Right As Rain

by Tricia Stringer

  “You’ll have to take him later,” Patrick said and gave her another gentle tap under the table.

  “Yes, later,” Mackenna mumbled, not lifting her eyes to look at anyone.

  CHAPTER

  20

  “Three weeks, Lyle, that’s all I’m asking.” Louise looked across the car seat at him.

  “You said two.”

  “Two and a half or it won’t be worth going.”

  Lyle didn’t respond and she remained silent for a moment letting him mull it over. They’d been in town for his check-up. The doctor had given him the all clear and Louise had left the room hoping Lyle might talk about personal issues, man to man, without her there. She’d taken the opportunity to call in at the travel agent. They could leave for New Zealand in a couple of weeks and she was keen to get Lyle to commit.

  Raindrops began to spot the window. With any luck it would be a decent rain and that would improve his mood.

  “So much has happened, Lyle.” Louise kept her eyes on the windscreen where dust was turning to mud streaks. “We both deserve a break. Getting right away from here would do us good and it wouldn’t be for long.”

  “We’ll see.” Lyle switched on the windscreen wipers and leaned forward in his seat to glance at the grey sky. “I hope this rain sets in.”

  “How about I get out the brochures and the suggestions from Effie at the travel agent and come up with an itinerary?” Louise wanted to get some assurance from him while they were in the car. It was harder for him to evade her in the confines of the vehicle. “Mackenna will probably add some good ideas and she’ll have the farm contacts.”

  “We’ll see,” he said again. “Right now I want to get this mattress home before it gets ruined.”

  Louise watched him flick his eyes to the rear-view mirror. She turned her head and looked at the trailer.

  “It’s encased in plastic and you’ve got the tarp over it. I’m sure it will be fine and we can’t go any quicker than we are now.” She put a gentle hand on his forearm. “We need this holiday, Lyle.”

  “I want to be home for lambing.”

  “We’ve got lambs now.”

  “They were unexpected. May and June will be very busy.”

  “We’ve still got time and if a few start lambing before we get back what will it matter? You’ve said yourself Mackenna can manage.”

  “Of course she can.”

  “Well then.” Louise folded her arms and waited.

  They drove on in silence. The rain got heavier and Lyle continued to cast the odd glance in the rear-view mirror. They’d bought a new mattress for the old brass double bed they had stored in one of the sheds. It was perfect for Mackenna’s bedroom in the old farmhouse. Louise had even bought a new quilt cover and sheets. She hoped with all her might that Mackenna and Hugh would pair up. Not that she wanted to be seen as condoning her daughter sleeping with Hugh before they were married, but she wasn’t naïve enough to think Mackenna was still a virgin. Young people had a different view of life from the way Louise had been brought up.

  Lyle thought there was something between Mackenna and Adam but Louise couldn’t see it. He was smart and easy on the eye, but Mack had kept her distance from him since his arrival. Something may have happened between them in New Zealand and he’d decided to look her up. Friends – that was all. What would Lyle know about it anyway? He’d never been very observant when it came to relationships between those around him.

  Discomfort wormed through her. She wondered if he’d spoken to the doctor after she left. Prior to his heart attack their own relationship had been warm and loving. She’d always thought they had a healthy physical relationship. Not as often didn’t worry her, but not at all was a different thing altogether.

  She flicked her eyes in his direction again as they turned onto the road that led to their driveway. Somehow she’d find the right moment to discuss what the doctor had said.

  “Mackenna will have her work cut out but we’re not far off the main road,” she said, trying a different tack. “I’m sure she’ll get some interest in this farm gate idea of hers. Patrick can take on the farm role.”

  Lyle sighed. “I think we made a mistake.” He glanced her way. “Patrick doesn’t want to be here.”

  “What makes you say that? He’s been a big help and he’s learning quickly. He shifted that mob of sheep the other day with only old King to help.”

  “I’m not saying he’s not capable, he just wants to go back to Adelaide.”

