by Kayte Nunn
‘Surprise!’ Mark’s voice boomed across the room as Luisa was about to blow out her candles. The noise from the party had been so loud that Rose hadn’t heard his car pull up outside.
Luisa forgot her candles and jumped into her father’s arms, clinging tightly to his neck. She was definitely a daddy’s girl, thought Rose, relieved to see him at last.
‘Daddy! Look at my beautiful cake!’
‘I know, sweetheart! Isn’t it wonderful?’ he replied, mouthing a ‘sorry’ at Rose. ‘Are we going to eat it?’
‘First we have to blow out the candles, silly, but then you can have some of his nose.’
‘Oh good, I reckon that’s the best bit.’
‘Uh-huh,’ Luisa said seriously.
‘C’mon then, give me your best huff and puff.’
Rose peered out into the hallway – where was Matilda?
‘She’s freshening up in the bathroom,’ said Mark, noticing her questioning gaze. ‘Ah, here she is now.’
As Mattie wheeled herself slowly into the room, Rose was taken aback by her resemblance to Mark; it was so much more obvious than it had been on their blurry Skype chats. The same creamy skin and deep green eyes, framed by short brown hair. Poor thing, she looked absolutely worn out, and quite frail. Rose went straight over to her. ‘How was your flight? It’s a hideous one, isn’t it? And probably even more uncomfortable with that leg. I do hope they looked after you.’
Mattie gave her a small smile. ‘It was pretty grim, but I’m here now, and that’s the main thing. It’s so good to finally meet you properly. And, oh my goodness, is that Luisa? She’s even more beautiful than I realised! And where’s Leo?’
‘Mrs B said she’d pick him up from a friend’s place; he should be here soon. He’s grown at least a foot in the last year, I’d say. Now, can I get you a drink? Some water, or bubbles? A sandwich? Astrid’s just cutting the cake, if you feel like some of that.’
‘Um, just water, thanks. Actually I could murder a cup of tea as well.’
‘Matilda, I was so sorry to hear about your accident …’ Isabella breezed over and took her good hand. ‘Ay, what a catastrophe.’
‘Yes, it was,’ said Mattie.
‘Of course, if there is anything I can do … I’m in Eumeralla, well, at least for the next few weeks, then I am back to Spain.’
‘Thanks, that’s very kind.’
‘For how long will you be staying here?’
‘I’m really not sure. Until I’m completely better, I guess. I’ll have to wait and see. Mark’s been so generous to have me.’
‘Yes, we all know how generous Mark can be,’ said Isabella with a touch of venom in her voice as her gaze found Rose.
‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ said Mark, interrupting as he handed Mattie a glass of water. ‘There’s always a home here for you, you know that. Now come and say hello to Lulu.’
Luisa was sticky with icing, and she stared dubiously at Mattie’s wheelchair.
‘Hey, Luisa, remember me? Auntie Mattie?’
The little girl looked up shyly through her eyelashes. ‘It’s my birthday.’
‘I know. How old are you?’
The little girl solemnly held up five fingers.
‘Are you having a nice party?’
The little girl nodded. ‘What happened to your face?’
Mattie smiled. ‘I had a bit of an accident and hurt myself. But I’ll be better soon.’
‘Okay,’ said Luisa, satisfied, and she twirled away back to her plate of cake.
Rose glanced out of the window and saw a familiar figure striding up the path to the back verandah. Sensing a sudden movement next to her, she looked at Mattie and noticed a tense expression cross her face.
‘Gorgeous boy!’ Thommo exclaimed, scooping Max into his arms and making him shriek with surprise. Rose looked at Mattie again, and saw that she had relaxed. Who had she been expecting?
Most of the guests had gone by just after five and Rose heaved a sigh of relief. Little kids’ birthday parties were more exhausting than doing a double shift in a fully booked restaurant. Mrs B had dropped Leo off and he had inhaled the remains of the cake before taking off with Barnsie down the drive. Mattie was out on the verandah, sitting with Mrs B and Mark in a quiet corner. Jake had disappeared, Rose wasn’t sure where. Astrid was helping Luisa open her presents, with Isabella looking on, and soon Max was doing his best to tear up the discarded wrapping paper that littered the floor. The place looked like a post-apocalyptic battlefield. Armed with a large plastic garbage bag, Rose swept up paper plates, cups and leftovers, scraping up trodden-in cake crumbs and icing as she went.
