“I really need to change my phone, Dan. Can we do that while we’re here?”
“Sorry, Sweet Pea. No time today. I’ll get Rowena to bring you in next week. You can do it then.”
Paula opened her mouth to say she didn’t need Rowena’s help but Dan spoke first.
“Okay if I drop you at the supermarket? I’ve got some things to do across town. I shouldn’t be long.”
“Sure.” Paula smiled. Suddenly she felt nervous. There were quite a few people in the streets now. Would everyone be staring at her and inspecting Dan’s new wife?
As it turned out no one took much notice of her in the supermarket. The aisles were busy with women pushing overflowing trolleys and towing squabbling children. The checkout girl was polite but not interested in Paula, just like any operator in any Sydney supermarket.
Paula pushed her trolley out onto the verandah. Women smiled and dodged around her, pushing stacks of full shopping bags in their trolleys. They must have big families to feed. She looked at her own bags and wondered if she should have bought a few more things. She worried about the ice-cream. It was a cold day but it would be sloppy by the time they reached the farm. She wondered how other people got their frozen goods safely home.
She peered out at every passing vehicle looking for Dan. Cars came and went but there was no sign of him. It was a funny feeling to have complete strangers smile and nod at her as they passed. It was as if she was someone they knew. Paula felt very conspicuous and wished Dan would hurry up. She looked at her watch. It had taken about half an hour to complete her shopping and she had been waiting nearly that long again. Occasional puffs of wind drove the misty showers under the verandah and she was getting cold.
Perhaps she’d misunderstood Dan. Just as she was wondering what she should do, he pulled up beside her and jumped out to help her load the shopping into the back seat.
“Sorry, Paula. Every man and his dog’s in town today. I kept running into people who wanted to know how seeding was going and how the new vehicle was sizing up. Oh, and how my new woman was settling in.” He grinned.
Paula was cold and damp but she couldn’t be cross when he smiled at her like that.
“Damn I forgot to bring an esky.”
Paula frowned at him.
“For the milk and ice cream.” He waved one of the shopping bags full of dairy items at her. “Still, it’s a cold day. They should be okay till we get them home.”
“I did wonder about —”
“Hello, Dan.”
They both turned to take in the tall woman of about their age who stood behind them on the footpath. She was dressed immaculately in an expensive tan suit, stockings and neat ankle boots. Her straight blonde hair was pulled back into a low loose ponytail, held in place by a bow.
“Hello, Katherine. I didn’t know you were back.” Dan stepped stiffly up onto the path.
“It’s a busy time of year.” She smiled at Dan. “And you’ve been even busier.” Her sharp gaze took in Paula who was still standing in the gutter feeling like a midget.
“Paula, this is Katherine Melton, our local solicitor. Katherine, my wife.” He underlined the last two words and Paula could feel the tension in his body as she accepted his hand and stepped up onto the path between them.
“Pleased to meet you, Katherine.” Paula shook hands and imagined she understood how a mouse felt under the stare of a cat. Katherine’s gaze was piercing, summing her up. She was glad she’d decided to pull on her new leather jacket and her designer jeans.
A car tooted behind and a male voice teased Dan about taking up all the space with his flash new car.
“We should get going, Paula.” Dan nodded at Katherine and turned and waved to the car behind.
“Dan, we must catch up.” Katherine put a hand on his arm. “There are some decisions to be made.”
“After seeding.” Dan tugged his arm back and Paula watched as he walked stiffly around the car.
“We should get together over a coffee, Paula.” Katherine had stepped closer. “We have a few things in common.” Her gaze flicked towards Dan, who was getting into the car. Paula thought she looked almost predatory. “Sydney, for instance. My mother lives there now and I’ve spent a bit of time there.” Her gaze flicked in Dan’s direction again. “Farmers get so caught up in their work they can neglect their wives. You’ll probably find life here terribly dull at times.”
Dan started the engine.
