A Wicked Deception

by Tanner, Margaret

  At the end of her tether, when she truly feared the bush had swallowed them up for eternity, flickering lights from dozens of tents appeared on the horizon. Creswick at last. She tethered the horse a little distance away from the first tent. Leaving Robbie hunched in the saddle she went to ask directions.

  Lifting up the tent flap she called out. “Can you tell me where to find to Dr. Jamieson?” Thank goodness, in the darkness no one could see her wretched state.

  “Dammit. You woke me up,” a voice grumbled from the back of the tent. “I only got off to sleep after a fourteen hour shift at the mine.”

  “I’m sorry, m … my baby’s sick and I need the doctor to come and see him.”

  “He lives in the last hut in that row of buildings at the back of us.”

  “Thank you.” Feeling as if a ton weight had been removed from her shoulders, and with hope renewing her strength, she hurried back to the horse and remounted.

  The doctor’s bark shanty sat at the edge of the goldfields. When he finally answered her frenzied knocking, she was shocked at his appearance, wizened, hump-backed and at least seventy years old.

  “Are you Dr. Jamieson?”

  “Who wants to know?” he growled.

  “I’m Melanie O’Dea. My, my friend has been shot.”

  “Shot!” He dropped a shocking oath. “I suppose he’s one of those rebels from Eureka?”

  “Yes. Please, you have to help him.”

  He squinted at her, hesitating for a moment. “Bring him in. Be careful though, there are spies everywhere, even here.”

  “Can you help me? I don’t think I can get him off the horse on my own.”

  Between them they half-dragged, half-carried Robbie inside, and laid him on a large wooden table. The cluttered room looked untidy, but the table was scrubbed clean. By the lamp light the doctor seemed even older, more shriveled, his eyes bloodshot. His hands trembled as he tried to lift Robbie’s shirt away.

  “We’ll have to cut it off. There’s a pot on the stove with my instruments in it, bring it over will you, girl.”

  Dr. Jamieson cut off Robbie’s shirt and the bandages. She turned her head away from the gory mess, but vomit still rose in her throat. It cost her huge effort to stop it spewing on to the ground.

  “Now don’t go fainting away on me,” the doctor growled. “I’ll need your help. Bullet appears to have gone in deep and he’s lost a lot of blood. Luckily he’s young and strong. Unfortunately, I don’t have any Laudanum left.”

  Robbie lay unconscious, but as a precautionary measure she held him down as the doctor worked on him. “Another couple of inches and our young rebel would have been dead.”

  A loud ringing noise filled her ears, and a black fuzzy veil settled over her eyes. The next thing she remembered was lying on the floor with the doctor forcing brandy between her lips. “What happened?” When she tried to get up, the room somersaulted.

  “You fainted. Shock and exhaustion, I should think. Rest for a while, I’ll watch the young fellow. I can only hide him for a couple of days at most. I hate the bloody police, they killed my son, but I can’t risk getting caught with him here. There’s jail for anyone caught harboring rebels.”

  “I know. I’m sorry to have put you in such a terrible position, but I didn’t know where else to go. I’ll be all right in a few minutes.” She sat up slowly, and mercifully the room didn’t move. “I live on a farm a couple of miles out of Ballarat. If I can get back there and gather up supplies, I’ll take him and try to meet up with my brother. He’ll know what’s best for us to do.”

  The doctor gave her a cup of sweet, black tea, and she drank the scalding liquid gratefully, watching as he took several swigs from a whisky bottle.

  “Sleep for a couple of hours, I’ll wake you up. Get home and collect your stuff while it’s still dark. Dress up as a boy, safer that way,” he suggested. “It’ll be daylight by the time you get back here. I’ll hide both of you until it gets dark again, but after that you’ll have to go.”

  “Yes, thank you. I don’t have any money on me now, but I’ve got a little bit at home, my brother will have more.”

  “Don’t worry about payment.” He waved his arms about like a windmill. “I don’t need money to put one over on the police. Military did the dirty on me, too, bastards. Kicked me out of the army and wouldn’t pay me a pension,” he spat the words out, “because I liked a few drinks. I was still one of the best surgeons they ever had.”