‘Put that down, Rose, and come and have a drink,’ Mark called from the verandah. ‘I’ll clear up later. Least I can do after you’ve organised the whole party.’
Rose didn’t need asking twice.
The sparkling wine was icy and delicious and the bubbles fizzed up her nose as she gratefully took a first sip. ‘Oh, that’s better.’ She sat down. ‘Phew, what an afternoon! Those girls have got far more energy than I have, that’s for sure.’
‘Thanks, Rose,’ said Mark. ‘You did a wonderful job. I really appreciate it.’
‘Piece of cake. Ha ha.’ She grimaced at the bad joke.
‘What’s with the hair though? Did you go all out for the party theme?’ He raised an eyebrow. Rose’s scarf had slipped back on her head, revealing its violet-hued glory.
‘Something like that,’ she muttered.
‘You don’t normally have purple hair?’ asked Mattie.
‘Let’s say that next time I’ll be more careful to read the packet instructions,’ said Rose ruefully.
‘Did you know your ears are purple too?’
‘Oh God, no! Are they really?’ she exclaimed, hands flying to cover them up. ‘Bloody hell!’
The two girls laughed together at Rose’s predicament. It was good that Mattie could laugh, Rose thought as she took another sip from her glass. ‘You must be knackered, you poor thing,’ she said. ‘I expect Mark ran you ragged all over town, with no thought that you’re still recuperating, not to mention having been stuck on a plane for twenty-something hours.’
‘I am a bit zonked, even though I slept for most of the flight and then in the car all the way from Sydney,’ Mattie admitted. ‘My brain hasn’t a clue what time it’s supposed to be.’
‘Why don’t I show you to your new home?’ Rose offered.
‘But I thought I was home.’ Mattie looked to Mark in confusion. ‘Aren’t I staying here?’
‘Actually, we’ve spruced up the barn for you. It’s all on one level and there’s now a ramp at the front door,’ he said. ‘I thought you might like a bit of privacy and space, but of course, the main house is yours as well.’
‘Believe me, it’s far nicer than when I first stayed in there. Wait till you see it,’ said Rose. ‘I think you’ll really like it. And you’ll have some peace from the rampaging hordes.’ She gestured inside to where Luisa and Max were rolling around on the floor together amid the wrapping paper.
Mark’s phone beeped. He glanced at the message and got up, unfolding his long legs from the wicker chair. ‘Won’t be long. Got one more surprise for Lulu.’
Mattie looked at Rose. ‘There’s more?’
Rose winked. ‘Just wait.’
Soon there was the sound of a loud whinny and the clop-clop of hooves. Rose saw Mark leading a small, round-bellied chestnut pony along the path at the back of the house. Jake was following behind.
‘Lulu, come here, darling. Quick!’ exclaimed Rose. ‘She’s been begging us for a pony all year,’ she said to Mattie.
The little girl burst through the French doors and ran down the verandah steps to where Mark was standing, holding the bridle. ‘A horsey? For me? My own horsey?’ she cried, as she caught sight of the pony.
‘All yours, sweetheart,’ he said. ‘His name’s Buttons. What do you think? Would you like to go for a ride?’
‘Can I?
Can I?’ The little girl’s eyes were practically out on stalks.
‘Of course. Look, he’s all saddled up and waiting for you.’
‘Really, Mark, do you think she’s ready for a horse?’ asked Isabella, appearing beside him, a frown of disapproval on her face.
‘Of course she is. Tilly and I both had our first ponies at four or five, didn’t we?’
Mattie nodded. ‘I’d fallen off a dozen times before my fifth birthday,’ she admitted.
Isabella was unimpressed. ‘My little baby …’
‘And anyway, he’s not a horse, he’s a pony,’ Mark said. ‘Come on, Lulu, let’s get you mounted, shall we? I’ll pop this on you first though.’
The little girl needed no further encouragement and stilled as her father put the riding helmet he’d been holding onto her head and clipped it securely under her chin.
