“Hens are still laying well.” His hands trembled.
“That’s good. Sounds like the ladies are planning on some extra cooking.”
Georgina joined them. “Thank you, Albie.” She took the bowl he offered. “We haven’t seen you since we got back. How are you feeling?”
“Better thank you, Miss … Mrs Georgina.”
She put a hand on his shaky arm. “Please call me Georgina. It’s easier.”
Albie lowered his gaze.
“I’m going to repair the fence beyond the shearing shed,” William said. “Do you feel up to helping me, Albie?”
“I do, but first,” he patted his pocket, “I’ve got something for you.” He pulled out a roughly folded handkerchief. “While you were away there was a man here.”
“Who?” William looked at Albie, mildly curious. “What did he want?”
“I don’t know what he was doing.” Albie shrugged. “I saw him as he was walking away from the side of the shearing shed. I called out to him and he bolted like a rabbit.” Albie raised the handkerchief. “He dropped this.”
Georgina gasped and took the handkerchief from Albie. “The monogram.” She held it out to William.
He read the blue lettering on the white cotton. “CW?”
A small frown creased Georgina’s brow. “Charles Wiltshire.”
“The devil.” William looked immediately to Jessie, who had pressed a hand to her mouth. “Don’t worry, Jessie. I’m sure it would be nothing to do with you.” He turned back to Georgina. “But why would he be here?”
“I don’t know.” She gripped his arm. “But you can be sure it would be nothing good.”
“You don’t have any ideas, Albie?” William asked.
“I was up the hill trying to shoot a rabbit for my dinner.” Albie’s shoulders drooped. “If it wasn’t for this leg … I’m sorry I couldn’t catch him.”
“He would have been too slippery for any of us,” William said.
“I’ve had a good look around since he was here. Don’t know if anything’s missing but nothing looks disturbed. Don’t know what he might have been up to.”
“At least you saw him and we know he was here,” Georgina said. She put a hand on Jessie’s arm. “He was probably simply snooping.”
A prickling sensation ran across William’s shoulders. Charles was spoiled, and he’d been scorned. There was no telling what he might do to exact some revenge. Once more William’s gaze swept over the sheds and back to the house further down the slope. He didn’t like Wiltshire having been there while they were away. “I don’t trust him at all.”
Clem was back by late afternoon and Georgina had just called them to wash up for dinner when the sound of horses brought them all outside. Rumbling across the yard was the Wildu Creek wagon drawn by six horses. Robert and Hegarty were riding either side of it. They both gave big waves as they approached.
“Two more for dinner, I think.” William grinned at Georgina then strode out to meet the newcomers. “Welcome back. You’re just in time to share our meal.”
“That’s good news.” Hegarty lowered his big frame from his horse.
Robert leaned down to shake William’s hand. “We’ll see to these animals and be in.”
It was a merry group that sat around the big table in the front room at Smith’s Ridge that night. Georgina and Jessie had cooked a huge meal. William marvelled that even with low stores they had come up with delicious and sufficient food. It was good to be back together again, even if it meant he and Georgina would no longer have the house to themselves. Although if Hegarty and Robert journeyed to the mines with the wagons, they would rarely be home.
“Are you planning to set off soon?” William asked.
“We’ve only just arrived,” Hegarty chuckled. “We’ll try not to get in your way.”
William raised his eyebrows. “I’m not trying to get rid of you. I simply want to know your plans.”
“We will leave day after next,” Robert said.
“That soon?” Georgina stood to gather the plates. “We shall have to do more cooking to send with you.”
“Is our wagon ready?” William asked.
“I had finished it before we went to Wildu Creek,” Hegarty said. “The harnesses will need some oil and we will have to decide which horses we will use to pull it, but after that there’s no reason to delay. The sooner we get to the mines the sooner we make some money.”
“Clem and Albie and I will manage here,” William said. “In light of our news today I have a job for you, Albie, if you’ll accept.”
“What news?” Robert asked.
“While we were away Albie found Charles Wiltshire here.”
Clem took Jessie’s hand. “Why would he be here?”
William shook his head. “Albie scared him off. I hope he was simply snooping.”
“Why?” Clem asked.
“We don’t know, but from now on one of us will stay close to home.” William turned to Albie. “And I hope you might set up camp just north of Wiltshire’s mining lease, Albie. I want eyes and ears up there permanently until he gives up and leaves.”
“That would be a lonely job,” Georgina said.
“But an important one.” He gave Albie a serious look. “I’ll be relying on you.”
Albie grinned. “One eye don’t see so good these days, but the other’s as sharp as a tack, and there’s nothing wrong with my hearing.”
“I can help you make a hut.”
“No need. I’ve spent enough time with native shepherds to know how to make myself a shelter.”
“I’ll visit you once a week with supplies.”
“Plenty of rabbits up there.”
“Looks like your mind is made up to go then.” William held out his hand and Albie shook it.
“It is.”
Later when the others had turned in, William waited for Robert to come back inside from his check on the horses.
The younger man paused at the door and gave him a wink. “Shouldn’t you be in bed?”
