The Peppercorn Project

by Nicki Edwards

  Andrew and Kim Bailey, the young couple with the twins, had hit the ground running too, and had been warmly welcomed. Andrew, who was a chef by profession, had been keen to have a career change. He’d been more than happy to get his hands dirty, slotting into country life like he was born for it. He’d made himself more than useful to a number of the local farmers and they loudly sang his praises. Kim was a hairdresser, and Matt had heard people were turning up to her home in droves to get their hair done, rather than travelling to Booleroo, as they’d done in the past. The couple were regulars at the pub, having found plenty of willing babysitters for their cute girls. With little family between them, they hoped the community could become the family they desperately missed.

  The other Peppercorn family had ventured into the pub on a number of occasions, but there was something about Neil’s manner that rubbed Matt the wrong way. The couple were polite and quiet, their tribe of kids well behaved, but that didn’t mean anything. Sometimes the quiet ones needed to be watched. Their old sandstone farmhouse on the outskirts of town didn’t have enough bedrooms to cope with the number of kids – six with a seventh on the way – so two old caravans had been deposited next to the house. Each time Matt drove past it looked more like a junkyard, with cars and bits of machinery seemingly added to the collection daily. Neil was a mechanic, with a hobby for collecting old cars and doing them up. While there seemed to be a lot of collecting going on, there was little sign of any repairs occurring.

  Matt stopped himself. He was doing it again – assuming the worst. They were probably a nice family. He simply needed to give them time and get to know them. Just like everyone constantly reminded him.

  Those who had met Isabelle already loved her, and there seemed to be an unspoken agreement that she needed the most help. Matt still couldn’t get over the way the local women had turned out in droves to unpack her house and prepare meals for her – they hadn’t done that for any of the other families. Leah constantly went on about how nice Isabelle was, and how delightful her children were, but Matt was uneasy. Every time he’d seen her, she looked unhappy.

  After two weeks, he was troubled enough that he headed out to the Williams family farm to talk to Leah. She spent every Friday doing the books for her dad and they would be able to have a chat about Isabelle away from prying eyes and flapping ears.

  By the time he pulled up in a cloud of dust, Leah was waiting for him. ‘Hey, stranger,’ she greeted him warmly when he stepped out of the car. ‘What’s news?’

  ‘Not much,’ he said, slamming the car door. ‘Same old, same old. Keeping the bad guys from overtaking the town.’ Matt laughed, but it was without mirth. Silence filled the gap, and he was unsure what else to say. He leaned against the bonnet of his car.

  ‘You’re looking serious. Do you want to come in for a cuppa? Mum’s been baking.’

  ‘I don’t want to interrupt you. I know you’re working.’ Matt lifted his hand to his head to shade his eyes and squinted at Leah.

  ‘Come and get out of the heat at least.’

  Matt took three long strides and joined Leah in the shade of the wide veranda that wrapped its way around the homestead. She gave him a peck on the cheek and they settled down side by side on the front steps.

  ‘What’s wrong?’ Leah asked, leaning back and resting one elbow on the smooth bluestone step.

  ‘Why does anything have to be wrong?’

  ‘Why else would you be here?’

  He waved a fly from his face. ‘Because we’re friends.’

  ‘Hmm, is that right?’ Leah folded her arms across her chest and stared at him. ‘We might be friends, but you’re not the kind who drives out here simply to pass the time of day.’

  There was no trace of resentment in her voice and he was glad. She was a great girl, but for someone else.

  ‘I haven’t seen Isabelle around much,’ Matt said. ‘Is she doing okay?’

  ‘She’s fine,’ Leah repeated. ‘I think the first couple of weeks were tough on all of them, but the kids are back at school now, so I think Issie will get out more. I don’t think she knows how to fill her days. This move has been a massive change for her, in more ways than the physical location.’

  ‘Does she need anything? You know, any help with things around the house?’ Matt was a practical kind of guy and couldn’t stop thinking how rundown the little miner’s cottage was and how he might be able to help.

