by Bonnie Leon
Willa pressed her cheek against the stock of the rifle and sighted it in on Luke. “Your threats mean nothing.”
Finally the men backed out of the schoolhouse. Willa followed, keeping the rifle trained on them. Rebecca stepped to the door. Luke moved his horse around behind Jack’s, and before Rebecca knew it had happened, he’d lit a torch and tossed it onto the roof of the schoolhouse. The three men quickly rode off.
For a moment Rebecca was rooted in place, then realizing all that was about to be lost, she ran to the tent and ducked inside. Callie had her arms full of slates. Rebecca grabbed books off her desk and piled them in her arms. The torch burned through the roof, and then flames climbed across the ceiling and down the walls.
“Get out! Get out!” Rebecca screamed.
Callie sprinted through the door, gulping in deep breaths of air. Smoke billowed down and around Rebecca. Her eyes burned, and her throat felt scorched. Holding her breath and keeping her head down, she ran for the doorway. As she stepped outside, cool, damp air fell over her like a moist balm. She took in several deep breaths, then turned and watched as the tent blazed.
Willa moved close and laid an arm over Rebecca’s shoulders. “There’s nothing to be done except be thankful the earth is wet.”
“All my work,” Rebecca cried.
“You can begin again. Benches can be rebuilt, and another tent can be set up.” She rested her hand on Rebecca’s back. “Everything will be fine, dear.”
“Fire. Shall it always be fire that destroys us?”
“Of course not.” Willa smoothed Rebecca’s hair as if she were a child. “And we’ve not been destroyed.”
Rebecca wanted to believe that, but she felt something different. The men—what did they want?
Willa pulled her close, but Rebecca felt no comfort as she watched the tent become singed tatters and listened to the popping of wood as the benches and desk burned. When Daniel returned he would tell her what those men were after whether he wanted to or not.
She rested her head on Willa’s shoulder and gradually felt better. Finally she straightened and blew out a long breath. “I thank the Lord for you and your rifle.” She smiled at Willa. “I had no idea you could be so fierce.”
“Fierce? I’m shaking from head to toe. I’ve never had to do such a thing in all my life. And I dare say, those men will be back. But I don’t understand why. What do they want?”
“I don’t know exactly. But it has something to do with Mr. Marshal . . . and Daniel.”
“So it’s the loan, then.” Willa’s hand shook as she brushed hair off her face. “I pray my son hasn’t made some terrible mistake.” She watched the puff of dust in the distance marking the men’s departure. “Thank the Lord I didn’t have to shoot anyone.”
“You would have, really?”
“What choice would I have had if they hadn’t yielded? I’d never allow anyone to harm you or Callie.” Worry lines creased Willa’s brow. “I’m not sure what Daniel has gotten himself into, but he’d best make it right, and soon.”
Joseph leaned his elbows on the table and stared down at his plate.
“Sit up straight and eat your lunch,” Rebecca said, her own appetite nonexistent. She picked up her fork, but instead of eating she pushed her meat and vegetables around in her bowl. She stabbed a carrot.
Steps sounded hollow on the veranda, and then Daniel walked through the front door. Rebecca stood. “Thank goodness. You’re home. I was beginning to worry.”
“No reason to. I’m fine.” He kissed Rebecca lightly on the cheek, then moved to the table and sat down. He grabbed a roll and took a bite. Then as Rebecca sat he looked from his wife to his mother. “Is something wrong?”
Joseph spoke up first. “Bad man.”
Daniel took a drink of water. “What? What bad man?” He looked at Joseph, then back to Rebecca.
“You didn’t notice the school?”
“What about it?”
Rebecca felt her anger and frustration grow.
Willa laid a hand on her arm. “We lost the school today. It burned.”
“What? What do you mean it burned?” Daniel pushed away from the table and moved to the window. He stared at the blackened spot beyond the cottages. “What happened?”
Rebecca felt a swell of anger. “You say it so casually, as if we’d lost the broom or something.”
Daniel returned to the table. “I don’t feel casual about it at all. Was anyone hurt?”