  “I’m sorry.” She didn’t know what else to say.

  “Rest, don’t talk. I’ll give the young fellow a special herbal mixture to make him sleep, and I’ll put a poultice on his shoulder before you take him away. It’ll help keep out any infection. Your greatest challenge will be making sure the wound stays clean.”

  Melanie fell asleep on the ground in a corner. Groggily she glanced around as the doctor shook her awake. Stiff from sleeping on such a hard surface, she rose awkwardly and stamped her feet trying to bring back the circulation.

  “Here, drink this.” The doctor handed over a mug of tea which she gulped down before hurrying over to check on Robbie. He looked as white as death, his skin damp with perspiration, but he slept peacefully now.

  Seeing no one after a wary glance outside, she crept to where the horse was still tethered. “You’re a docile, patient beast.” She rubbed its nose before mounting and galloping away. How terrible having to leave Robbie with a stranger. What if the doctor decided to betray him? Turn him in for any reward the redcoats might offer. Fear of something happening to him almost killed her, but she had to ignore her anguish and concentrate on getting home without mishap.

  For what seemed like hours she galloped, down gullies, up hills, passing through endless green tunnels of dense bush where the moon light could not penetrate.

  A light shone out like a beacon from their homestead, James must be home earlier than expected. Her heart leapt for a moment before plummeting again. He wasn’t due back for days. Were the troopers waiting in ambush? She slowed the horse down, dismounted at the stockyard, and all the while her heart raced, and every breath hurt her lungs. She felt as if her rib cage had collapsed.

  Stealthily creeping towards the homestead, staying in the shadows, she made for the side window. Peering inside, she nearly screamed with relief, James was slumped at the table holding his head in his hands. No need for caution now. Pushing open the door, she launched herself at him.

  “James, James.” She laughed and cried at the same time.

  “Melanie, where have you been? For God’s sake, I’ve been worried sick. Where the hell is Robbie? Alex is nearly frantic after what happened.” He put her aside and stood. “My God, what happened? Have you been attacked by someone?” His face turned white with shock.

  “It’s Robbie, he’s badly hurt.” The story poured out and she didn’t pause for breath until it was finished.

  “Bloody young fool,” he exploded. “Getting himself mixed up with something like this and dragging you into it. Alex feared as much. The troopers are out everywhere searching for rebels, including Peter Lalor their leader. I should have known Robbie would be one of them.”

  “He’s badly hurt, he bled all over me,” she blubbered.

  “I’m sorry for being such a brute.” He tugged at his beard. “You only did what you had to. God help him if he’s caught, though. Some of the rebels surrendered or were captured. Dozens of them are crammed into prison with barely enough room to stand up. Others got shot where they stood. Talk is they could all hang.”

  “The troopers came to the hut where we hid, Michael was with them.”

  “I’m not surprised. His father used to be some high ranking army officer, so naturally he’s all for the redcoats. A wonder he didn’t turn you in. Ballarat was buzzing with talk this afternoon when I passed through.”

  “I only came home to get food, clothing and things. I have to get back to Creswick. I got Robbie to an old army doctor who dug the bullet out. The doctor said h
e’d hide him for a day or so, but I can’t risk leaving him there for too long. ”

  “You did well. Leave it to me now. Gather up what we need. I’ll saddle the horses; Robbie will have to ride yours.”

  What a relief letting him take charge. James was strong, brave and resourceful, everything she wasn’t. While he dealt with the horses, she folded up two blankets, before grabbing up some of James’ clothes for Robbie.

  They had no bread, but plenty of flour and sugar. By the time she filled a calico bag with supplies James had returned. He glanced at her efforts with approval.

  “Good girl. I’ll have to get rid of this army horse. I’ll let it loose well away from here.”

  “Where will you go? Do you have a plan?”

  “Yes, thought of it while I was saddling up.” He frowned, brow furrowing. “I don’t like leaving you on your own, though, but it can’t be helped. Keep the doors and windows bolted tonight. Get Sam to ride over and get Alex. I want him to stay here with you until I get back. After he finds out what’s happened to Robbie, I don’t think he’ll have the stomach for mining anymore. I might be gone a couple of weeks.”