“Thanks for the offer, Katherine,” Paula said, glancing in Dan’s direction then smiling meaningfully back at Katherine, “but I haven’t found it dull here yet.”
Paula could feel Katherine’s eyes follow her as she got into the car beside Dan. His mood had become serious and he kept his eyes on the road. There was definitely a history between Dan and Katherine, and Paula wondered what Katherine had meant by ‘decisions to be made’ but she didn’t feel inclined to ask Dan. Somehow she didn’t think friendship with Katherine was on the cards.
CHAPTER
4
The sound of a car outside her window woke Paula from a deep sleep. She looked at her clock and sat up with a jolt. It was nearly ten o’clock. She felt thick-headed and disoriented. Dan had left at six to go back on the tractor and Paula had lain in bed planning her day.
It had been very cold when Dan got up and she’d only meant to stay in bed for a few more minutes. Today she was planning to paint the bedroom in readiness for her parents’ arrival.
But instead of getting up and getting stuck into the painting she’d drifted back into a restless sleep. She’d dreamed she was with Marco who was guiding her away from something she was trying desperately to see. The something turned out to be Dan kissing Katherine, who looked at her with a smug possessive smile. Paula had woken feeling disturbed by the dream but she must have drifted off to sleep again. Now the morning was half gone.
She peeped through the curtain to see a woman leaning into the back of a car, a little boy standing beside her. Quickly Paula threw on some clothes and brushed her hair. She shut the bedroom door just as the sound of voices reached her with a knock on the front door. The passage was quite dark with only leadlight windows either side of the door so Paula switched on the light before she opened the door.
There was a woman of about Paula’s age loaded up with a baby and a basket. Beside her the little boy was carrying a small Batman bag. He turned his head shyly and clung to her leg.
“Paula?”
“Yes.”
“I’m Jane Freeman. My husband, Bruce, and I live nearest you, over that way.” She nodded her head over her shoulder. “I’m sorry I haven’t come to see you earlier. Andrew and James have both been sick and with Bruce seeding it’s been a pig of a week.” She laughed. “Bruce says I must stop using that description as a derogatory term. Considering we’re now pig farmers, he says it’s always going to be a pig of a week.”
“Please come in.” Paula stepped back. Dan had often mentioned Bruce.
“Sorry, I should have rung first.” The baby in Jane’s arms squirmed and she struggled with the basket.
“Can I carry that for you?”
Jane gave up the basket, which Paula discovered was quite heavy, and manoeuvred into the passage with the little boy still attached to her leg.
“Andrew, let go of my leg now. This is Paula, our new neighbour.”
“Hello, Andrew.” Paula spoke without going any closer. She could see he was not sure of her. “Let’s go to the kitchen. I’ve got a heater in there.”
Paula’s initial discomfort was soon overcome by Jane’s friendly banter and Andrew quickly got over his shyness. He was an independent three year old and was soon making engine noises with his trucks on the floor.
Baby James was five months old and very sweet. Jane breastfed him while they chatted over a cuppa and a delicious homemade cake she had produced from the basket. Paula had held the baby while Jane took Andrew to the toilet. Awkward at first, Paula was soon taken in by his big brown ey
es gazing sleepily back at her. She’d never felt very maternal, even with her sister Alison’s babies, but this one was certainly cute.
Children were something she and Dan had never discussed. She had a pang of anxiety. Did he expect her to stay home and breed like Jane, who had come to the area as a young teacher, married Bruce and straight away produced Andrew? Paula wasn’t ready for that. She loved and adored Dan but she didn’t think she could feel the same about his children just yet.
Jane had lived in the area for five years and had known Dan for most of that time. Dan and Bruce had been friends since school, so when Jane and Bruce had started seeing each other, Dan had often gone along.
“I was beginning to wonder if he would move in with us when we married.” Jane laughed. “He’s a lovely guy, Paula. I’m so glad he’s found you. He deserves someone special.”