‘Fits perfectly,’ said Mark, satisfied. Luisa eagerly held up her arms to be lifted onto the shiny new saddle.
‘See you in a bit. We’re going to walk down the drive and back.’ Mark waved a hand as they set off, Luisa’s short little legs sticking out from under her Elsa dress to each side. Just like a Thelwell cartoon, thought Rose fondly.
As Mark led Luisa and Buttons round the side of the house, Jake came over to where the girls were sitting. ‘Jake Salmon,’ he said, holding out his hand and giving Mattie a winning smile. ‘I’m the viticulturist here. You must be Matilda. I was so sorry to hear about your accident.’
Everything about Jake screamed bad boy, from his sleepy blue eyes, which glinted with wickedness, to the dark hair that flopped over his forehead, and cheekbones that would make a supermodel jealous. His skin was tawny from hours spent outdoors in the vineyards, and there was not a spare inch of flesh on his taut frame. An awkwardly mended once-broken nose and a scar over his left eyebrow hinted at a troubled past, but they only added to his gypsy appeal. Despite his almost permanent attire of faded jeans, t-shirts with often more holes than fabric, and muddy work boots, he exuded a roguish glamour. Needless to say, he cut a swathe through the local female population, regardless of age or marital status. His laidback good humour and willingness to buy a round at the pub meant that he managed to be as popular with blokes as with the ladies.
Rose could see it was all lost on Mattie.
‘Watch out for Jake,’ said Rose, teasing him. ‘He’s left a trail of broken hearts the length and breadth of the valley since he arrived.’
Jake pretended to be upset by her words. ‘All lies. I can’t help my devastating charm now, can I? Anyway, I’m sure Matilda can take care of herself.’
Mattie pointed to her leg, encased in its hefty cast. ‘You think?’
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Mattie could barely keep her eyes open. She’d been awake for more hours than her frazzled brain could calculate and was overcome with longing for a soft bed and crisp sheets. She rubbed her hand against the back of her neck. It came away slick with sweat. Her body wasn’t coping with the heat at all.
‘How about I take you over to the barn and help you get settled?’ Rose said as Mattie’s head drooped. ‘You must be absolutely shattered, and here we are, completely caught up in Luisa’s party and her new pony.’
Mark had instructed the builders to put in a ramp from the back door of the house and down to the path that led to the barn, so Rose was able to roll the wheelchair outside without any mishaps. The sun was setting behind the vines that stretched towards the Shingle Hills, colouring the sky crimson and pink. Mattie noticed a huge flock of sulphur-crested cockatoos take off, wheeling high into the sky in balletic formation, squawking like banshees. A cool change was blowing in, tossing the leaves on the gum trees and lowering the temperature by a few degrees.
‘Beautiful in the evening, isn’t it?’ Rose said. ‘I think it was this that I fell in love with. Well, and meeting Mark helped too.’
‘Yes, it is pretty special,’ Mattie admitted, looking afresh at the landscape. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen so much sky. In London, she was only ever afforded brief glimpses, slices between tall buildings; here the horizon was only capped by the distant hills, their shadowy form a protective arc around the valley. ‘Growing up, I guess I took it all for granted. Still feels bloody odd to be back. Almost as if I never left.’
Arriving at the barn, Rose reached forward to open the door. ‘Right, Mark’s already put your bags in here,’ she said as she wheeled Mattie into the living area. Would you like me to find your night things, toothbrush and so on?’
‘Thanks, Rose. I’m not used to asking for help, but that would be great.’
‘Under the circumstances I’d say you were entitled to plenty of assistance. Now, I’ll run a basin of water and then grab your stuff for you. Can you manage in the bathroom or do you want me to stay? I’ve put down a mat so you won’t slip.’
Mattie brushed off her offer of further help. ‘I’ll be fine. I’ve gotten pretty good at sponge baths.’
‘Okay, sing out if you need anything at all. There should be plenty of towels in there.’
‘Thanks, Rose. I mean it. I’m really grateful.’
‘Don’t be silly. I know Mark’s so pleased to have you back, and I’m delighted to get the opportunity to spend some time with you. I’m only sorry that it’s taken such a horrible accident to make it happen.’
