by C. Fonseca
“So far, you’ve been lucky.” Sarah’s voice lowered. “Helen wasn’t.”
“It’s not about luck, Mum.” Eleanor hung her head, avoiding her mother’s scrutinising gaze. “If I hadn’t been selfish eleven years ago, so hell-bent on making a name for myself in the London scene, I would have done what Helen asked and met her in Beijing. It may have stopped her from going to Chengdu.”
Her mother groaned and said in a choked voice, “More likely, you would have followed her to Chengdu and died as well.”
Eleanor stared at her mother. Her words held some truth. She could have died as well, and that would have only doubled the tragedy for her family. But that wasn’t the way Eleanor saw things. If she’d gone to Beijing, Helen wouldn’t have gone to Chengdu.
“Yours is a precarious profession, Eleanor.”
“I don’t know why we’re even having this argument. I agree with you; it can be. Perhaps I do need a change of direction, after the things I’ve seen…” she said tiredly. “But I will always be a documentary photographer—wherever I am. I want to continue to open people’s eyes and make a difference.” Eleanor knew her mother was only arguing with her right now to try and persuade her yet again to switch to the legal profession. Why doesn’t she just let it go?
“You can’t pretend that you’re unaffected by your work. That photograph of you in Brazil on Ian Sinclair’s TV show was an eye opener for us, and I could tell it was for you as well.”
“I’m home now.” Eleanor put her head in her hands. “Can’t you be happy with that?”
“Are you telling me you’re going to stay home and settle down?” Her mother threw herself back onto the sofa and stared at her, as though cross-examining a witness. “With a partner and children?”
“I didn’t say that exactly.” Eleanor dropped into the opposite chair.
“Hey, what’s all the ruckus? I could hear your voices from across the courtyard.” The resounding deep voice of Eleanor’s brother cut through the tension in the room.
Relieved, Eleanor jumped to her feet and threw herself into his arms. “Leo. I’m so glad you’re here.”
Leo pulled her close until her forehead rested against his chest. “Eleanor, it’s good to see you, too.” He kissed the top of her head, held her at arm’s length, and searched her face—no doubt seeing how exasperated she was. “Hey, is everything okay? It’s only been a couple of weeks since I saw you.” Leo tore his gaze away from her to look over his shoulder. “Hello, Mum.”
“Nice you could join us, Leo.” Their mother stood and walked towards the door. “I’ll check on dinner and let the two of you catch up.” She gave Eleanor a conciliatory smile, turned, and closed the door softly behind her.
“What’s going on?” Leo asked. “I know Dad’s doing okay. I just checked on him. Did Mum do something to upset you?”
Eleanor shook her head. “Just the usual. I shouldn’t let her get to me,” she said resignedly. “How are you, Leo? How was work?”
Leo tugged her hand and pulled her onto the sofa beside him. “You know how it is, the customary hard slog.” He sighed. “Things were hectic in Darwin. Thankfully, I’m back now and can help out again with Dad.” He scrubbed at his trim beard that was speckled with grey. “I’m really sorry I shot off up north virtually as soon as you arrived back in the country, but once Dad was out of danger and I knew you were with him, I couldn’t put off the trip. How are you coping?”
“We’ve been fine, but it is nice to have you back.” Eleanor smiled. She hoped that having Leo around would lighten the intensity between her and her mother. After living away from her parents for most of her adult life, even though she wanted to be here, being in such close proximity with them was a challenge.
“It was such a relief you got home from London so quickly,” Leo said earnestly. “Thank goodness you weren’t in some remote location where we couldn’t get hold of you.”
“When I heard about Dad, I was desperate to get on the first plane out of there.”
“You did. And here you are.” Leo put his arm around her shoulder.
Resting her head against the back of the sofa, she relaxed. Eleanor was grateful that Leo didn’t judge her. Unlike their mother, he’d supported her career choice and always came to her defence. She’d missed the easy-going connection with her brother.
Leo leaned forward and rubbed the back of his neck. “It weighs on me that I can’t do more to help Mum. She is carrying the burden, running Miller Legal without Dad. I know it’s her family dynasty, etc. etc., but they’re a team.”
