“I don’t know why you stay there alone, Mrs Prosser,” Edith said.
“Well, I’m not exactly alone, my dear, but where else would I go? My daughter has abandoned me.” Johanna’s lip trembled.
Charles flinched at her words. He didn’t want to be reminded of Georgina the night before his wedding.
“Oh, dear Mrs Prosser,” Edith said. “If only you were my mother. Why I would expect you to live with me.”
“What a lovely sentiment.” Johanna patted Henry’s hand. “How lucky you are, Henry, to be gaining such a thoughtful daughter-in-law.”
“How are you managing out at Prosser’s Run, Johanna?”
“I am finding I’m quite busy. Mr Swan reports to me every morning and I am cooking for everyone.”
“You should have a housekeeper.”
“Yes, Georgina said the same, but we are so far from town. And … well the drought is taking its toll.”
“You are not alone in having to tighten your purse.” Henry gave Charles a pointed look.
“You have something for Edith, don’t you, Father?” Charles was keen to steer the course of the conversation away from money matters. His father was already watching every penny spent on the wedding.
“Yes.” Henry turned to Edith. He reached into his trouser pocket and drew out a small velvet bag. “I thought you might like something that belonged to Catherine. I went through her jewels and found you this.”
“Oh thank you, Father.” Edith bounced in her seat as she reached for the bag.
Charles smiled proudly.
She tugged at the ribbon and the contents slid into her hand. He saw a small frown crease her brow. She lifted a bracelet for him to see: brightly coloured glass beads dangled from it.
“It was one of Catherine’s favourites and I thought it well suited to you, my dear.”
A flicker of disappointment crossed Edith’s face.
“Let me help you put it on.” Charles reached for the bracelet and clipped it to Edith’s wrist.
She smiled and lifted her arm for the others to see.
“How pretty,” Johanna said.
“Very.” Edith turned to Henry. “Thank you.”
Charles knew his father was doing his best but it was the least favourite of his mother’s jewellery. The colours of the glass were bright and garish. Charles didn’t recall her wearing it often.
He hoped Edith would be satisfied with the bracelet. She had become very demanding of late, but all that was forgotten when they were alone. In those rare opportunities she would allow him to nibble on her ears, trail kisses down her neck and even fondle her breasts. He couldn’t wait for their marriage to be conducted the next day. Just thinking about what the night would bring was tantalisingly painful.
Mrs Nixon arrived at that moment with vegetable soup, and Charles concentrated on filling his stomach. Tomorrow night that would be the last thing on his mind.
Thirty-eight
February 1900
William lowered his axe and wiped the sweat from his brow. Even though it was almost dark the early February heat was punishing. He turned at the sound of horses and peered into the cloud of dust that accompanied a horse-drawn wagon with a man riding beside it. Robert waved at him as he guided the wagon to a stop at the back of the house. William laid the axe against the wood pile and reached his brother as he swung down from his horse.
“What are you doing here?”
“It’s good to see you too, brother.” Robert accepted William’s handshake with a grin.
“It’s only been a month since you were home for Christmas.” William held his taller brother at arm’s length. “I didn’t think you’d be back for several months.”
“That was the plan but I had some trouble with the wagon.”
William glanced back at the wagon, which he could see was loaded with new wheels.
“This is my first load in nearly a month,” Robert said. “I’ve spent all my time and money on repairs.”
“Robert!”
They both looked around at Georgina’s excited call.
“You’d better come inside. Georgina will want to feed you and you can tell us all about what’s happened.”
“It’s so good to see you.” Georgina wrapped Robert in a hug then let him go quickly. “You two wash your hands and then come inside. I want to hear all the news.”
William smiled at her retreating back. Georgina was not one to fuss but she liked him to be clean when he came inside. No doubt Robert smelled worse than he did.
“How’s everyone else?” Robert asked as they walked towards the wash house.
“Clem and Jessie and Haji are well. They’re camped out with the cattle in the north paddock. The summer has been relentless. It’s getting harder and harder to find feed and water.”
“It’s the same where I’ve been.”
“Albie is managing in his role as mine watcher.” William smiled as he thought of his recent trip to take his spy supplies and fresh water. “He’s taken the job very seriously. Says the two fellows know he’s there but he doesn’t let them see him. Reckons he’s got them a bit spooked.”
“But they’re still there?”
“Yes. Wiltshire must be paying them well.”
“Work is hard to come by.”
In the kitchen Georgina had already set the table. “Sit down. I’ve got cold rabbit pie and some fresh bread.” She put the food in front of them and took her place next to William.
He said grace then turned straight to Robert. “So what happened to the wagon?”
Robert spoke through a mouthful of pie. “A wheel gave way. Simply crumpled under the weight of the load. When it tipped the main shaft broke. I’m only thankful none of the horses were injured.”
“Hegarty only fixed the spokes just before you set off.”
“I know. Luckily he was with me when it happened. The cart tipped right over and the load went everywhere.”
“Oh, Robert.” Georgina gave him a searching look. “You could have been killed. Were you hurt?”