  ‘She mentioned wanting to get out in the garden, and I think Fletcher wants to re-paint his bedroom. Also, that carpet in the lounge has to go, it’s disgusting. So yes, I’d say there are plenty of things you could help with.’

  ‘Would she mind me asking?’

  ‘I don’t know. I’m still getting to know her myself. She’s very independent, but I reckon if she doesn’t want your help, she’ll tell you.’

  ‘Should I call her first? I don’t want to rock up and offend her.’

  ‘Jeez, Matt, I’ve never known you to be so hesitant.’ Leah paused and drew in a quick breath, her eyes wide with comprehension. ‘Matthew Robertson, don’t tell me you’re interested in Isabelle?’

  There was no point denying it – certainly not to Leah. She’d spot his lie a mile away.

  ‘You are!’ she said, when he remained quiet. A grin lit her face.

  ‘I guess so,’ he admitted.

  ‘But you’re a sworn bachelor. That’s what you tell everyone.’

  He let out a deep sigh. ‘I know. But there’s something about her, Leah. From the moment she pulled up outside the pub that night—’

  Leah threw back her head and laughed as if he’d said the funniest thing. ‘I’d say you’re smitten.’

  ‘Well, it’s hard not to be attracted to her.’ He hated the fact he was blushing.

  ‘True, but plenty of girls have vied for your attention over the past eighteen months. What’s so different about Issie?’

  Matt hesitated, unsure how much he wanted to admit to Leah. At first, it was Isabelle’s beauty that caught his attention, then after he met her it was her vulnerability and fragility that floored him. He’d been tempted to flee when he found out she was still grieving her husband, but he couldn’t deny his feelings. Something about Isabelle Cassidy kept drawing him in. He had no way of explaining it, but he badly wanted to get to know her. He wanted to know everything about her – what she liked, what she didn’t like, what made her laugh, what made her cry.

  ‘So do you reckon I should I offer to help?’ he asked again.

  ‘You didn’t answer my question,’ Leah said, with another grin. ‘What’s so different about Isabelle from any of the other girls?’

  ‘She’s special,’ he replied lamely.

  ‘Yes, she is,’ Leah agreed, staring at him with the look a mother usually reserves for her child. ‘And don’t you ever forget it.’

  Chapter 17

  It was time for Isabelle to restock her pantry. Since Leah and the local women had arrived and filled her cupboard and fridge with food and casseroles, Isabelle had only needed to pop into the shop every couple of days for staples. For three weeks she’d kept a low profile, but she realised it was finally time to get out of the house more than just the short walk to and from school with the kids every day. The last thing she wanted or needed was for people to start talking about her. She’d had enough of that to last a lifetime. She sighed. It was hard explaining to people that there were days she didn’t feel like talking to anyone.

  Except Dan.

  More than anything Isabelle wished she could talk to him. If only she could turn back time. But if she had the power to do so, how far back would she travel?

  Isabelle’s thoughts drifted back a decade, to one sunny Saturday when she had stood on a cliff top in Anglesea overlooking the beach and recited her vows. A lone tear escaped and ran down her cheek at the hidden memory. Daniel. Her lover. The larrikin, all-Aussie surfer-boy she had fallen for. He could have starred on Bondi Rescue with his bronzed skin, wide smile that lit his en
tire face, and that sun-tousled hair, which fell across his eyes. He was forever flicking it back and grinning his trademark cheeky smile. She swallowed the thick lump in her throat. She missed him so much.

  The kids had been back in school for over two weeks and Isabelle conceded she had made the right decision. Mietta was thriving, and while Fletcher wasn’t overly enjoying school yet, it was the best place for him. At least he was coming home talking about different things they did during the day and mentioning the names of a couple of boys he was friendly with. She had worried he wouldn’t make new friends as easily as Mietta.