Paula was pleased but embarrassed by Jane’s words. She had been tempted to ask Jane about Katherine Melton but that would be snooping into Dan’s past and she didn’t want to do that.
“I’m sorry we couldn’t come to your wedding. Bruce was very sick. The doctor threatened to put him in hospital if he didn’t stay in bed. Do you have photos?”
“Not yet. My parents will be here next week. They’re bringing the photos and our presents.”
“That’s good, you’ll have company. I’m an Adelaide girl. I don’t miss living there; it’s close enough for me to visit if I need and my family come here from time to time. I love country life but it can get a bit lonely. What did you do before you married Dan?”
“I’m an accountant by trade but I’ve done all sorts, mainly in big business.”
“Gosh that kind of work is thin on the ground here. I used to do some relief teaching in between having Andrew and James but now that we have the pigs there’s usually something Bruce needs help with every day so I haven’t gone back to it. Tractor season is a special challenge.” Jane’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Although sometimes I’m glad of it now we have kids. Bruce and I are both too tired at the same time.” She laughed. “But newlyweds don’t worry about that.”
“Dan does work long hours but I don’t think we are quite up to having children yet.”
“Oh, no. Enjoy your time together. Kids change the dynamics. Although, Bruce and I wouldn’t give them back.” She cuddled James in close. “You’ll have to get used to the questions though. The whole district likes to organise your life. When you’re going out it’s ‘how long till you marry?’ When you get married it’s ‘when are you going to have kids?’ You and I are what the locals call ‘new blood’.”
“What’s that?”
“Our men have brought outsiders into the district. It broadens the gene pool.” Jane laughed again and looked at her watch. “Speaking of men, I’d better get mine his lunch.”
It was nearly twelve o’clock and Paula, still full of Jane’s delicious chocolate cake, hadn’t given food a thought.
“Will Dan come home for lunch now they’ve started on Harvey’s place?”
Paula looked at Jane as if she was speaking another language. Where was Harvey’s place and why wouldn’t Dan come home for lunch?
“I take Bruce’s lunch to the paddock when he’s not close to home. Sometimes he takes it with him but he prefers something warm if I have time. I’d better fly.”
Paula waved Jane off and went back to the kitchen. It was suddenly empty without Jane’s happy laugh and Andrew’s engine noises. She had no idea where Harvey’s place was or why Dan would be working there. She only had vague recollections of the property from her first visit. She knew the house yard and the sheds but other than their trip to town, she had not been anywhere. Everything revolved around this house and Dan returning to it. She frowned at the brief thought that she had simply swapped one master for another. Marco had dominated her world when she was with him but at least she’d had some independence with transport and friends. Here Paula realised she relied on Dan for everything. When he was gone she didn’t even have a car.
The phone rang, startling her.
“Hello, Paula?” Rowena’s voice boomed down the line.
“Yes.” Paula grimaced. Who else was going to answer this phone?
“I’m taking Dan out some lunch. He asked me to ring you rather than use the two-way. He’s started on Harvey’s place and doesn’t want to stop for long while conditions are good. I can pick you up and you can come for a ride.” Rowena’s command annoyed Paula.
“Thanks, Rowena but I’ve got to get the painting finished. Tell Dan I’ll have dinner waiting for him when he gets home.” She hung up and went to look at paint tins. Why was Rowena organising Dan’s lunch? Didn’t they think Paula was up to it?
The passage door swung closed behind her with its strong swoosh and she stopped dead. How could she take Dan lunch even if she had thought of it? She didn’t know where he was and she didn’t have a vehicle of any description. She would need to sort that out with Dan once he came home. She didn’t really have anywhere to go but she felt suddenly isolated without a means of transport.
Paula pushed her disquiet away. There was nothing she could do about it right now and she had a room to paint. She marched into the spare bedroom where everything was set out, ready for her to begin. She had an old shirt of Dan’s to cover her clothes and brought in a lamp for extra light. It was a grey day outside and the ceiling light struggled to illuminate the room.
