“It’s Sunday, Mr Charles. We have church.”
He lowered his hands but she let him keep hers in his grasp.
“In the afternoon. I’ll collect you in the cart and we can have a picnic.”
“But what will people think? I’m an unmarried woman. I can’t be seen out alone with a gentleman.”
A small frown flitted across his brow and then he smiled. “I’ll bring Laura. She can be our chaperone.”
Edith delayed her reply, letting him think she was considering what to do, but she already knew her answer.
He jiggled her hands in his. “I promise to be on my best behaviour.”
“Very well.” She gave him her sweetest smile and withdrew her hands. “Until tomorrow then.”
At the door she looked back. His face was twisted in a mix of desire and frustration. She gave him a coy smile, slipped through the gap and closed the door behind her. She moved on quiet feet to the dining room and let herself out the French doors. If she was seen, she could say she had simply been working late cleaning up after the party. Edith knew more than anyone how easily secrets could be discovered and she was going to keep her name clean until she was safely Charles Wiltshire’s wife.
As soon as the door closed behind Edith, Charles flopped back onto the bed and put his hands to his head. He groaned. It was a guttural sound. His plans had been thwarted by the damnable William Baker. Georgina was lost to him now. Charles knew he was no match for Baker in her eyes. He had been in the deepest doldrums when Edith had appeared. In that low-cut dress she had clasped him to her and it had taken all of his strength to hold himself back. Once she came with him to his bedroom he had nearly let go and taken her to his bed there and then.
Edith had been shocked by his behaviour and rightly so. He’d had to work quickly to reassure her but at least he had a new quest. If not a wife, then at least someone to warm his bed. Edith was not beautiful or refined like Georgina, but she had plump breasts and a trim waist and knew who her master was. That nip of his lip had been to get away from his grasp, and yet Charles had thought it almost playful. Edith was more than a simple shop assistant.
He got back to his feet and punched his fist to his hand. He was not the slightest bit sleepy in spite of the lateness of the hour but he was tired of the celibate life. Now Georgina was out of his reach he would need to find someone to fulfil his desires soon or he would have to make a trip to Adelaide to find an accommodating woman.
He rolled his shoulders and undid his vest. Perhaps a trip to Adelaide wasn’t such a bad idea. He should call on Grandmother Harriet, thank her for her birthday gift and see how she was faring. He had avoided going because he knew she would want him to stay. Perhaps if things didn’t come about with Edith quickly he would make the trip.
He also had to take supplies to Becker and spend some time working with him to learn what diamonds looked like and how to find them. Charles smiled. He had been pleased to hear how upset Baker’s shepherds had been at the taking over of the waterhole. It gave him some satisfaction. Charles would continue to look for diamonds on that claim and Baker would have to do without one of his natural waterholes. That would teach him to think he could steal Georgina Prosser.
Stripped of his clothes, Charles pulled back the covers and slid into his bed. He pictured William Baker’s smug face and drifted off to sleep thinking of more ways to wipe that smile away.
Thirty
William spent a restless few hours in his swag on the edge of town and was pleased to see the first rays of the morning sun. His immediate thoughts were of Georgina and what she might be doing. A flock of birds wheeled overhead and flew screeching towards Hawker as he set a billy to boil. He wished he was seeing her again immediately to confirm the events of last night were not a dream, but there would be no point to him showing up at the Wiltshires’. No doubt there would be enough turmoil there this morning without him adding to it.
He had told Georgina he would arrive at Prosser’s Run in three days and that’s what he would do. In the meantime, he had much to achieve before he was prepared to ask for her hand officially.
He chewed on some pikelets Jessie had packed for him as he watched the water begin to bubble. How to tackle the problem of Jessie herself was one of them. He was sure Clem knew nothing of what she had said to Georgina and William didn’t want to make life worse for the poor girl. He would have to find a way to speak with her alone. He also wanted to go to Wildu Creek and let them know what was happening. He wasn’t sure if his father would be there but it would be good to see his grandfather and Millie and the children.
William packed his swag while he waited for the tea to cool. He was impatient to be on his way. He rubbed Big Red’s nose and patted his neck. “You’ve been a good friend, old boy.”
The horse tossed its head in response.
“And we’ve got my gift to Georgina to get ready.”
He hadn’t even been home at Smith’s Ridge long enough to check the remaining horses. No doubt Bella would need a brush down before he took her with him to Prosser’s Run. He and Robert had taken spare horses and others as packhorses on the drove south but they’d been sold before the return journey.
William took up his mug and downed the tea. His stomach rumbled but there was no time to waste — and anyway, once he got to Wildu Creek Millie would ply him with food.
Robert was still at Wildu when William arrived. He was working with Thomas on repairs to the cowshed. William climbed from his horse and went to inspect their work.
Thomas’s handshake was firm and his smile wide. “It’s good to see you. Robert has been filling me in on your journey south. I hope your father also has some success.”
William shook Robert’s hand and turned back to his grandfather.
“Have you heard from him?”
“Millie had one letter but they’d only been gone a month. We’ve heard nothing since. Gulda and Timothy are with him and Eliza has gone to do the cooking.”