“No. Everyone is fine . . . for now.”
“Tell me what happened.”
Willa wiped her mouth with her handkerchief. “Some men came by with a message from Mr. Marshal, and before they left they thought it would be fitting to burn down the school.”
Daniel squared his jaw. “From Marshal?”
“Yes,” Rebecca said, barely able to unclench her jaw. “You know two of them. They were the men who came to see you a few weeks ago—Jack and Luke. You remember—the ones who bashed in your face?” Rebecca knew her tone was snippy, but she had reason to be vexed. “This time there was another man with them called Wade.” Rebecca’s heartbeat picked up at the thought of the confrontation. “They barged into my classroom and threatened me, the children, and Callie.”
Lily stepped out of the kitchen, carrying a large pot. “Yer mum did quite a job of scarin’ them off though. Callie was there and said Mrs. Thornton is roight handy with a rifle.” Lily grinned and then ladled stew into Daniel’s bowl.
Daniel settled a questioning gaze on his mother. “You chased them off?”
Willa picked up her fork. “I did at that. And they were wise to go.” She smiled slightly and speared a piece of beef. “Your father believed it would be best if I knew how to defend myself. And I’m quite good with a rifle.”
“Right, I knew that, but I won’t have you chasing off bushrangers. You might have been hurt.”
“We were hurt,” Rebecca said. “Those men destroyed the school, Daniel. And they threatened us. They’re horrible. They wanted me to give you a warning.”
“A warning? About what?”
“They said you were to do as you were told . . . or they’d come back and . . .” Rebecca looked at Joseph, who was too attentive. She leaned close to Daniel and whispered, “They said they would hurt one of us, and they mentioned Joseph.”
Daniel’s expression turned hard. “They’ll not touch anyone in this family.”
“Why would they want to?” Rebecca demanded. “What is going on? What do they want?”
“They’re just troublemakers. I’ll handle them.”
“It’s more than that. What is it you’re supposed to do, Daniel?” Rebecca couldn’t keep the accusation out of her tone.
“Nothing. I don’t want you to worry.”
Willa folded her napkin and set it beside her plate. “Obviously we do have something to worry about. That man, Luke, nearly shot Callie. I think he would have if Rebecca hadn’t stood in front of her.”
Daniel looked grieved. “You did that?”
“Yes.” Rebecca gazed at her husband. “Please. Tell me what’s going on.”
Daniel scooted away from the table and stood. “I don’t want you involved, none of you.”
Rebecca pushed to her feet. “But we are involved.”
“I think it’s best you stay indoors for the next few days. And I want you to close the school, at least for now.”
“And what is the reason? Give me a reason.” Rebecca folded her arms over her chest.
Daniel didn’t answer right away. Finally he leveled a serious look at his wife.
“Those blokes could have done more than burn down a tent. You or one of the children could have been killed.”
“I know that. I want to know why. Why are we in danger?” Rebecca settled a hand on her abdomen. “I’m about to have a baby. Do I need to be afraid for her? And what about Joseph?”
Daniel moved to the window. “It might take me a bit of time to straighten this all out, but I will.
”
“Daniel, it’s not fair to leave me out of this. Those men . . . they’re evil. They enjoyed frightening us. If they come back—”
“They won’t. I’ll take care of it,” Daniel snapped. He swiped a hand through his hair. “Let me handle things my way. It’s better if I can resolve this peaceably.” He turned a dark look on Rebecca. “No school. Not until I say.”
“But—”
“It will be closed,” Daniel snapped. He stared at Rebecca for a moment, then turned and strode out of the room and then outside.
Frustrated and afraid, Rebecca watched through the window as he walked toward the barn. Why wouldn’t he tell her what was going on? What was so terrible that he couldn’t be honest with her? Lord, I know something is terribly wrong. Please help us with whatever it is.
Anxiety still washing over her in waves, Rebecca stepped into her bedroom and closed the door. She moved to the window and stared outside. There were still remnants of the devastating fire that had struck them six months before. Blackened trees stood guard over the yard, where new grasses had sprouted. Burned-out buildings had been replaced by new ones. The barn stood, new and fresh and needing paint. There were newly built cottages and others in varying stages of construction.