“They are, Leo, but just because you are a lawyer and Dad can’t work at the moment, it doesn’t mean you have to join the family firm. You’ve never practised commercial or corporate law. Why would you want to start now?”
“You’re right, Mum hasn’t asked for help, but I am a lawyer, and it does put me under pressure.” He hung his head.
“Didn’t you recently get a promotion?”
He nodded. “It’s a long-winded title. Legal Officer for Domestic and Family Violence Reform.”
“Heavy stuff. I’m so proud of you. Congratulations.”
“Let’s hope I can make a difference.” He sighed.
Eleanor smiled in recognition of their shared goal—to make a difference. “Don’t worry, Leo. I doubt either of them expect you to drop what you’re doing and work at the firm.” It was all very well saying that to Leo, but Eleanor still felt the pressure of her mother’s expectations and judging by the look on his face, Leo wasn’t convinced either. He must be worried about their father’s ability to return to work, if he was questioning his career path. Should Eleanor be worried? She’d assumed that their father would make a full recovery. She needed to hang on to that hope.
“Now that you’ve spent time with Dad, how do you think he’s doing, really?” Leo asked.
“There was that problem with his medication last week, but as you know, that’s sorted,” she reassured him. “He tires easily of course, but overall I think he’s doing really well.”
“Must be because you’re home, Eleanor.”
“It’s certainly not my cooking!”
Her phone buzzed, and she looked across to the table where it lay.
“That will be Mum, summoning us for dinner.” Leo chuckled, slapped his knees, and jumped to attention. He grabbed Eleanor’s hand, and pulled her to her feet. “Hey, as I came into the studio, I heard her say you were settling down with a partner and children. Who is this woman?” He scanned the room like a sea captain searching for land. “And where are the children?”
“Leo.” She shook her head, groaning. “Don’t you start, please. There is no one.”
“Well, that’s a shame. You know Mum would love to introduce you to eligible girls. A judge or partner from a good law firm—from a ‘nice’ family of course.” He mimicked their mother’s voice and shook a finger at her.
Eleanor put her hands on her hips. “You should have gone on the stage; you sound just like Mum.”
Leo’s phone rang, and he reached into his jacket pocket and answered the call. “Yes, Mum.” He gave Eleanor a cheeky grin. “We won’t be long.”
“Drop the girlfriend rubbish. I don’t want you to encourage her.” On her way to the door, Eleanor pinched his cheek, playfully. “Anyway, what’s your excuse?”
“Okay, I hear you. But I really don’t have the time. Yet.” He drew the corner of his mouth down and wiped at pretend tears. “But you, dear sister, don’t have a woman because you’re looking for perfection.”
This time, she punched him on the arm. “Aren’t we all?”
Chapter 10
Twofold fortune
Alexa rolled down the window and waved her arm madly to catch Eleanor’s attention as she alighted the tram, peering in all directions. Her rain jacket was reminiscent of the deepest green of summer leaves and, w
ith an oversized daypack slung over a shoulder and a vivid red umbrella tucked under her arm, Eleanor looked like a vibrant twinkle on an overcast day. Her smile, now aimed toward Alexa, was quite dazzling as she strolled towards the car.
Why all the rain gear? Alexa stuck her head out the window and glanced skywards. It was scattered with clouds and patches of blue. She’d checked the weather forecast, and there was only a slight chance of showers today.
Stretching across to unlock the passenger side door, Alexa pushed it open with a shove.
Eleanor crouched down and leaned into the car. “Hi, Alexa.”
“Hello, Eleanor. I could have picked you up from your parents and saved you the tram ride.”
“Oh, no. I love trams, especially the old W-class rattlers on this line. Anyway, it would have added an extra twenty minutes to your journey.” A flickering grin crossed her lips. “I’ve been known to hop on the City Circle tourist loop just for fun.” She rustled her hand through her slightly dishevelled hair.