  Louise fixed her gaze on him as he manoeuvred through their front gates and pulled up by the old house. “When did he say that?”

  “He didn’t, but we’ve had a few general chats and he keeps going back for weekends whenever he gets the chance. His work won’t let him stay here indefinitely.”

  “Woolly Swamp is his work.” She shifted in her seat and folded her arms.

  The re-roofing on the old house had included a back verandah and carport. Lyle backed the trailer under but she kept her eyes focused ahead.

  “By the look of these puddles it’s been raining here a while,” he said.

  “Lyle – ”

  “Someone’s here.” He cut her off. “The quad bike’s at the back door.”

  Louise glanced in that direction. Mackenna appeared and waved to them from the verandah.

  “That’s good,” Lyle said. “We can unload this mattress and see if any damage has been done.” He opened his door then turned back to look at her. “You come up with a plan and some dates.”

  She smiled.

  “I’m not committing,” he warned. “We’ll talk about it later.” He was out of the car before she could say any more.

  Under the shelter of the verandah the three of them wrestled the mattress out of its protective covers before they took it inside. Lyle went off to unhook the trailer and Louise stayed to help with the bed.

  “These old queen sheets will do the trick until I can get the new ones washed and dried,” Louise said as they tucked the extra material under the mattress.

  “Thanks, Mum,” Mackenna said. “I didn’t expect you to go to all this trouble.”

  “It’s no trouble.” Louise felt a pang of guilt. She’d almost shut Mackenna out since her return home. This had been a small peace offering. “You know I enjoy doing it. You’ve made a great start with the decorating. It looks good.”

  “You think so?”

  Louise could see her indecision. “Of course. I just wish I’d known what you were doing.”

  “I’m sorry, Mum, I didn’t – ”

  “I only meant I would love to have helped.” Louise didn’t want to spoil the moment.

  She studied her daughter across the bed. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail but loose curls bobbed around her face, evidence of the damp air, and her skin glowed. She was the picture of good health. Surely the men lined up for her attention.

  “Adam seems a nice young man.”

  Mackenna’s head came up with a jerk.

  “He is.”

  “Do you think he’ll stay much longer?”

  “He’s tried to leave several times but you keep insisting he stay.” Mackenna pulled the quilt straight.

  Louise could see her relaxed mood ebbing away. Anyway, it was Lyle who kept saying Adam should stay when he tried to move into town, but Louise wasn’t going to labour the point.

  “It seems a shame someone comes all that way and we send him to a hotel,” she offered.

  “He’ll probably head off again soon.” Mackenna tidied a pile of clothes dumped on the floor.

  Louise cast her eyes around the large room. “Why don’t we bring over the tallboy from the top bedroom?” she said. “It’s not being used and it would suit the bed and the room perfectly.”

  “That’d be great.”

  “We’ll get the men to wrestle it. It’s such a heavy old thing. Might be good that Adam’s still here.”

  Mackenna stood tall and put her hands on her hips.

  “
Mum, Adam and I met on holiday. He’s just a friend. Don’t go making more out of it than that.”

  “I’m not.” A flood of relief swept over Louise. Thank goodness Lyle was wrong and there was still a chance for Hugh. “I just meant it will probably take three of them to move it and I’d rather one of them wasn’t your father.”

  Mackenna’s frown changed to concern. “He’s alright, isn’t he? What did the doctor say?”

  “Yes, he’s fine. I’m trying to convince him to take this New Zealand holiday before lambing but you know what he’s like. Won’t leave the place.”

  “Well maybe I can help.” Mackenna slipped her arm through Louise’s and they walked together. “I think he should go and check out those two farms I visited near Queenstown. Maybe I can convince him it’s a business trip.”

  Louise nudged her daughter. “Thanks, Mack,” she said. She hoped Mackenna was right. Once upon a time Mackenna could have convinced Lyle to do anything but in his current mood even she might have trouble.

