by Jan Anderson
You all right?' Barney said from below. I . . . I think so. Is it much further?'
No, not to the platform. I'll come and give you a hand, Rossi.'
No, I'm all right. I think I can manage as far as that.' She gritted her teeth, and knew her voice was little above a whisper.
She tried to take her mind off her head and her feet. Think of anything except where she was. Coral . . . the sea rolling in to a golden shore .. . the blue jays sweeping from the trees . . . the chattering monkeys. From there her thoughts sprang quite naturally to the baby leopard held in Matt's arms. Funny, she thought for no reason, how men like him have a soft spot for children and animals, yet are completely ruthless when they move into the adult world.
One more step and you're there,' came Barney's voice, and she felt him ease her down on to the iron platform.
She put her head down for a moment and took a deep breath. ' I'm sorry, Barney, I don't know what came over me.'
Only what overcomes nine out of ten people who come up here. I should never really have let you come as far as this in such heat.' He took both hands in his. Can you manage just down the next staircase? There's shade on the main platform, and somewhere to sit.'
She struggled to her feet and again going backwards, started down behind him, before she could think that she would really prefer to stay exactly where she was.
He almost lifted her down the last couple of steps, and led her gently over to the broad stone steps near the lion's paws. This time when she was sitting down she really did put her head between her knees; and when she came up Barney was holding out the bottle of fruit juice. Gradually her head began to clear.
I think it really was just the heat,' she told him. I'm not usually afraid of heights—although it is a bit shattering to look over that edge, isn't it?'
You're not meant to look while you're climbing,' he said severely. Only from here or the top.'
I suppose not,' she agreed. I can't help wondering how they got up here the first time, all those hundreds of years ago.'
It beats me too. It makes some of our achievements look rather puny.'
They rested for about ten minutes, then started down the main face of the rock. It still seemed a long way to Rossi, and she was glad when, about
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half an hour later, they pulled up in front of the rest house. Barney arranged for her to have a cool shower and so by the time she emerged from that, she felt almost new again.
They sat on the verandah for lunch, almost under the shadow of the great rock. Rossi realised it was the first time since she had arrived in Ceylon that she had eaten out. The food was simple, but good, and surprisingly English, with a choice of curried chicken, or beef stew followed by fresh fruit salad.
Barney seemed to know everyone. As people drifted in and out there was always someone to call a greeting to him, to ask how things were up on the estate. The conversation always turned into tea, the current prices, the size of the crop and strange words and phrases which seemed to be a language all of their own.
Afterwards, Barney asked her what she would like to do. He seemed faintly disappointed when she told him she would like to go back.
We could go somewhere else,' he said, we've got time, and besides, I suppose I'd like to keep you to myself a little longer.'
I know,' she said apologetically, but Sue might be home by now, and—well, I suppose I want to see how things are getting on. I don't think I could take a lot more sun today, Barney.'
No, of course not. And I'm just being selfish. We'll have another cup of coffee and then hit the road.' He gave her a sideways glance. ' Tell me, Rossi, are you just as conscientious over everything?'
She thought for a moment. I didn't know I was. It's just that I feel responsible for both Tom and Sue. They haven't got anyone else at the moment, have they?'
All the way home her thoughts alternated between wondering if Sue were home from hospital and if Tom's labour problems had sorted themselves out. She half wished she could bring about some kind of reconciliation between Tom and his neighbour. She did not like the thought of leaving her brother in such isolation, with no one to talk to, no one to turn to if he was in trouble. But she could not see that would ever happen. The two men were poles apart and looked like going even further, if yesterday's incident was anything to go by.
The bungalow seemed silent and empty when they pulled up outside. There was no sign of Nanny or Terry, or even Ponniah. She turned anxiously to Barney. ' It's all too quiet, do you think everything's all right ?'
Of course,' he reassured her, glancing at his watch. It's more or less siesta time. You go into the house and I'll stroll along to the plantation and see if I can find Tom.'
She went into the quiet house and to her relief, when she looked into the children's room, Terry was there, sound asleep. That was surprising in itself. While he might be sent to his room each day, he very rarely managed to sleep. Nanny was also asleep. Rossi could hear the snores from outside the little room she used at the back.
She finally ran Ponniah to ground, also half asleep, stretched out on the ground near the outhouses. He was supposed to be keeping a watch on things.
Ponniah,' she said sharply.
He leapt to his feet. ` Lady . . . Can I get something, lady?'
You can tell me where my brother is.'
That wary, sly look came into his eyes and he
started to sidle away. Master very angry. He
would not speak.'
' Where is he?'
' He has gone to fetch Miss Sue.'
Rossi looked towards Barney. ' Something must have upset Tom. I think I'll walk across to the plantation and see what's going on there.' Although she had enjoyed her day out with Barney, she wished now she had not left Tom when so much was going wrong for him. She should put him before her own pleasures, before everything.
Barney touched her arm. I know what you're thinking—that we shouldn't have gone out, but Tom must learn that he cannot be dependent on you all the time.'
Rossi smiled wryly. It was ironic the change there had been since she arrived in Ceylon. All her life she had been dependent on Tom, and now, suddenly, the roles were being reversed.