Alexa’s heart skipped a beat as she caught a hint of Eleanor’s light citrusy fragrance. If there was such a thing as bottled sunshine, today, it was Eleanor.
“Really? You surprise me.” Alexa looked at her curiously and returned the smile.
“Actually, you surprise me,” Eleanor said. “For some reason, I had you pegged as driving a hybrid car. Clean and green, more of a modern machine.” She tapped the bonnet. “This is cool. I can’t wait for a ride in this set of wheels.”
“You’d better get in, then,” Alexa declared.
“Thanks. I will.” Eleanor offloaded her backpack and shrugged out of her coat.
Alexa turned and pointed to the back seat. “Toss your things in here. I’m sorry the coupé’s a bit tight for space.”
Eleanor carefully arranged her backpack, folded coat, and umbrella on the rear seat. “You actually drive a vintage car. I’m envious.” She slid into the front bucket seat and settled back against the headrest. “Wow. Is it from the sixties?”
“It is. An Italian-designed original French classic built in 1962.” Alexa fondly patted the dashboard. “Eleanor, I’d like you to meet Farina.”
Eleanor uttered a soft, husky laugh and buckled herself in. She slowly stroked the soft tan leather armrest. “Hello, Farina. Dad would love you. What kind of car is this?”
Alexa reached for the gearshift and slipped it into reverse. She put her arm across the seat and looked behind her. “A Pininfarina-designed, Peugeot 404 Coupé,” she said proudly and eased the car back, shifting into drive and looking into the rear vision mirror before moving easily into the traffic. “Off we go.”
Eleanor pushed up the sleeves of her black and white long-sleeved T-shirt. “I was really surprised and very happy you rang yesterday. Thanks for offering to show me around Castlemaine and Chewton. Let’s hope we find the locations where the glass plate negatives were made.”
“You’re welcome. I’ve been looking forward to spending the day with you.” Alexa kept her tone light. She’d thought about Eleanor often, maybe too often, and when Eleanor had accepted the offer to drive out to the country, Alexa had smiled like a Cheshire cat.
“It’s always nice to get out of town,” Eleanor said. The leather squeaked as she settled into the car seat.
“Your jeans are almost the same shade as Farina.” Alexa nodded towards Eleanor’s dark blue jeans. “It’s called Bleu Foncé.”
“Is that so? Now I feel suitably dressed for our drive. How long will it take to get to Castlemaine? What have you got planned for us?”
Alexa grinned at the excited tone in Eleanor’s voice. “The traffic is reasonably light for a Saturday. It will take about an hour and twenty once we get on the Calder Freeway.” Alexa raised her eyes to the electric clock on the instrument panel and back to the road in front. “We’ll get there in time to explore the Heritage Park before we grab something to eat in Castlemaine after that.”
“Okay, that sounds like a plan.” Eleanor tilted her head. “Why are we starting at the park?”
“Well, it was the heart of the Victorian goldfields from the 1850s. I’ve sketched out a map for a three-kilometre walk, to give you a feel of the place. Our tour will include an ancient riverbed, mine shafts, and the Garfield Waterwheel built around that time. Then, we can explore Chewton, where at least two or more of the slides were made. The archival box in the back contains the high-quality images.” She glanced quickly over her shoulder. Knowing the box was on the rear seat gave her a sense of accomplishment. The tech team had done a stellar job reproducing the images, and Alexa looked forward to hunting down their locations with Eleanor. “The details are incredible.”
“Fantastic. I can’t wait to get my hands on them.” Eleanor playfully wiggled her fingers in the air.
“Clean hands,” Alexa said in a mock stern voice.
Eleanor angled her body towards Alexa, and gave her a sweet smile. “I’m lucky that my personal guide knows the area and has a master’s in Australian History to boot. Believe me, it’s the best offer I’ve had in ages.”
“Hard to believe,” Alexa muttered and laughed to herself. Did Eleanor intend the double meaning about tour guides and potential dates? Surely Eleanor was kidding when it came to dating. With her dreamy eyes and sultry lips combined with a natural wit and understated charm, she must get plenty of offers. How many of those offers did she accept?