“I will be soon enough. I wanted to make sure this carting idea is what you want.”
Robert’s lips pressed together and he gave a firm nod. “I said so already. I can make a real contribution.”
William gripped his brother’s shoulder. “Everything you’ve done over the years has helped. We are a family.”
“Father and Grandpa said the same before I left.” Robert removed the hand and cast his serious gaze over his brother. “But this is something I can put my own mark on, be my own man, and still contribute.”
“Very well, as long as you’re sure.”
“I’m sure and anyway you’ve plenty of helpers. It’s a pity you have to waste their efforts on looking out for Wiltshire.”
“I agree but in this case the job is what Albie needs. I hope it will aid his recovery and his sense of worth.”
Robert looked William in the eye once more. “A sense of worth is very important.” He inclined his head. “Good night.”
The next day everyone was up early. While the previous night there had been happy voices around his dinner table, William noted the mood that day was more sombre, as everyone did their part to prepare for the various journeys ahead. Even Haji, who was normally a happy baby, grizzled to be held. Luckily Georgina was only too glad to take him from Jessie from time to time.
William planned to travel with Albie to help him make camp near Wiltshire’s claim. He was loading their cart with supplies when he noticed Georgina pacing the backyard, jiggling Haji in her arms. She was singing to him softly as she walked.
“Your wife is keen to be a mother.” Clem came up beside him.
“Looks that way.” William lifted a bundle of wire onto the cart. He anticipated the prospect of being a father just as much.
“Jessie’s upset at the news Wiltshire was here.”
William repositioned his hat on his head. “I don’t like the idea either.”
“She’s still so frighten
ed he’s going to have Haji taken away.”
“I know but I don’t think he’d be up here snooping around if that was his plan. He’d send the protector.” William looked back at Georgina still circling the garden with Haji. “Whatever it is he’s up to I don’t think it involves Jessie or Haji.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“From now on you and I will make sure one of us is never far away.”
Two days later, after helping Albie to organise a basic camp, William was preparing to leave.
“Thank you for doing this job.” He shook the shepherd’s hand. “I know it’s not very exciting, but it is important.”
“And no access to liquor up here.”
William drew in a breath. “It might help you to recover.”
“I’ve got plenty of liquid.” Albie waved towards the barrel of water they’d just hefted into the shade of a big rock.
“This way you won’t have to go to the waterhole. Keep out of sight.”
“I’m grateful to you. I feel it’s my fault these fellows are here looking for diamonds.”
William studied the other man’s scarred face. One of his eyes was partly covered by damaged skin that had healed in a rough weal, but his good eye locked on William.
“It was me who brought that man Becker and the other bloke here.” Albie shifted his weight to his good leg and rubbed at the prickles on his chin. “I shouldna done it.”
“I don’t understand how you knew where to take them.”
“I didn’t. Going on what I’d heard about your father finding a diamond—”
“The worst-kept secret.” William gave a wry grin.
“Yeah well I worked out this waterhole was as good a prospect as any.” Albie’s face twisted into a garish grin. “They’re silly buggers though. I showed them the wrong place and they gave me a pile of money.” His expression became sombre again. “All gone now.”
William hoped his attempt at helping the shepherd to dry out and stay that way would work.
“Anyway.” Albie looked back along the creek in the direction of the waterhole. “I thought they’d look around a while and when they couldn’t find the special rocks they were looking for they’d leave. No harm to anyone.”
“Maybe it will take a little longer. Becker’s left and Wiltshire won’t want to get his hands dirty. He’s got those two men working the claim. Let’s hope they don’t find anything interesting.”
Albie nodded.
“Clem or I will be back in a week. All you have to do is keep a bit of a watch. Try not to let them know you’re here but it won’t matter if they figure it out. This is my land and you can camp where you like.”
William waved Albie goodbye and went the long way round to where the men were working. Anger raged inside him at the sight of his waterhole completely fenced off. They both stopped their work at the sound of his horse. William swallowed his anger and went no closer. These men would only be following Wiltshire’s orders. There was no point remonstrating with them. Binda and Millie’s family still had the spring hidden higher up in the gorge, and he only hoped the native animals that relied on this source of water would find their way to the nearest supply. The men went back to their work. William watched them from his vantage point on the bank for a little longer then headed away. He had other work to do and he was eager to get back to Georgina. Having a wife was certainly a good reason to go home.
Thirty-seven
Charles opened the door to the main bedroom. It had been his mother’s domain and he’d not been in since she’d died. Henry, though, had moved his personal effects back into this front-facing chamber. The quilt was different and there was a more masculine smell to the room but everything else was the same. Minus Laura’s bed, of course, which was now in the middle bedroom.
Charles crossed to the dresser but pulled up short when he realised his mother’s jewellery box was no longer in its usual place on top. He looked around. The box was nowhere to be seen. He pulled open the top drawer of the dresser that used to be his mother’s. His father’s handkerchiefs and socks now filled the space.
“What are you looking for?”
Charles turned at the sound of his father’s voice. “Mother’s jewellery.” He held out his hands. “I wanted to give something to Edith for our wedding.”