When Rose had gone, Mattie awkwardly stripped off her clothes and stood, naked, in the small bathroom. Grabbing a washcloth, she dipped in it the basin. The warm water was soothing on her body and she began to feel infinitesimally better. She gave her teeth a thorough brush and then, clad only in a towel, hopped through to her bedroom, where Rose had turned on a lamp and set the ceiling fan lazily turning. Mattie savoured the silence, which was broken only by the rough caw of currawongs as they came home to roost. Sitting against the edge of the bed and raising one hip, she hefted her leg in its cast onto the bed, then lowered herself to the pillows and let out a sigh. The window was open, and carried on the breeze came the sound of Mark’s melodious tenor: ‘I see trees of green, red roses too, I see them bloom for me and you. And I think to myself, what a wonderful world …’ He was singing as he cleared up the remains of the party.
Good as it was to be back with her brother, it didn’t feel like much of a wonderful world at the moment. She refused to let herself cry about it though. She closed her eyes, turned her head to the wall and was asleep in an instant.
What felt like moments later, she awoke with a start, her heart thumping almost out of her chest. She’d been dreaming of drowning, floundering in an ocean that wouldn’t let her surface, gasping for breath before being dragged back under the icy green water. A cold sweat covered her. It was pitch black. For a moment she thought she was in London, in Cara’s flat. It was only a bad dream, she told herself. Just a bad dream. Then she realised where she was. At her brother’s. The Shingle Valley. Australia. Gradually her heart slowed. She lay awake, breathing in and out, watching the sheer curtains at the window as they stirred in the faint breeze, before sleep claimed her once more.
Bright sunlight filled the room when she woke again, roused by an insistent knocking at the door. ‘Come in,’ she called out, awkwardly sitting up in bed.
‘You have had a good sleep!’ Rose called out cheerfully as she walked into the room. ‘I’m sure you needed it. The jet lag’s pretty hideous, isn’t it? Hope you don’t mind me disturbing you, but it’s gone ten o’clock and I thought you might like a cuppa. It’s an English thing, I know, but I always feel so much better if I’ve started the day with tea in bed. You don’t take sugar, do you?’
Mattie shook her head.
‘And when you’re ready, come over and help yourself to breakfast. I’ve left out some bread and my special-recipe muesli, and there’s eggs from the chooks and some of Mrs B’s jam in the fridge.’
‘Got any Vegemite?’ asked Mattie, attempting to match Rose’s sunny mood.
‘Ha! You can’t keep an Aussie
away from that stuff, can you? Of course there is.’
‘What’s everyone else up to today?’
‘Mark’s out in the north vineyard – the Assignation block – with Jake. Leo’s gone to soccer camp, Luisa is with Isabella and I’m about to head over to the restaurant. I’ll be back at lunchtime though, and I’m free this afternoon if you’d like me to take you into Eumeralla.’
Mattie hadn’t thought much about how she was going to spend her time once she got to her brother’s. All of her energy had been focused on making arrangements for getting back to Australia, organising flights, giving away or packing up her few belongings and clearing out her flat. She really had no idea what came next. It was a deeply unsettling feeling – her diary in London had been chock-full of appointments and client meetings, weekends booked up with drinks, dinners and parties. Now she felt adrift in a place that was familiar but not where she belonged any more. Treat it as a holiday. Recuperation, she reminded herself. It wasn’t a crime to slow down occasionally.
‘Though if you want to take it easy, that’s no problem either,’ said Rose, interrupting her thoughts.
‘No, a trip to Eumeralla would be great. I need to sort out a physio. I’m supposed to check in with a local doc too. Does Doctor Jonas still have a surgery there?’
‘No, he retired earlier this year.’
‘Oh, that’s a shame,’ said Mattie. ‘I’ve seen him since I was a kid.’
‘Well, don’t be too disappointed. His replacement is a bit of a spunk – is that the expression?’
Mattie nodded.
‘He’s unattached too,’ said Rose with a sly grin. ‘He’s had all the single and even some of the not-so-single women of the valley in a complete tizz. Well, at least those who don’t hanker after Jake.’
‘Jake?’
‘You mean you didn’t notice his devastating charm?’
‘I’m not exactly in that headspace,’ Mattie replied.