  “So long?” shock raised her voice.

  “You probably don’t remember Arthur Chadwick. You’d only have been a baby when we last saw him.”

  “Who is he?”

  “A distant cousin to Alex.” As he spoke James kept moving, adding a bottle of brandy and cartridges to their supplies. Finally he took his rifle from where it hung on the wall.

  “Sheer coincidence, but I met up with Arthur on the drive and he asked about Robbie. Wanted to know if he’d be interested in helping run his cattle station. It’s thirty or so miles north of Bendigo right out in the scrub.” A smile touched his mouth. “The place sounds isolated. I never thought Robbie would be taking up his offer so soon. A perfect hideout for our young rebel.”

  “Do you think he can ride eighty miles? He’s lost so much blood.”

  “He’ll make it, even if I have to tie him to the saddle. We’ll travel at night and lie low in daylight until we’re well clear of here. I’ll take him through Daylesford and Castlemaine, easier for us to mingle with other miners going to the diggings.”

  His eyes skimmed over what she had packed. “I think I’ve got everything. My cooking utensils are outside.”

  “Be careful, James.” She reached up to kiss him, and he engulfed her in a bear hug.

  “Stay away from town and the diggings in case that soldier you threatened is still hanging around. You’re lucky I killed a sheep as soon as I got home, it’s hanging out back. You’ll have to cut it up yourself, though. If you have any problems, contact Alf Johnson, he’ll help.”

  “Don’t worry about me, go to Robbie. He needs you, I can look after myself.” Trying to be brave, she forced her lips not to tremble and let him know how scared she felt.

  They went out on to the verandah together. James strode to where the three horses were tethered. She watched as he loaded the supplies on her horse, before mounting his own.

  “Goodbye, be careful, my dear.” Taking up the reins, he led the other two horses. Too soon, the darkness swallowed him up.

  Going back inside the homestead, she bolted the door and checked the windows to make sure they were securely fastened. Stripping off her torn gown, she tossed it in the fire, watching the hungry flames devour it. In her bedroom she removed the rest of her clothes and rubbed the blood and grime away with water from the jug. Tomorrow I’ll take a long hot bath, she decided, slipping into a fresh nightgown. Barefooted, she walked back to the kitchen for a cup of tea and something to eat, before trudging off to bed.

  She lay awake for ages, too many thoughts churned through her mind. To take her mind off Robbie she concentrated on what chores needed to be done tomorrow. Milk the cow, collect eggs, bake, do the cleaning and wash…. She drifted off to sleep.

  ***

  Robbie woke up with a raging thirst, his head ached and the pain in his shoulder felt excruciating, but this was nothing compared to the desolation ripping his heart to shreds. Melanie, the only girl he would ever love, was now lost to him. Even if James could get him away from here, he would have a price on his head. Could be hunted down and shot like a crazed dog.

  I won’t let Melanie live a life on the run, he vowed, always glancing over her shoulder, wondering and worrying if someone might turn me in for the reward. He loved her too much to put her through that.

  The pain of what might have been caused tears to burn his eyes. He couldn‘t let them fall, it wasn’t manly to weep, but he wanted to. Oh God, he wanted to cry and scream at the injustice of it all.

  He wasn’t sorry about participating in the rebellion. A man who wouldn’t stick up for his mates and fight for what he believed in was a despicable coward, but he had paid a higher price than even death itself for his principles. He had lost Melanie.

  The future stretched out bleakly. Glancing around for the gun, he couldn’t decide whether to be glad or sorry he no longer had it.

  “Here, boy, drink this brandy. I’m the doctor. Your friend should be back soon.”

  Melanie’s face floated into view. Her soft sweet lips were curved into a smile just for him like always. Her laughing hazel eyes would be flecked with green, her chestnut curls, cascading around her shoulders, would be begging him to bury his face in their sweet smelling tangles.

  “Robbie, Robbie, for God’s sake, wake up.”