Henry moved to where Charles still waited by the dresser and pushed the drawer shut. “I moved it to the top of Laura’s wardrobe. It will all be hers one day.”
“She can have it.” Charles was a little miffed at his father’s tone. “I only want one thing. Edith expressed an interest in the locket that Mother always wore.”
“That was your grandmother’s locket.”
“I know, but—”
“It’s been handed down in my family for generations.”
“Yes, I know.” Charles spoke carefully, as if to a child. “Grandmother Harriet had it given to her when she married Grandfather, and she gave it to Mother when you were married, so it seems right that Edith should have it.”
“Your mother wasn’t given the locket until you were born.”
Charles clenched his hands. His father was being very obstinate. “Edith is to be my wife. She will be family.”
“You have a sister. Neither my father nor I had other siblings. Your mother made it quite clear Laura was to have the locket.”
Charles sighed. Edith had specifically asked him for the necklace, but he didn’t care enough to argue further. His mother had other, more expensive pieces. “Very well. Would you select something else for Edith then? Perhaps the pearl drop necklace or the ruby bracelet?”
“I am sure I can find her something.”
“Thank you, Father. We will all have dinner together tonight, a quiet evening before the festivities begin tomorrow. It would make Edith very happy if you could present it to her then.”
Charles crossed to the door.
“Have you thought any more about your living arrangements for when you return from your holiday after the wedding?” Henry’s voice had a plaintive ring.
Charles looked back at his father with a tinge of annoyance. “The purchase of the employee cottage next door has gone through, as you know. I will oversee its removal and the building of a new house on my return.”
Henry gave a sharp sigh. “I don’t know where you think the money for this is coming from. Your transport business is the only thing in the black at the moment. The shops are barely making enough to cover costs and I have no sheep left.”
“Goodness, Father, don’t get yourself het up. I’ve said it will be a modest home. We can always build on later like you did.” Charles stretched his neck and tugged at the lapels of his jacket. “Besides I am quite confident Grandmother will cover the cost of the house. She said as much when she wrote about her inability to attend the wedding. Our new house is to be her wedding gift to us.”
“And where are you planning to live while all this takes place?”
“Why, here, of course. Edith and I will be perfectly comfortable until our own home is complete. I am sure Mrs Nixon will appreciate having a mistress in charge of the house again.”
Henry placed a hand against the dresser as if to support himself.
“Are you feeling all right, Father?”
“Yes.” Henry waved his other hand in a shooing motion. “It’s been a busy day. I shall have a rest before dinner.”
Charles perused his father a little longer. “Very well then, I will see you at dinner.” He closed the door behind him and set off down the hall to his own room. The closer it came to the wedding the more oddly his father was acting. Charles knew he liked Edith and she was very fond of his father, so it couldn’t be anything sour between them. And ever since his mother’s death and then the creamery closing, his father had lost confidence in his business ability. Perhaps he was simply getting too old to manage as he had in the past. Charles would have to sit down and have a good talk with him once the wedding was over. Of course then they would be bus
y with Christmas. January wasn’t so far away. They would talk then.
In the kitchen there was a delicious smell in the air. He gave a nod to Mrs Nixon, who was peeling potatoes at the table and chatting to Laura.
“Chars.” Laura’s face lit up in a smile.
“Hello. I will see you later. I must get ready for dinner. What are we having, Mrs Nixon?”
“Steamed fowl.”
“Wonderful.”
“Mrs Prosser has arrived. She is resting in the guest room before dinner.”
“Very good. Thank you, Mrs Nixon. You seem to have everything in hand as usual.”
Mrs Nixon gave him one of her odd little smiles as he let himself in to his bedroom. Charles shut the door and leaned back against it for a moment. He hoped that by the time he came out she would have put Laura to bed. Tonight’s dinner was for adults only and he didn’t want to be the one who read Laura a story if his father didn’t reappear in time.
“Edith, my dear, you look … stunning.” Johanna Prosser was exuberant in her welcome as Charles led Edith into the dining room. He had already told his soon-to-be wife how beautiful she looked in her off-the-shoulder, pale yellow silk dress with leg-o-mutton sleeves.
“It’s lovely to see you too, Mrs Prosser.” Edith let go of Charles’s arm and went to Henry, who had risen from his chair at the head of the table. She planted a kiss on his cheek. “Good evening, Father.” She put a hand to her mouth. “Oh, I hope that wasn’t too forward of me — but I do think of you as my father now.”
Charles was pleased to see his father’s lips turn up in a small smile, even though he looked a little startled.
“Of course not, my dear. I am flattered by the sentiment,” Henry said.
“It’s such a delightful thought,” Johanna said.
“Let’s sit, please.” Charles tucked Edith into her place at the table and took his seat next to her. Mrs Prosser sat opposite on his father’s right hand. “I have been tantalised by the delicious smells coming from the kitchen for long enough.”
Mrs Prosser chuckled. “Men. You think of nothing but your stomachs. At least you will have Mrs Nixon here to continue her culinary delights, Edith. I do so miss Mrs Donovan’s presence in my kitchen at Prosser’s Run.”
Jewel In the North Page 32