  She pulled up in front of the tiny supermarket – more a general store than a supermarket – parking between two filthy farm utes. A police four wheel drive was parked on the other side of the road. Her heart raced. Why was she so nervous? Blushing, she realised why. She wanted the police vehicle to belong to Matt, not Geoff. She hadn’t seen Matt since he’d appeared unexpectedly at her house the day they arrived in town, and she’d left for the farm before having a chance to thank him for helping.

  The heat immediately assailed Isabelle as she stepped out of her car. Flies buzzed around her face and all thoughts of Matt evaporated. If it was this hot and it was only the beginning of November, she dreaded to think what the temperature was going to be like in January. Her little house would be like an oven. How would she cope without the afternoon sea breezes? The heat danced over the black surface, wrapping itself around her bare legs. The tar felt sticky under the thin soles of her shoes. It was a welcome relief to walk into the air-conditioned comfort of the shop.

  Isabelle had just started down the first of the four narrow aisles when she caught sight of Matt. He was reaching up to retrieve something from the top shelf. The cuffs of his khaki police shirt were rolled up, and as he stretched they pulled back further to reveal a smattering of dark hair covering his thick forearms. The deeply tanned colour of his skin suggested years spent outdoors in the sun. Isabelle rubbed her bare arms as goose bumps danced across her skin. At least Matt was on the right side of the law – he wasn’t the kind of guy she’d want to meet on a dark night in a back alley.

  Matt must have sensed her staring, because he slowly turned to face her. His eyes flickered over her body from head to toe before his gaze connected with hers. A look of pleasure crossed his face, causing an unexpected frisson to travel down Isabelle’s spine. She shivered and rubbed her arms again. Why did he make her feel this way?

  ‘Hi, Matt.’

  She gave a tentative wave, surprised when he strode down the aisle towards her, beaming. When he stopped right in front of her, Isabelle stepped back involuntarily, forgetting how big he was. He looked her over once again and she blushed. He was checking her out! Pulling her shoulders back, she jutted her chest forward and looked up, locking eyes with him, challenging him.

  ‘Did you get a good enough look?’ She tilted her head to one side and gave him what she hoped was her sweetest smile. In the back of her mind a little voice pinged. She was flirting.

  Matt had the grace to blush and a look of guilt crossed his face. He lifted his Akubra and ran the sleeve of his shirt across his forehead to wipe away the tiny beads of sweat that had formed. Whether it was the warm weather or a case of nerves, Isabelle enjoyed making him squirm.

  When he didn’t reply, she fixed him with another smile. ‘Did you like what you saw?’ Once again, her words stunned her. It was unlike her to be so forthright.

  Matt shoved his hands into his pockets and glanced down at his feet before meeting her gaze again. ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to stare. It’s just you look so—’

  ‘What?’ She raised her chin, challenging him with her eyes. ‘How do I look?’

  He coughed nervously. ‘You look like you’ve lost weight.’

  Momentarily speechless, Isabelle blinked. Searching for a sarcastic retort, she discovered she had nothing. The seconds stretched on until her eyes began to water. Another blink finally broke their eye contact. Isabelle unfolded her arms and let them hang limply at her sides. Her shoulders slumped.

  ‘Why is my weight of so much concern to everyone?’

  He glanced into her trolley. ‘Um,’ he stammered. ‘I, er, I want to be sure you’re okay that’s all. Not sick or anything.’ He readjusted his hat. ‘I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.’

  ‘I can assure you, I’m not sick.’

  He stared at her trolley. ‘Maybe you need to, um, eat more red meat or something?’

  She raised her eyebrows. Are you kidding me? He’s telling me what to eat!?

  ‘I don’t really eat much meat. I’m a part-time vegetarian, if there is such a thing. I’m not very strict – I’ll eat chicken – but I’m not a fan of red meat.’

  Matt placed his basket on the floor beside him as though it was heavy in his arms, which, given his size, was impossible. He stared at her as if she had spoken another language. ‘How are you going to survive around here without eating red meat?’ He looked genuinely concerned.

  Isabelle suppressed a giggle. ‘I’ve survived for years, thank you very much.’

  ‘But, beef, lamb, kangaroo – meat’s good for you.’ He gave her a crooked smile and she realised he was teasing.

