granted in the city. Want a coffee? Go to a café. Want food delivered? No problem. Not out here. If you didn't have something in the fridge you couldn't just run down to the corner shop. Living out here was a whole different lifestyle.
"Don't you get lonely?"
Harriet gave her a knowing smile. "No, I'm in the Queensland Country Women's Association, and we meet regularly and fundraise, do art and craft, that sort of thing. Darcy has his camp-drafting. Lachie has his friends at the pub. Or he did before meeting you." Harriet wiped her hands on her apron and surveyed the counter. "We all support and help each other here. It's one of the best things about living in the country. You have friends everywhere. Anyone can fit in as long as they want too."
Meghan washed up her bowl and put it away. Turning to Harriet her voice was hoarse with emotion. "Thank you. For such a warm welcome."
The strong, sugary smell of golden syrup enveloped her as Harriet put her arms around her. It held all the comfort of a mother’s tender embrace. Meghan's eyes welled with unshed tears.
"This is your home now. Your family." The sincerity on Harriet's face was almost Meghan's undoing. She swiped at her eyes as she was released.
After a deep breath, she turned back to her new friend. "What can I do to help?"
"Would you mind getting the eggs for me from the chicken coop?"
"Sure." Meghan was happy to be useful, despite having never retrieved eggs from a coop before. Harriet pointed out the scrap bucket near the sink. "Feed them that too, please. The path is behind the rainwater tank."
Meghan followed the dirt path toward the large green tank. Last night she had learnt the family stored rainwater for bathing and cleaning.
Beside it was a pen with two large grunting pigs inside. They didn't look particularly friendly rooting around in the ground, so Meghan kept walking, spotting the henhouse a few feet further ahead.
The multi-coloured fowl were pecking at the grass inside their large wire enclosure but looked up when they saw her approach. Meghan could feel their beady eyes fixed on her as she unlatched the door and entered, closing it behind her. She emptied the bucket of scraps on the ground, and the chickens flocked to the food clearing a path for her to move through. In the sheltered area, covered with slats of wood, she found individual boxes filled with straw. She collected each warm egg until she came upon a box that was still occupied by a ginger chook. Her feathers fluffed up, sharp curved beak ready to strike as its head twitched. Meghan chewed on her lip wondering if she should try to remove it.
After a failed attempt at trying to scare the hen, it shrilled angrily back at her in irritation.
It was just a chicken, after all. Nothing she couldn't handle.
Slowly she reached out her hand to get under the hen, when, suddenly it flew at her. Distracted by the whirlwind of feathers, Meghan felt a sudden pain in her hand.
"Ouch!" Meghan jumped back against the wall. The offending chicken looked at her, its head twitching from side to side, daring her to try that again.
"Okay, you win this round," she conceded. "But I’ll win the war. Just wait and see."
To her surprise, the chicken casually jumped down from her nest and strutted out to join her friends. Meghan exhaled in relief and collected the warm eggs before the hen changed her mind.
She fought the impulse to run back to the house after she locked the coop behind her. Looking around she was glad no one had witnessed the event.
"Well done," Harriet exclaimed when she saw the success. "Did any of them peck you?"
"Just the one." Meghan absentmindedly rubbed her hand.
"You’ve gotta show her who’s boss." Harriet squeezed her arm reassuringly.
Darcy and Lachie arrived home just after one o'clock. Meghan's breath caught as she saw the pair for the first time that day. She couldn't help notice how good they looked in their faded blue work shirts and worn jeans. It was the first time she had seen Lachie wearing a battered cowboy hat. It was pulled low on his head to protect him from the harsh burning sun. The whole effect of his appearance left her warm and tingling.
Lachie stopped long enough to kiss her cheek and whisper a good morning in her ear. His attention then focused on food. He was always hungry. She envied his metabolism.
The conversation over sandwiches was work focused and impersonal. Meghan tried to keep up but quickly lost interest in talk of machinery and fire breaks.
Lachie's phone rang and, throwing an apologetic smile her way, he answered it and walked off to his office. Harriet cleared up the dishes and disappeared back into the kitchen.
Meghan found herself alone with Darcy as they finished off their cups of tea. "Did you do anything exciting this morning?"
Darcy scratched his nose. "We repaired a fence. Thrilling stuff."
"Well, I collected eggs." She smiled proudly.
"Impressive. Did you get pecked?"
"Yes. Only by one."
"Congratulations. You've earned that ride." He finished off his tea, put his hat back on and headed for the door. "Come on."
She scrambled out of her chair and followed him outside. Hastily pulling her boots on at the door as Joey watched her, his tail wagging excitedly.
Shadow, the pregnant mare greeted her with a snort and Meghan quickly patted her as she followed Darcy, jogging to keep up with his long-legged stride. Through the stables there was a paddock where two horses roamed contentedly, their tails swishing at flies. A stocky brown pony trotted over and nudged Darcy’s hand searching for treats.
"This is Molly." Darcy rubbed the pony’s nose. Her age was evident from the greying hairs around her nostrils. "She’s a softie. Mum brings her apples and spoils her."
Meghan patted her lovingly and tickled her chin. Molly closed her eyes enjoying the attention.
"Come on, girls," Darcy said as he led the way to the tack room. Swiftly with dexterous fingers, he saddled and bridled the mare while Meghan watched and befriended the horse. "She's an old girl, but she still loves a gallop. Just hold on if you lose control and I'll help you," he reassured her.
Meghan placed her foot in the stirrup, grabbed the saddle and hoisted herself up. He watched but refrained from helping. Once settled in her seat he adjusted the straps, his arm brushing her denim-clad calf.
Darcy handed her the reins and led her back out to the paddock. "Stay here. I'll be back in a minute."
Alone with the h
orse, she shuffled in her seat and got used to the feel of the hard saddle beneath her. It smelled freshly oiled. She held the reins. Molly's ears twitched but she stood silently, waiting for her commands. When she felt more confident, Meghan gave Molly a gentle kick and encouraged her to walk forward. The horse readily agreed, her gait smooth and fluid.
Instinct took over as together they walked around in circles, gradually increasing speed to a trot. Meghan matched the gentle rhythm, rising and fallen in time to the horse's gait.
"You're a natural." Darcy trotted over on a shiny black horse.
"It feels good to be back in the saddle."
"This is for you," he handed her an Akubra.
"Thanks." The fawn felt was smooth and new under her fingers. She put the hat on and pulled it low. It was a perfect fit. "What do you think?"
"You look like a cowgirl." His eyes trailed over her jeans, close fitting t-shirt, and brown boots. "Not turning into a Buckle Bunny, are you?"
"A what?"
"Buckle Bunny. The girls with sparkly belt buckles and too much makeup."
"What's the point of makeup out here? It would melt off straight away." She shrugged and readjusted the hat, wondering briefly where he had found it.
Darcy led his mount out of the paddock, leaning from his seat to open the gate and again to close it after Molly had walked through.
"You look like you know what you're doing," he said, reclaiming her attention.
"It's all coming back to me now." She reached down and stroked Molly’s warm neck fondly. "So where are we going?"
"We need to track the bore lines and make sure water can flow through for the cows."
"What’s a bore line?"
"It's over here." He pointed toward a tree line where a shallow trench was filled with murky water. Cows grazed lazily nearby; one skinny cream heifer drank from the water.
Four kangaroos jumped out from the trees and scattered into the fields. "Did you see that?" she asked excitedly.
The Dairy Farmer's Daughter Page 14