William gave a snort. “Someone to cook. What we would have given to have someone preparing meals for us.”
“You had me.” Robert gave a wry grin.
“I know, but it was an added burden to cook after a day in the saddle.”
“Rex took his turn,” Robert said. “He was able when it came to kangaroo.”
“I’m glad you took Rex. He would have learned a lot on that journey,” Thomas said.
“He taught us a thing or two as well when it came to finding something to eat,” Robert said.
“Have you been to the house?” Thomas asked.
William glanced in that direction. “Not yet.”
“Let’s down tools then and take some refreshment.” Thomas retrieved the hat he’d perched on a post. “Millie and the children will be pleased to see you.”
“I can’t stay long,” William said as they walked. “I must get—”
“William!”
His words were cut short by Ruth’s scream. She was coming from the direction of the chicken yard, and the wooden bucket she had been carrying fell to the dirt as she flew towards him, arms outstretched.
William hoisted her to his waist and gave her a hug. “Hello, Ruth. I hope there were no eggs in that bucket.”
“No.” She shook her head.
“Hello!” The call came across the yard.
William looked at the house, where Millie stood just outside the back door with Matthew on her hip. Beth pushed past her mother and hurried along the path.
They all began talking at once, wanting to know how he was and how long he was staying.
“Let the poor fellow inside to sit down first.” Thomas ruffled Ruth’s hair.
“Are you hungry?” Millie asked.
“Famished.”
“I’ve some pickled mutton and a fresh apple pie. There is even a small amount of cream.”
“Sounds good.” William reached for Matthew but the little boy ducked his head to his mother’s shoulder and gripped her tightly.
Thomas offered to take Matthew as Millie set out plates, but the child would have none of it. He clung desperately to his mother.
“You’re such a big boy now. Are you three already?” William smiled at the child, who lifted his head long enough to peep at his oldest brother.
Millie gave William a tired smile.
“He must be heavy,” William said.
“He’s only shy with visitors.” Millie tugged a loose strand of hair back behind her ear with her spare hand.
Behind her Robert gave a barely perceptible shake of his head.
“Sit by me, William,” Beth called.
“No, by me,” Ruth objected.
“I’ll sit in the middle.” William’s concern for Millie and Matthew was soon lost as he was submerged in the joy of being with his family again. There was such a babble of happy voices around the table and Millie kept setting out food. Finally, when all the tales had been told, he sat back in his chair and cleared his throat.
“There’s something more I’d like to tell you.”
A hush fell around the table at his serious tone. All eyes turned in William’s direction.
“I have asked Georgina Prosser to marry me and she has accepted.”
He was immediately surrounded and received a slap on the back from Robert and a handshake from Thomas. Millie hugged him tightly and planted a kiss on his cheek and the girls squealed in delight. Matthew, who had finally been brave enough to leave his mother’s arms and sit at the other end of the table, watched in puzzlement at all the fuss.
“When will the wedding be? Your father won’t want to miss it.” Millie glanced anxiously at the door.
“He might have to, I’m afraid. Georgina and I have been apart for so long we don’t want to wait any longer.” William hoped that was what Georgina thought. “We haven’t discussed a date yet. We’ll have a party when Father gets back.”
That brought another round of eager voices.
Once the excitement died down William spoke again. “I have to get back to Smith’s Ridge.”
The little girls wailed in chorus.
“You’ll stay longer won’t you, Robert?” Millie gave him a worried look before she handed William a bag of food to take with him.
Robert came to stand beside them both. He looked at William. “I thought I’d stay until Father returns.”
“Of course.” William felt there was something here he was missing but he followed Robert’s lead. “There are three of us at Smith’s Ridge for a small number of cattle.”
“And they seem to think I’m too old to manage the few sheep we have left here.” Thomas looked from Robert to Millie. “However we are low on supplies and I think I can manage a trip to town to collect them.”
“Can I go with you, Grandpa?” Beth asked.
“And me,” Ruth added.
“If your mother agrees.”
Everyone turned to look at Millie. William could see genuine fear in her eyes.
“They will be safe with me,” Thomas said firmly.
“I’ll think on it,” Millie said and the two girls squealed with delight.
William kissed the tops of their heads. “I must go. Thank you, Millie.” He waved at Matthew across the room and shook his grandfather’s hand.
“I’ll see you off,” Robert said and followed William across the yard. He glanced back to where the rest of the family waved from the back door. “Grandpa is not as strong as he used to be no matter what he says and there’s still a number of stock here to feed and water.”
“And Millie?”
Once more Robert glanced in the direction of the house. “She’s so nervous, and you’ve seen how Matthew is. Grandpa says she hides him if ever a stranger ventures this way. She’s terrified the protector will take him and even the girls. It seems to be worse since Father left. I think that’s why Grandpa’s glad to take the girls into town. They never go anywhere or see anyone.”
William gritted his teeth. “Damn the protector. It’s shameful to see Millie so fearful and it can’t be doing Matthew any good to be even more isolated.”
“He’s just getting used to me. At least Millie will let him come outside if I am here.”