Barney had walked with her to the plantation. It was deserted as she had half expected it to be. So the men had not turned up for work after all. She could only pray that Tom had not -gone raging over to Matt Lincoln's and made matters even worse.
Barney squeezed her hand. Don't look quite so worried. At least this part of the operation isn't your responsibility. Come on, we'll go back and get Nanny to make us some tea.'
By the time Rossi had had a cool shower and a cup of tea she was certainly feeling a little better, but she was still edgy. She let Barney take Terry down to the beach while she waited for Tom to come back.
It was nearly a half an hour before she heard the sound of the car. Then he was lifting Sue out, looking much better, but a pale ghost of herself, with
her blue eyes looking too huge for her face. . . . Instinctively she reached out for Rossi, who cradled the little girl in her arms, thinking all the time: her mother should be here. Julia should be here at a time like this.
Tom said abruptly, Can I leave her with you for the moment? I've got things to see to.'
Wait, Tom, I want to know what's happened. Where are the men?'
Gone. I threw them out, if you must know. A bad worker is worse than no worker.' He stopped suddenly. Anyway, how did you know about the men?'
' I. . . . We'll talk about it later, Tom, but please don't act foolishly, at the moment.'
Like going across to Lincoln and telling him what I think of him, you mean? No, that pleasure must wait. For the moment I'm going back to the village to see what labour I can raise for tomorrow.'
Reluctantly Rossi watched him go, then turned all her attention to Sue. Within a few minutes she and a bustling Nanny—obviously delighted at having her charge back again—had got Sue to bed and had surrounded her
with her toys.
The little girl said seriously, I'm not ill any longer, I don't think. I'm just a little tired. But Daddy says that tomorrow Uncle Barney is going to take me up country.'
Will you like that?' said Rossi.
Oh, yes, it's quite different there, but it's nice and cool.' She cocked her head on one side. I don't think I'd like to live there, but I love to go for a holiday. Daddy says that Uncle Barney has got a big dog called Crackers, and there's a pool where we can swim, so there'll be lots to do, won't there?'
There'll be heaps to do,' Rossi assured her.
And Terry and I will be able to tell you all about the tea, won't we? Daddy says you've never seen real tea growing. The only thing is . . .' her voice grew suddenly wistful . . . I wish Mummy was here too. I do miss her an awful lot, and I know Daddy does too. Do you think she'll come back soon?'
Rossi swallowed. As soon as she feels better
she'll come. I'm quite sure of that, darling.'
It isn't that I don't like you being here,' Sue said anxiously, it's just that. . . .' her voice trailed away.
I know exactly what you mean,' Rossi spoke reassuringly, and we'll get her here just as soon as we can.'
A little later she left Sue in Nanny's care and went to find the others, only too relieved that whatever had hit Sue seemed to be having no lasting effects.
Barney, walking up the path followed by Terry, met her eyes. I heard them come. Is Sue all right?'
' Yes, she's fine, and very much looking forward to her stay with you. It's Tom I'm still worried about. He's gone storming off to the village to find some labour. He says he sacked the men who came back. As far as I can see he seems to be getting deeper and deeper into trouble. Oh, Barney, I wish I knew someone who could help him.'
I know someone who could help Dad.'
Neither of them had noticed Terry come silently up. Now he was looking from one to the other with the same serious expression that had been in Sue's eyes. I do really,' he added anxiously, when neither of them said anything.
Do you, Terry?' Rossi said quickly and, to humour him, Who is he?'
He's the hermit who lives behind those hills there.' He waved his hand airily towards the line of hills that lay inland, striking right through the jungle.
The hermit?' Rossi repeated, frowning.
' Oh, yes, he lives there all right. Uncle Matt has told me all about him You can go up there and consult him and he always has the answers. And do you know, he lives in a cave surrounded by leopard and bear and snakes, but none of them ever hurt him. Uncle Matt says he has more sense than most lawyers. I'm not quite sure what that means, but if Uncle Matt says it, then it must be O.K.'
Rossi and Barney glanced at each other. This time it was Barney who stopped, crouched beside Terry and said, I expect your hermit is quite a clever chap, but I honestly don't think he'd be able to provide labour for your father. That requires a very special kind of help.'
Terry still looked doubtful. I think I should tell Dad about him, or maybe,' his face brightened, Uncle Matt would take me up there.'
Very hurriedly, Rossi put in, I don't think that's an awfully good idea at the moment, Terry. . .
Terry's face fell. Oh, I see, you mean because Dad doesn't like Uncle Matt. You see,' he added with sudden fierceness, one day I'll make sure they're friends.' And he ran off as if to hide the emotion he was feeling.
Poor little fellow,' Barney said. He feels all
this very badly. It's a great pity Julia isn't here. Someone needs to teach Lincoln a lesson, make him realise that though he's been top dog around here all this time, he has to make room for others.'
When Tom came back from the village he and Barney went to the plantation together, talking
deeply as they went. At least, thought Rossi, for today, he has someone to share his problems with. Barney knew a fair amount about coconuts as well as tea. He might have a few helpful suggestions to make. She only wished she could share Tom's optimism about this whole project. Secretly she wished he was back in his old steady, secure job dealing in tea.