The one mouse trap had done its job. It was flipped over in the corner and the legs and tail of a mouse were protruding from underneath. Dan and Tom had replaced the back door and fixed the floor but there were still a few mice in the house.
She wrapped the pathetic little body in newspaper and dropped it in the bin, then she took out a chicken from the freezer. Paula decided a roast would be their evening meal. She’d hardly ever cooked one before. Stir fries and grills were more her thing when she ate at home but she knew Dan enjoyed a roast. He’d made a fuss of her mother’s roast beef when they’d eaten there on one of his visits. A chicken wouldn’t take long to cook. She’d get the first coat of paint on then see to it.
Back in the bedroom she prised the lid off the first tin. She’d chosen a soft white with just a hint of pink for the ceiling. It rolled on easily and even though she had to drag ladders around it didn’t take long to get the first coat on. It looked plain white but it was probably just the dull day. Once she had the Coffee Rose on the walls it would be okay.
Paula made herself a quick sandwich. The chicken was still rock solid so she put it in the microwave to defrost while she went back to tackle the walls. Lifting the lid off the next tin she stopped in dismay. The colour she’d chosen for the walls was meant to have pink hues but it looked too muddy. Stirring the paint furiously she hoped it would change with the mixing but the colour remained brown rather than the deep pink she had chosen.
That bloody man at the hardware store. What was his name? Carl. He’d been so busy talking to Paula about the finer points of painting he’d mixed the wrong colours. Dan had taken her to the hardware store, introduced her to Carl, explained he wanted everything charged to the farm account then he’d been distracted by a power-tool display. Carl was a lively character. He wanted to know all about her project and what she thought she might do.
She checked her colour sheets again. The contents of the tin were nothing like the colour she had chosen. A name was scrawled on the side.
“Coffee Time! Damn!” It was meant to be Coffee Rose. Paula glanced at the grey day beyond the window. There was no car to drive back into town. “Even if I knew the way.” Her voice made a hollow echo around her.
The microwave beeped insistently. Paula left the offending paint and went back to the kitchen. There was a sizzling, popping sound coming from the microwave. She flung open the door to reveal a shrivelled chicken.
“Ohh!” She dragged the miserable lump of meat out to the sink. The microwave was new and she’d never used it before. “I mustn’t have selected
defrost.” She looked around the empty kitchen. “This is what you’ve come to, Paula, no one to talk to but a dead bird.” She left the chicken and went back to her paint.
There was nothing for it but to go with the colour Carl had mixed for her. She topped up the tin with some of the pale ceiling colour but it made little impact on the depth of the colour. Fuelled by her anger at Carl, Paula rolled on the paint.
By the time she had done one wall she was beginning to calm down and at the end of the second she stood back to look at her work. The colour was beginning to grow on her. Even though the light wasn’t good, the fresh paint lifted the room. She threw herself into covering the remaining walls and finally sat down in the middle of the room smiling at the walls around her.
“Well, well, Carl. I take it all back.” It looked okay. She wondered whether the old devil had mixed the colour on purpose.
It was dark outside by the time she’d cleaned up. She wondered about the colour she’d chosen for the skirting boards. It was called China Silk but Carl may have changed that too. She was too tired to bother with it tonight. Tomorrow she would see if Carl had mixed her any more surprises.
Paula lit the fire in the lounge, put on the television for some background noise and went to the kitchen to try to do something with the poor wretched chicken.
Dan didn’t come home till after eleven. Paula had been listening anxiously for his dual cab since about nine. He looked exhausted. She served up the reheated remains of the chicken and tried to make conversation while he ate. She probably could have served mouse stew and he wouldn’t have noticed.
“There’s enough meat left for sandwiches. I can make some for your lunch tomorrow.”
“Thanks.” Dan’s reply was more of a croak. His eyes were red and his usually soft wavy hair was a greasy mat plastered to his head.
A Chance of Stormy Weather Page 5