Eleanor made no comment; instead she ran her hands slowly over the leather dashboard. “Oops,” she cried as the glove box popped open. “Sorry, I couldn’t resist.” She peered inside. “Hey, there are actually gloves in here, brown suede, and a torch and… Oh dear, I shouldn’t be rummaging in your glove box.”
Alexa laughed out loud. She appreciated the emerging light-hearted, fun side of Eleanor.
Once she’d navigated her way through the hectic city traffic and turned onto the freeway, Alexa hummed, tapping a tune on the steering wheel, very pleased to be driving with Eleanor beside her. She loved her vintage car despite its idiosyncrasies. On the open road, Farina was silky smooth, so quiet the motor almost purred.
“Look at those clouds building over the Macedon Ranges.” Eleanor pointed out the window. “Blue-black and silver-edged, with those celestial rays of sun beaming down on the hills.”
“That’s a picturesque description,” Alexa said, taking a quick look towards the Ranges. They didn’t look like rain clouds. They’d better not be.
“It may not come to anything.” Eleanor rolled down the window, the wind changing the shades of her hair as it curled and moved. “The air is warm, and it’s so atmospheric. Beautiful.”
“Yes, it surely is.” Alexa’s gaze briefly rested on her passenger before returning to the road. And so are you. How had she ever thought Eleanor was aloof when they’d first met in the library? She’d never expected to be charmed by Eleanor so easily, or even find her such enjoyable company. It was shaping up to be a fun day.
With her right hand loosely gripping the leather steering wheel, Alexa reached for the column shift as they approached a bend. After half a kilometre when the road straightened, she revved the engine and accelerated, enjoying the smoothness of the ride. Close to a hundred kilometres an hour, Farina’s engine emitted a low hum as they rolled past paddocks strewn with granite boulders and dotted with fluffy white sheep.
“That dramatic skyline makes an incredible backdrop to the red hills.” Eleanor turned around, reached into the back seat, and pulled something from her daypack. She placed a scratched red camera case in her lap, cradling it in her hands.
“Ah, I wondered how long it would take.” Alexa was amazed Eleanor had restrained herself this long.
Eleanor took out an antique-looking metal camera, half encased in worn leather. “Do you mind?”
“No, not at all. As long as you don’t point it at me.” Alexa slowed down to allow a car to pass. T
he passenger flashed a grin and gave them a thumbs-up. ‘Nice wheels,’ he mouthed as the car sped past. She turned her head and winked at Eleanor.
With her hands on the steering wheel, Alexa leaned back and stretched out her arms. She tilted her head towards the camera. “Does that thing actually work? It looks older than both of us.”
Eleanor held up the camera. “You’re not the only one into vintage. My grandfather bought this in the fifties. Of course, it not only works, but it’s built to last. I have no doubt that my grandkids will be using it. The Leica M3 is the epitome of vintage style. Even though it’s old and fully manual, it is still one of the best cameras. It’s magic.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” Alexa stole a glance at the camera, narrowing her eyes at all its shiny buttons, dials, and winding thingamajigs. “It does look special, but complicated. There’s a lookout up ahead. Why don’t we pull off there, and you can show me how it works?”
“I’d like that.” Eleanor turned her radiant smile towards her. Alexa would have liked to grab her phone and capture that moment, if she hadn’t been driving.
Eleanor’s earlier comment about grandchildren was intriguing. Did that mean she wanted kids of her own? Alexa hadn’t even entertained the idea of a steady relationship, let alone children.
“All good then.” Alexa smiled. She manoeuvred the car through rolling hills and valleys, pine groves, and eucalyptus forests dotted with pretty vineyards with fresh spring growth and livestock grazing in lush pasture. She was spending the day with Eleanor, on their way to the heritage goldfields region. If this was cloud nine, Alexa was floating way up there. She rolled her shoulders and let them fall. Time to be in the moment and enjoy the rest of the ride.
* * *
For over an hour, Eleanor did her best to keep up with Alexa, who scrambled like a mountain goat over the rocky terrain of the Forest Creek Diggings site.