Uncertain of quite which way to turn, she went inside first to see if Nanny was doing everything she could for Sue, and then to make some preparations for the evening meal. She had already learned to her cost that Ponniah did nothing until he was given specific instructions. As soon as they came back from the tea estate she decided, looking round the ramshackle, hot little kitchen, that she would see about getting the extra help.
She was struggling to light the stove when she thought she heard someone calling. Well, Barney and Tom were not yet back, so, pushing damp hair away from her face, she went to the front of the bungalow.
Of course, she might have guessed; it had to be Matt Lincoln.
There was hardly a greeting from him before he looked her up and down and said sharply, ' What the hell are you doing around here, Rossi? Cooking?'
She took a step back, caught off guard. ' Is there anything wrong in that?'
' Of course there is, in this climate. Particularly if you're not used to it. It's the easiest way of all to knock yourself out. Has your brother still only got one houseboy? '
As a matter of fact he has—as if it's any business of yours.'
Only when I see it's affecting other people—and it's certainly affecting you.'
Rossi swallowed struggling to keep her temper, as he stood there in the doorway, so tall that he almost blocked out the light. If it had been anyone else but Matt Lincoln she would assume he was only angry on her behalf. She probably did look a frightful mess.
Very coolly she said, I'm sure you didn't come over here just to criticise my brother's domestic arrangements. Can I help you in any other way?'
Yes.' He smiled suddenly and his whole personality changed. Perhaps he could be human with adults after all. I've really come to see your brother—if, that is, I can persuade him to speak to me.'
I . . . I don't know,' she said uncertainly. I've only just seen him myself this afternoon, and he was certainly very angry. I I. . . I think it was something to do with your boys.'
You bet it is,' he said grimly, only they aren't my boys, they are his. Now, I understand they have no jobs at all.'
Rossi did not hear the silent steps of her brother across the sand. She only heard his sharp, bitter voice.
' And when, Lincoln, did you decide that you could discuss my business with my sister? I'd prefer that you left this property, now.'
Not before you tell me what you intend to do about those boys you were employing.'
You stole them from me,' Tom returned carelessly. ' I should have thought they were your responsibility. Frankly, I couldn't care less about them. They're sullen and lazy and will probably do as much damage to your crop as they've done to mine—with a bit of luck.'
Matt looked from Tom to Rossi. If he saw the plea in her eyes he gave no sign of it. But when he spoke there was no anger in his voice, only a kind of weariness.
' You know, Tom, most of the problems we face could be solved over a talk and a drink, but since that obviously doesn't appeal to you I'm beginning to think there soon won't be room for both you and me here at Coral Bay. Think that over, won't you, because it affects your future as well as that of your family.'
CHAPTER VIII
The next day Barney drove Rossi, the children and Nanny up to High Rocks estate, along a route south that took them through Kandy again and then up into the higher hills.
Neither Rossi nor Barney mentioned the scene that had taken place the previous day; it was just a little too close in their minds. Besides, neither wanted the children to become any more involved in the quarrel between their father and Matt Lincoln. As it was Rossi felt that Terry was too much aware of what was going on and that he was becoming increasingly distressed by it.
They reached the hill town of Nuwara Eliya in the late morning. From there, Barney told them, it would take about half an hour.
They climbed steadily all the time along roads
that wound between all the acres and acres of tea bushes. There seemed, for miles around, to be nothing else but tea, with the green stretches occasionally relieved by the stark whiteness of a tea factory.
I won't try to tell you anything now,' Barney said cheerfully, ' because tomorrow I'll be giving you the grand tour.'
Will I be able to come too, Uncle Barney?' Terry pleaded.
I daresay, but you've seen lots of tea estates, when your mother's taken you out of the hot weather.'
I know, but I've never seen yours, and anyway, I'll be able to take Crackers with me, won't I ? '
Barney smiled again. I don't think you'll be taking Crackers, young Terry. He'll be taking you. He knows every inch of the tour, even better than I do.'
Up there the air was cooler and fresher and already Rossi felt some of the energy that had been sapped during the past few days begin to return. This would probably be a good recuperation period for herself as well as for little Sue. As if he knew what she was thinking Barney reached over and squeezed her hand.
' Nearly there,' he said in a quiet voice. ' I feel almost nervous just in case you don't like it. Look,' he pointed, ' those hills just ahead are part of High Rocks.'
A few minutes later they were turning down a long drive where the hedge was thick with purple bougainvillea and the air filled with the scent of summer flowers and newly watered grass.
They came on the house quite suddenly, a long low bungalow with a slate roof and dark green shutters, surrounded by a lawn that would have done justice to a bowling green.
' Why,' Rossi cried, we could be right back in England It really is just like home, only more so, if you know what I mean.'
' That's what everyone says,' Barney assured her. The great thing up here is the competition amongst the gardens. We really can grow most of the things grown in an English garden, but I'm afraid I'm way behind in the stakes,' he added ruefully. ' It's the wives who make the running! '