“Only my pride and a few bumps and scratches. It took Hegarty and me all day to gather up the load again. There were logs and chains and barrels in all directions. Some of the barrels were broken, of course. With that and repairing the wagon and not being able to work for nearly a month it’s been tough.”
“And Hegarty?” William asked.
“Once we retrieved the goods and found space on other wagons, he continued as well. No point in both of us being laid up.”
“So the wagon is fixed now?” Georgina slipped another piece of pie on Robert’s plate. He had managed to down the first piece in between talking.
“Yes. Thankfully the accident happened close to Hawker. I was able to get what I needed from the blacksmith there. It’s his load I’m carrying now for a farmer further south, but I thought I’d take a detour and visit you.” He smiled at Georgina. “I could only bring a few supplies. Mr Garrat said my credit was good.”
“You shouldn’t worry about us,” Georgina said. “We’re managing. Not much seems to survive this drought but there are still rabbits.”
“You make them taste good too.” Robert scooped the last piece of pie into his mouth.
“I am concerned about the wheel,” William said. “That wagon has served us faithfully for years. Perhaps the new struts Hegarty put in weren’t strong enough.”
“They didn’t break. It was the older struts. We think they must have had wear we couldn’t see.”
“How do you know it won’t happen again?” Georgina asked.
“I’ve got all new wheels.” He sighed. “It will take me a while to repay the blacksmith but he was very good to me.”
“Not quite what we’d hoped for,” William said.
“No.” Robert lifted his gaze from his empty plate. “And do you know what the worst of it was? Not long after the wagon rolled and Hegarty and I were still assessing the damage …” Robert paused and glanced at Georgina. “Charles Wilts
hire came along with one of his wagons. He didn’t stop but we could hear his laugh echoing in our ears as he went past.”
Georgina shook her head. “He’s an ass,” she murmured.
William looked to the window. It was a dark night with no moon. Georgina had the window pushed right open but there was no breeze and the room was warm. Even so a chill wriggled down his back. “Wiltshire was here while we were all at Wildu Creek for our wedding.” He shifted his gaze back to Robert. “He would have had opportunity.”
“As I said Charles is an ass but do you think him capable of sabotage?” Georgina asked.
William met her worried look. “I think he’s capable of anything.”
Robert shook his head. “But how could him being here back in October make a wheel fall off three months later?”
“I don’t know. But Albie saw him near the wagon. If he did do something to the wheel struts it might take quite a while for them to wear through. He wouldn’t be sure when the damage would occur.”
“I can’t believe it,” Georgina said.
William rubbed at his jaw. “And we have no proof. Just a strong feeling.”
“It is not outside his capabilities,” Robert said. “I have been in and out to Hawker several times in the last month and my camp was close to the road. I’ve spoken to plenty of teamsters, hawkers and travellers. I’ve heard a lot of stories about the Wiltshires, several of them not so noble.”
Georgina stood to collect their plates. “Do we have to talk about them? Surely you have other news?”
Robert raised his eyebrows and put on a pensive look. “Bicycles seem to be the popular thing these days. And not just around Hawker. One day at my camp I was passed by two shearers heading out of town.”
“On bicycles?” William couldn’t imagine it.
“Give me a horse any day,” Georgina chuckled.
“Yes, it seems bicycles are as tricky as horses for ladys’ skirts. One poor woman fell from hers outside the blacksmith shop the other day. Her skirt had caught in the chain. She was cut and bruised and the skirt ruined.”
“Hmm,” William said. “Any other news besides ladys’ skirts?”
Robert glanced at Georgina again. “There’s Mr Garrat’s problems but even that’s connected to the Wiltshires.”
“Of course.” Georgina shook her head. “Would you like some stewed apples and cream? Our poor cow is still managing to produce a little milk.”
“Thank you.”
“What’s happened with Garrat?” William asked while Georgina served their dessert.
“He’s been in court.”
“Why?” Georgina asked.
“Evidently his licence is only for a cart to carry around the goods he sells. He has been using his wagon and travelling further. There is a different licence for wagons. He’s had to pay a fine.”
“What has that to do with the Wiltshires?” William asked.
“It was Charles Wiltshire who put in the report.”
Georgina gave a soft snort and took a mouthful of her food.
“Trouble is, you know how Garrat gives so much credit and there are those who can never pay him back?”
“He’s a kind and generous man,” William said.
“Trying to do business next to the Wiltshires, who have always done their best to undermine him, has been bad enough but I think the fine has been a real blow for him. There’s no sign of the drought letting up and people can’t pay. He told the blacksmith he was thinking of closing his shop and heading south.”
“So everyone would have to shop at Wiltshire’s?” Georgina put her spoon down with a thump.
“And where will the natives get supplies?” Robert said. “Mr Garrat was always happy to open his door to everyone.”
“There is another grocer and the general store with the saddlery,” William said.
“But they don’t have the same variety of goods as Mr Garrat,” Georgina said.