  “We really need a holiday,” she said.

  They stopped at the edge of the verandah and looked up at the clearing sky.

  “Damn!”They said in unison.

  CHAPTER

  21

  “Hopefully there’ll be some more rain again soon. “Lyle cast his eyes to the sky. “The forecast sounds promising for the weekend.”

  Mackenna looked back at the paddock they’d just sown. The soil looked dark and rich in spite of the drier than normal summer. With the seed in the ground all they needed was the rain to produce some excellent pasture, but she still had her doubts. Sowing before they had a good rain was her father’s idea. The twenty millimetres they got a few days back had galvanised him into action and she’d gone along with it.

  “I’ll move the seeder over to Murphy’s place ready for an early start in the morning,” she said.

  “Didn’t you say you had an appointment in town? I can shift the machinery.”

  “I’ve got time,” she said. “You head home, Dad. Ask Mum or Patrick to come and pick me up.”

  “I’d rather not just yet.”

  “But you look worn out.”

  “I’m okay. I had a restless night. Didn’t sleep much.” He moved along the seeder checking the hoses. “Where’s Adam today?”

  His question took her by surprise. At dinner last night Adam had been asking about the caves. She was up early and out on the tractor and hadn’t been up to the house today. “Doing tourist things, I think.”

  “Shouldn’t you be looking after your guest a little better?”

  Her father’s weary expression had been swapped for a strange half smile.

  “Shouldn’t you be minding your own business?” she said.

  He ran his hand over a hose. “Have we got enough fertiliser ready for tomorrow?”

  “We were running a bit low. I asked Cam to pick some up today. He’s going to do the first shift in the morning.”

  “How are you finding him?”

  Mack glared at her father. “Is this another personal question?”

  “You’re being a bit touchy.” Lyle leant back against the tractor wheel and folded his arms. “Must be what comes from two blokes making goggle eyes at you.”

  Mackenna felt a wave of heat flow through her. “What are you talking about?”

  “Adam’s obviously totally smitten with you.”

  Mackenna opened her mouth to protest but her father cut her off.

  “And Cam’s got his eye on you as well.”

  “Cam!” Mackenna scrunched her face up in a frown. “Dad, you’ve lost the plot.”

  “You may have noticed he’s not hanging around the house as much since Adam’s been here.”

  “What’s that got to do with anything?” Mackenna cast her mind back over the last few weeks. She’d been too busy to give Cam much thought other than the work he did for them. He liked a joke and sometimes he’d been a bit . . . she wasn’t sure what. He had good looks and a good body but that didn’t mean . . .

  “He seems to know what he’s doing.” Lyle’s voice cut into her thoughts.

  “Yes,” she murmured. “You know, maybe he doesn’t like sharing a room with Adam. He wasn’t actually given a choice.”

  “Adam’s a nice bloke.”

  “Yes?” Mackenna drew the word out slowly like a question.

  “Is there something you’re not telling us about him?”

  “I don’t believe so.” Mackenna opened the tractor cab door and took out her jumper. The air was getting chilly.

  “So you reckon Cam will be right to sow those paddocks tomorrow while we organise the crossbreeds for market?”

  “I’ll be keeping the seed up to him. He says he’s done it before and he certainly knows about the machinery.”

  “I think he’s done some work as a diesel mechanic.”

  “Really?” Mackenna rested her chin on her hand and tapped her lips with a finger. “With his truck licence it makes you wonder why he hasn’t taken up the money the mines are offering.”

  “He’s worked with a mechanic. Hasn’t got the actual qualification from what I can gather.” Lyle pushed himself forward. “Besides, mine work doesn’t suit everyone.”

  “I guess not.”

  “I’ve got my second wind now. Hopefully it won’t be much longer and I’ll be back to my old self – right as rain,” Lyle said. “You drive the tractor and I’ll follow in the ute and bring you home.”