Then, her mind returning to the morning’s events, she stared at the blackened ground where the schoolroom had been. What had Daniel gotten them into?
She took a long, deep breath and then blew it out. She needed to remain calm. Being distressed might be harmful to the baby.
She crossed to her bed stand and picked up a book she’d been reading. Sitting on the bed, she lay back on her pillows, opened the book, and tried to read, but her mind wouldn’t quiet. In frustration she set the book aside. Lord, please show me what I’m to do.
She waited for an answer, but when none came she sat up and put the book on the night table and then crossed to the window. Her eyes wandered to Chavive. Her belly was large and round. It wouldn’t be long now until her foal arrived. Unconsciously Rebecca rested a hand on her own stomach.
I wish I could ride, she thought. She looked at her abdomen. It wasn’t so large. She could probably ride. And today the weather was cool. Chavive would enjoy an outing. Perhaps a short ride would be all right.
No. That’s foolhardy. I’m too close to my confinement. Rebecca wanted to be alone on the open flats, and a chat with Cambria would be grand. Perhaps I can take the buggy. There’s no harm in that.
Anxious to be on her way, she grabbed a hat from the closet and hurried outdoors. When she stepped into the barn, she nearly collided with Jim. “Oh,” she exclaimed, ducking sideways.
“Sorry,” Jim said. “Wasn’t watching where I was going.” He grabbed Rebecca to steady her.
“No trouble. It wasn’t your fault. I was in a hurry.” She avoided his eyes.
“Where you off to?”
“I was hoping to take out the buggy and maybe stop and see Cambria.” She smiled. “I’ll tell her hello for you.”
Jim eyed her, then said, “You think going out on your own is a good idea?”
“I’ll be fine.”
Jim didn’t speak right away. Finally he said, “Maybe someone should go with you.”
“I really need time alone.”
“All right, then.” He smiled. “Tell Cambria I’ll do my best to stop by tonight or tomorrow.”
“I’ll tell her.”
Jim started to move on, then stopped. “Did you tell Daniel or Willa that you’re going?”
“No. Daniel’s a bit miffed at me. Would you mind telling him?”
“I can tell him, but after what happened this morning, I don’t feel good about you traipsing off across the flats. What if those men are out there?”
“They’re on their way back to Brisbane by now, or they’ve found a pub somewhere.” She glanced out at the flats. Perhaps Jim was right. It might be unsafe to travel far from the house.
Jim lifted then resettled his hat. “Maybe I ought to go with you. I can talk to Daniel and see if he could do without me for an afternoon.”
Rebecca contemplated the idea. She wanted to experience the openness of the flats alone, but Jim was right. She really shouldn’t go by herself. “All right, then. You may accompany me.”
Jim set off to find Daniel.
While Jim readied the horse and buggy, Rebecca grabbed a handful of grain out of a bucket, and walked to the corral. “Hello, girl,” she said to Chavive, trying to keep the tension out of her voice. The horse nickered and immediately moved toward Rebecca. Her soft lips snuffled up the grain. Rebecca caressed the front of Chavive’s face, relishing the aroma of horse. She could feel her stress dissipate. “What would I do without you?”
She patted the mare’s neck, then moved her hand over the animal’s enlarged abdomen. “A nice easy ride would be pleasant, eh? But it will have to wait until our little ones arrive.”
Chavive bobbed her head as if understanding the invitation.
Jim drove up in the buggy. “You ready?”
“Yes.”
“Couldn’t find Daniel. He rode off on business.” He climbed down and helped Rebecca up onto the seat. “I brought some water in case you get thirsty.”
“Thank you.”
Jim gazed at Chavive. “She’s looking good.”
“She is. It won’t be too much longer before she foals.”
“The both of you.” Jim grinned and climbed onto the seat beside Rebecca.
She looked at the house. More than likely Willa was napping along with Joseph.
“Come on, then. I need to get moving. Can scarcely wait to feel the freedom of the flats. And I need the quiet after all that’s happened.”