“Or the Wiltshires.” Robert grimaced. “I can see Charles rubbing his hands with glee. And that new wife of his, Edith. She’s as bad as he is.”
“I can’t believe he married her,” Georgina said. “I’m sure he would think a shop assistant beneath him.”
“Well his father agrees with you, by all accounts. Evidently there’s no love lost between Henry and the new Mrs Wiltshire. Mrs Garrat told me their wedding was a very grand affair and there was talk of nothing else until Christmas.”
“Gave people something to take their mind off the drought, I suppose,” William said.
“Money doesn’t ever seem to be a problem for them,” Robert said. “Charles is building a new house next door to his family home. It’s not as big but you can bet it will be one day.”
“His grandmother’s money, no doubt,” Georgina said. “He was always wheedling her support for his schemes.”
“Perhaps that’s how he continues to fund his mining venture.”
“Oh.” Georgina put her hands to her head. “Here we are back to talking about the Wiltshires again.”
“How about this?” William grinned at the two faces watching him closely. “Why don’t we set up our own shop?”
“In Hawker?” Robert and Georgina spoke in unison.
“No, here at Smith’s Ridge.”
“You wouldn’t have many customers.” Robert chuckled.
“Not for customers but for us. I’ve been thinking for some time we should set up our own store. Now that you and Hegarty have the wagons going you could bring enough supplies to last us much longer. You could do a run to Adelaide or Port Augusta. And we could have things sent up by train. We can be our own supplier.”
Georgina put her head to one side. “Where would you keep all these supplies?”
“We could enlarge the cellar and build a separate room over the top of it.”
“You’ve really been thinking seriously about this?” Robert said.
“I have.”
“It will give us something to work on.” Georgina put her hands on William’s shoulders, leaned over and kissed his cheek.
Once more he had cause to bless the day she became his wife. Already she had helped him in so many ways. He was a lucky man.
“I think it’s a good idea,” she said.
“Although extending the cellar is probably not such a good idea at the moment,” Robert said. “The ground will be like rock.”
“We can build the room to go over the top first,” William said. “It will need lining and shelving.”
“Perhaps we could supply Wildu Creek as well,” Georgina said.
“They could get the items from us at cost price. And even Prosser’s Run.”
Georgina’s hands left William’s shoulders as soon as he spoke. “My mother would not give up buying from the Wiltshires.” Her look was grim.
“But it might be a way to bring some reconciliation.”
“My mother made it quite clear she wanted nothing more to do with me. I know you want to mend things between us but there are some things that can never be repaired.” Georgina gave him a sad smile. “I think I will go to bed now. You two can talk. Good night, Robert.”
Once she had left the room and the door closed behind her, Robert spoke. “I saw Mrs Prosser while I was in Hawker. She looked rather sad as she wandered along the street. She was passing the time looking in shop windows.”
“They are both stubborn women. I had hoped that once the dust had settled on our marriage time would repair their relationship.”
“Dust.” Robert slapped his thigh. “Speaking of which, did you have that storm that went through Hawker two weeks back? No-one could be outside. It was lucky I was in town and not out at my camp by the wagon.”
William only half listened as Robert went on to describe the dust storm that had also swept across Smith’s Ridge. It bothered him that Georgina had given up not only her inheritance to be with him but also the support of her mother. Mrs Prosser had already lost two sons and her husband. He had to think of a way to
bring the two women back together.
Thirty-nine
March 1900
Edith was awoken by a warm hand sliding down her stomach and tugging up her nightdress. She opened one eye and took in the smug look on her husband’s face. She bit back a sigh. His eyes weren’t even open. He was probably dreaming. Charles had an insatiable appetite for her body and, while she’d quickly learned what he liked her to do best and discovered some enjoyment from their lovemaking herself, the mornings were her least favourite time for his attentions.
He rolled towards her and from the hardness pressing into her leg she knew there would be no getting away from her wifely duty that morning.
She opened her eyes wider as he slipped his tongue around her nipple and let out a gasp.
“You like that, my—”
“No, Charles, stop,” she hissed. “Laura is here.” She pointed towards the end of the bed, where his little sister was curled up like a cat, fast asleep.
Charles sat up. “I’m going to get a lock for our door,” he growled and flung back to the bedsheet. Even though summer was behind them the weather was still too warm to warrant anything more.
“Shh!” Edith cautioned. “You are wearing no bedclothes. Don’t wake her.” She sucked in her lips to swallow her giggle as Charles slid from the bed to pull on his trousers. This time the usually annoying Laura had been quite useful.
“She must have had a bad dream.”
“Why doesn’t she go to Father’s room?” he hissed.
“She probably did, but perhaps he wasn’t there?”
“What do you mean wasn’t there?” Charles snatched his shirt from the hook and slipped his arms into the sleeves. “Where else would he be?”
“I don’t know.” Edith was not yet ready to tell her husband about his father’s affair with his housekeeper. That would come in useful one day. What did amuse her was that Charles was completely unaware of his father’s liaison. “Sometimes he stays out late. It must be hard for him with us under his roof. How much longer do you think the house will take?”
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