  Mackenna thought he looked a bit brighter and it was then that she remembered her suggestion she would try to convince him to go on the New Zealand holiday. The trip home together in the ute might be the best chance she’d get.

  Louise turned the parcel over again then placed it on the kitchen table where it covered one end and poked out over the edges. It was a large cylindrical shape but not excessively heavy and it was addressed to Lyle. She didn’t want to open it, but to her chagrin she was busting to know what was inside. It wasn’t his birthday and he rarely received parcels. The odd incentive from a stock and station company maybe, but they were only ever towels or umbrellas.

  She snatched up the bag of New Zealand brochures Mackenna had given her and sat at the other end of the table. The information Effie had provided was good for maps and special features, but she wanted to look at Mackenna’s collection again. It was full of brochures that had been collected along the way and held snippets of information not necessarily found in the travel guides. There were other assorted bits and pieces that Mackenna had hoarded in the bag, like receipts for train travel, tickets, food menus and a photo of her aboard a jetboat. Louise glanced at Mackenna’s smiling face then stopped to look closely at the man next to her. It was Adam. They were sitting close together and, like the other occupants of the boat, they each held an arm aloft in a group wave for the camera.

  Louise put the picture to one side and continued sliding papers and brochures from the bag. It was just one of those travel photos people collected, nothing special about it. Mackenna certainly didn’t act like there was anything between them.

  A couple of sheets slipped from her hand and slid to the floor. As she bent to retrieve them she noticed handwriting on the back of a menu from a takeaway shop in Queenstown. It was a note that began with ‘My dear Aussie princess’. Although it was personal, Louise couldn’t stop herself from reading it. Adam had had to go and help a mate, he’d written, but he’d bring back lunch and there was still time for their afternoon jump together. That was the gist of it.

  Louise recalled the night Adam had arrived and she’d gone up to the bedroom to make sure he had everything he needed. He and Mackenna had been having words over a note. Louise had heard that much and something about a fling before she’d stepped in to interrupt them.

  The words in this note were more than a message – they were intimate. Something a lover might write. And at the very bottom was a mobile phone number. Now she was totally at a loss to understand what was going on. She couldn’t be
lieve Mackenna and Adam were close now from the way they acted. It surely must have been only a holiday fling. But why would Adam come all this way to see Mackenna and stay so long? Whatever the reason, he needed to leave soon.

  Louise ripped the menu into tiny pieces and pushed it into the bin then she gathered up the pile of brochures she wanted to look at and put the rest back in the bag. Mackenna was seeing quite a lot of Hugh and Louise didn’t want anything to stand in the way of that possibility. She could already see a church wedding in her head.

  Lyle’s parcel attracted her eye again. She ran her hand over the wrapping then turned her back on it. It was time to prepare the evening meal and these days she was never sure how many to expect at her table. She’d gone from cooking for three to cooking for anything up to six if they all turned up, although Cam had let her know he wasn’t staying tonight. They’d fallen on their feet employing him. He was able to turn his hand to anything, which helped take the pressure off Lyle, and he was always so polite and helpful around the house – when he was around. That was another reason she’d be glad to see Adam leave. Cam hadn’t stayed over as much since Adam had taken up residence.

  Louise had the braised steak simmering and was preparing the vegetables when she heard Lyle and Mackenna come in.

  “You’ve got a parcel,” Louise said as soon as Lyle stepped through the door.

  “What’s that, Dad?” Mackenna asked from right behind him.

  Lyle picked up one end and looked at the address.

  “Have I missed someone’s birthday?” Mackenna went to look at it too.

  “No,” Lyle said with a smug look on his face. “Just something I ordered.”

  “What is it?” Mackenna asked. Louise wanted to know as well but she was biding her time.

  “It’s something I ordered for your mother and me.” He gave Louise a proud smile. “You can open it, Lou.”

  Louise wiped her hands on her apron and took a pair of scissors from the drawer.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Of course,” Lyle said. “You do the honours.”