Jim seemed to understand Rebecca’s need for solitude and said very little as they traveled. Rebecca gazed out over the open grasslands. She loved Queensland and now saw the countryside as striking and picturesque. Today, however, the empty plains felt too quiet. The silence was unsettling and pressed down on her. There was no birdsong; even the grasses didn’t stir.
By the time they had traveled a mile or so, Rebecca was well aware of her advanced pregnancy. The movement and bouncing of the buggy made her back ache and strained the muscles in her lower abdomen.
“I need to get out and stretch a bit. Would you mind?”
“No. This is a fine place.” Jim stopped alongside an acacia, jumped out, and hurried around to help Rebecca down.
“Thank you,” she said, moving to the shade of the tree.
Jim offered her a canteen. “Figured you’d be thirsty.”
“I am.”
She drank and then handed the canteen back to Jim. He gulped down several mouthfuls, then poured some into his palm and offered it to the horse.
Gazing up at the hazy blue sky, Rebecca said, “I truly enjoy the winter days here. Interesting that summer and winter are reversed. I’m still not completely used to it.”
A tromping sound interrupted the quiet. Rebecca looked in the direction of the noise and saw a bull, enveloped in a dust cloud, charging toward the buggy.
Fear spiked through her. A scrub!
“Not good,” Jim said. “Wild bulls can be dangerous. And this one looks like he’s up to no good.”
The horse whinnied and yanked away from Jim.
“Come on, Rebecca, get in the buggy.” Jim kept his hand on the horse’s bridle, trying to keep him calm. “I’ll give you a hand up.”
Rebecca was starting toward the buggy, when the horse yanked free of Jim and trotted away, dragging the buggy with him. Jim chased after him.
The bull was getting close and had turned his attention on Rebecca.
“Jim,” she called, trying to keep her voice calm.
The bull was so close, Rebecca could hear its huffing. There was no time to wait for the buggy, and she couldn’t get to it quickly enough. Clumsily she ran for the tree. Grabbing hold of a low-hanging branch, she hefted herself up the narrow trunk of the acacia. The weight of the baby and her adde
d girth slowed her down and made it difficult to climb.
Still not out of reach of the angry bull’s horns, she moved higher. Leaves scratched her face, and small limbs caught at her clothing. She looked down at the ground. She wasn’t high enough! Lord, help me, she prayed. Pushing with her feet, she moved up toward the top branches and clung to the fragile refuge.
The horse was still skittish, but Jim managed to get hold of its bridle. He looked at Rebecca. “Hang on!”
The bull continued his charge. At the last moment, he veered away, skirting the tree. Blasting air from his nostrils, he battered the lower limbs and trunk with his broad horns. The tree quaked as Rebecca clung to her unsteady perch. Finally the scrub trotted around the tree, huffing and pawing at the dry ground.
Still clinging tightly to the scrawny limbs, Rebecca settled her bottom on a crook between two branches and stared down at her foe.
“Just stay put. He’ll lose interest and move on,” Jim called.
The bull turned its attention on Jim and the buggy. Jim climbed into the buggy and slapped the reins across the horse’s back. He trotted away.
The bull lowered his head, settled an angry gaze on the horse and buggy, then snorted and dug at the ground. He charged. Jim again slapped the horse’s back with the reins and moved away as fast as was safe. The scrub charged after him, coming so close he nearly gored the horse as he cut away at the last moment.
Jim kept moving, and the bull stood and watched, huffing. Finally, seeming to think he’d had his way, the animal trotted off. Keeping an eye on the departing bull, Rebecca climbed down from her perch.
“That was a close one,” Jim said with a grin as he drove the buggy to Rebecca.
“How can you smile about it? You and I were nearly killed.”
“Yes, but we weren’t. And I must say, you were quite a sight perched up there on your limb.”
Rebecca struggled to quell a smile. “I guess I was a sight at that.” She moved toward the buggy. “We best be on our way.”
“You sure you don’t want to go back to the house?”
“We’ve come this far. We might as well go the rest of the way.”