  Someone slapped his cheek, and his eyes creaked opened. He blinked several times until he could focus on James’ bearded face. “James!”

  “Here, have a slug of the doctor’s brandy,” James insisted, “then we have to get you out of here.”

  The liquid burned his throat, but with James and the doctor helping him he got to his feet. “Melanie,” he croaked.

  “She’s safe and sound at home. Your father will stay with her until I get back. What the hell possessed you, letting her get involved in this mess?”

  “I know I shouldn’t have, but I panicked.” Leaning on James, Robbie staggered out to the horses. He fainted, and James, with the doctor’s help, put him in the saddle and tied him to the horse.

  “Bloody young fool,” James muttered.

  “He’s got guts,” the doctor growled. “So has the girl, only reason I helped them.”

  “Thanks for everything, doctor. We owe you a debt. Don’t worry I’ll make sure it’s paid.” The men shook hands, then, leading Robbie’s horse, James rode off into the darkness.

  Chapter Six

  For three days Melanie fretted about James and Robbie. They hadn’t been caught or someone would have told her. It could be weeks before she knew for certain if they made it to safety. The uncertainty was killing. Would Robbie be able to endure such a long journey? Even if they escaped the troopers, there might still be bushrangers to contend with.

  Uncle Alex sent a message back with Sam, their shepherd, saying he would come over and stay once he thought it safe to do so. He didn’t want anyone knowing James had gone off again, in case they suspected him of helping Robbie.

  ***

  On the afternoon of the 7th December 1854, the sounds of horses in the front yard interrupted Melanie’s ironing. Going to the door, propped open because of the heat, she saw three mounted redcoats led by Tom Ogilvy. Fear churned up her stomach as Tom dismounted and marched towards the homestead. Had they caught James and Robbie?

  “Good afternoon, Miss O’Dea.” He touched his cap. “Pleasant day, isn’t it?” His booted feet sounded overloud on the verandah.

  “Good afternoon.” She forced herself to be civil, better not to antagonize him. This was certainly no social call.

  “I want you to accompany me into town for questioning.” His smile didn’t reach his pebble hard eyes.

  “I don’t have to go anywhere with you.” She tossed her head back in defiance.

  “Yes you do. You have vital information we need.” His harsh laugh grated on her nerves. “Sir Charles Ho
tham declared martial law here yesterday at noon.”

  “Liar!”

  “Am I? Do you come voluntarily or do we need to persuade you?” He glanced towards the redcoats.

  “I’ll come.” What option did she have? Fear and trepidation almost overwhelmed her, but she’d never let a low-down, slave owning skunk like him know this. “How do I get into town? Someone stole my horse.”

  “I could make you walk.” He enjoyed the idea for a moment. “Of course, if you acted nicer towards me….”

  “Nice to you?” She glared at him. “I’d rather walk a hundred miles barefoot over broken glass.”

  The redcoats snickered, causing Tom to flush angrily. His mouth twisted into ugly lines. “You’ll pay for this, you mining town whore.”

  She turned her back on him and spoke over one shoulder. “I have to get my bonnet.”

  In two strides he reached her. His hand shot out and caught her arm, his cruel fingers gouging deep into her flesh. “You’ll come now.”

  She wanted to defy him, but dared not. He had a look of pure hatred in his eyes. Was he insane?

  He dragged her across the verandah, pushing her so hard on the steps she nearly lost her footing and fell. “Please, Tom, I have to see to the fire.”

  A hard shove almost sent her sprawling under the horses’ hooves. A quick glance around showed the young redcoats enjoying her struggles. With as much dignity as possible under the circumstances, she faced them, holding her head proudly. She’d die before letting them see her fear.

  “Which horse do I ride?”

  “You can ride up with me.”

  Before she could protest, Tom swung her up in the saddle and mounted behind her. His arms tightened around her waist, dragging her against him, and she was horrified to feel the hard burgeoning of his manhood pressing into her back. Had they been alone he would have raped her. The thought of such violation made her bilious.

  He spurred his horse into a gallop and the redcoats followed. His breath, fanning her cheek, reeked of whisky, even though it was early in the afternoon. Drunken beast.