William put a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “There’s no rush for you to return to Smith’s Ridge. We can look into the transport idea later.”
“I’ve been thinking on that.” Robert gave a wave towards the shearing shed. Beside it was a wagon up on logs of wood. “I’ve been working on the wagon. There were some wheels needed fixing.”
“Good for you.” William mounted his horse. “Are there any of the local people about?”
“Yes, from time to time a few help with the sheep in return for some food. Jundala’s gone home to her family while Binda’s away.”
“If anything … well if you need help send word with one of them. I’ll come straight away.”
“We’ll see.” Robert grinned. “Sounds like you’re going to be busy for a while. Let us know when there’s a wedding.”
William gave his brother a wave and turned his horse in the direction of Smith’s Ridge. It would be dark well before he arrived but with the moonlight Big Red would get him home safely. He had told Georgina three days and one was nearly gone already.
William heard the sounds of the fire being stirred to life in the kitchen. He hoped that meant Jessie was in the house and perhaps alone. When he’d finally reached the homestead the night before he’d heard Hegarty’s snores coming from the front bedroom. William had crawled into bed and slept like the dead. Now his head throbbed and his legs felt like lead. The occasional snort from the next room told him the older man was still asleep. William sat up and took a deep breath. He needed to speak with Jessie before he could do anything else.
He peered in the small mirror over the chest of drawers. His hair was a tangled mess and his face was covered in the growth of three days. Certainly not the look he wanted to present to his future mother-in-law. He hoped Jessie could help him with that.
“Jessie?”
She spun from the fire. “William. I didn’t know you were home.” She glanced towards the back door. “I was going to make bread while the baby is still asleep but I can come back later.” She edged away.
“Jessie.” William put his hands out wide, palm up. “Please. I need to talk with you about Charles Wiltshire.”
Her eyes widened and she swayed.
William stepped forward but stopped as she gave him a baleful look and braced herself against the back of a chair.
“It’s all right, Jessie. I know what he made you say. I won’t let him hurt you or Haji.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks and she began to sink. William drew out another chair and eased her onto it. He pulled out one for himself and sat beside her.
“I want you to know that both Georgina and I are sickened at what Charles made you say.”
“She knows it’s not true?”
“Wiltshire’s lies have been exposed. Georgina will have nothing more to do with him.”
Jessie’s hands trembled in her lap. “He said if I ever told Miss Prosser my story wasn’t true he would …” tears coursed down her cheeks “… he would get the protector to come for Haji.”
William placed a hand over hers. It was cold and soft beneath his roughened skin. “We have exposed his lies, Jessie. Haji is safe.”
Jessie doubled over. She dragged her hand from his and clasped her head. “I’m sorry, William.” Her words were muffled against her chest. “I did a terrible thing.”
“You must not blame yourself.” William put a gentle hand on her back. “Charles Wiltshire is the one who must take the responsibility.”
Jessie lifted her head and stared at William. “Clem will be so angry.”
“I don’t advise keeping secrets, Jessie, but this doesn’t involve Clem. We will speak of it no more and it
will be up to you if you want to tell him.” He withdrew his hand and gave her a tender smile. “He won’t hear about it from me.”
Jessie drew a handkerchief from her apron and wiped her nose and her eyes. “I have been so frightened.”
William thought of Millie’s haunted look. His fingers clenched.
The wail of a baby carried from outside.
“Clem.” Jessie jumped to her feet, wiped her face and hurried back to the fire.
William moved the chairs back under the table and sat at the head just as Clem came in carrying Haji, who was bellowing lustily.
Clem hesitated when he saw William. Jessie took the baby and slipped off outside with him.
“I didn’t think you’d be back so soon.” Clem crossed to the fire, where the kettle was beginning to steam.
“Nor I.” Hegarty stumbled into the room, his eyes bleary. He scratched at his thick beard. “That boy of yours has a hearty set of lungs, Clem. I hope there’s enough water in that kettle for all of us.”
Clem poured tea into three mugs and they all settled in around the table. The other two men looked to William.
“Georgina Prosser is to be my wife,” he blurted.
He received a vigorous handshake from Hegarty and a clap on the shoulder from Clem.
“Congratulations,” Hegarty added. “About time.”
“Where will you live?” Clem asked.
William paused. “Here.” He hadn’t thought past Georgina’s becoming his wife.
“You’ll be needing that front bedroom then.” Hegarty grinned.
“Won’t she want to stay at Prosser’s Run?” Clem asked.
William looked from one to the other. He had always slept in the middle bedroom since returning to Smith’s Ridge. The front bedroom held the memory of his mother’s death. Even so he’d given no thought to living arrangements. Only that they’d be together at last. “To be honest we’ve discussed nothing beyond getting married.”
“When’s the marriage to take place?” Hegarty asked.
“As soon as possible.” William stood. “I am going to Prosser’s Run tomorrow to ask Georgina’s mother officially.” He turned away from the look Hegarty gave Clem and a small worm of unease wriggled inside him. There was so much still to decide.
Jewel In the North Page 27