  ‘Have you got anything against vegetarians personally, or is vegetarianism against South Australian law?’ she teased in return.

  He shook his head, and his large dark brown eyes met hers again. He leaned down towards her and she felt heat rise through her chest and up her neck. The knowledge she was visibly blushing only added fuel to the fire. He seemed bigger than ever, towering over her.

  ‘You do realise you’ve moved to one of the best lamb-producing parts in the country, don’t you?’ His voice was low, like he was divulging a deep secret.

  ‘I have?’ Isabelle opened her eyes wide in mock horror and clamped her hand over her mouth, playing along.

  ‘Please tell me you’re going to show up at a barbie with tofu burgers?’ he asked, his voice still low, still stirring her.

  The mocking tone made her laugh. She shook her head. ‘Definitely not.’

  ‘Just as bloody well,’ he replied seriously, before bursting out laughing. The rich sound tumbled around her. As well as gorgeous eyes and an incredible smile, he had a great laugh. Isabelle joined in with the laughter, relaxing.

  ‘So, why don’t you eat red meat?’

  She shrugged. ‘I haven’t acquired a taste for it. My mother used to serve up roast lamb every Sunday when I was a kid. The cold grey meat and congealed gravy put me off.’ She shuddered theatrically.

  He laughed then eyed her smugly. ‘I reckon I might have to change your mind then. I do a mean roast lamb.’

  Isabelle smiled. ‘Is that so?’

  ‘How are you settling in then?’

  The change of topic floored her. One minute they were joking and bantering, and the next he was seriously asking her how she was.

  How am I? How do I answer that?

  Matt was staring at her, as though he genuinely wanted to know her answer, as though he was concerned, as though he cared. A small shiver went through her. The idea someone wanted to care for her scared her a little.

  ‘I’m doing all right, thank you,’ she answered. ‘I’m glad I bumped into you. I wanted to say how much I appreciated your help unloading the furniture. I haven’t seen you since—’ She stopped, realising she was gushing. Her face flushed at the intensity of his gaze.

  ‘My pleasure,’ he replied, clearly not sensing anything strange about her reaction to him. ‘And the kids? I’ve seen you walking them to and from school. How’s it going for them? It must be tough having to change schools.’

  Once again, Isabelle appreciated his concern. ‘Mietta loves her teacher and she’s made new friends, but it hasn’t been as easy for Fletcher.’

  Matt frowned, worry written across his face. ‘Why?’

  ‘He’s struggling a little, that’s all.’ She didn’t want to elaborate.

  ‘It�
��s a big change for your kids, moving interstate.’

  Was he fishing for information? The fact he didn’t seem to know anything about her was surprising. Rachel had assured Isabelle they would maintain her confidentiality and not share details of Daniel’s death, but Isabelle hadn’t really expected any of them to respect her wishes. She figured, being a small town, everyone would know her story within minutes of her arrival. Strangely, that didn’t appear to be the case.

  ‘They’re fine, thanks. We’re all fine.’

  Matt shuffled on the spot and picked up his shopping basket. He transferred it from one hand to the other awkwardly. ‘Well, I guess I’ll let you get going then,’ he said, allowing her room to pass him in the narrow aisle.

  She called goodbye to him over her shoulder. As she was about to turn into the next aisle, Isabelle realised they were going to bump into each other down every aisle, which would be awkward. Instead, she pushed her trolley towards the register – she could return the next day to get the rest of the things on her list. It would give her another excuse to get out of the house.

  *

  ‘Isabelle!’

  Her head lifted. She eyed Matt warily as he loped across the road towards her. When he got closer he saw her swallow and lick her lips.

  Bugger! What was he doing? She was going to think he was stalking her.

  ‘I was wondering if you’d like me to come over one night and make you and the kids a roast.’ The words were out his mouth before he’d stopped to think. Isabelle paused for a second too long and he wished he’d just let her go. He tried to recover. ‘Or I could drop off a meal?’