“The builder has made slow progress in this heat, and Grandmother has not been as quick with the money as I expected.”
Edith lowered her lashes and curved her lips in a pout. “It’s because of me.” She sniffed. “She doesn’t like me.”
“Of course she does, but even in Adelaide the effects of this drought have meant tightening of belts. She doesn’t have as much spare money as in the past.”
“I’m sure she would find it if you had married Georgina.”
His eyes darkened and Edith realised she’d pushed him too far.
“Don’t mention her name. It’s bad enough we still have to entertain her mother from time to time.”
“I’m sorry, dearest. Please don’t be cross.” Edith rolled to the edge of the bed and knelt forward so she could reach him. Her hands slid down his arms to his hands and she drew him to her. “Imagine when we move to our own home. We wouldn’t have to have visitors we didn’t want.” She brushed her lips across his, then nibbled on his ear. “There would be no-one to bother us.” She trailed her fingers down his shirtfront to where it tucked into his trousers and drew slow circles. “No interruptions.”
Charles closed his eyes and drew in a sharp breath. “I must pay them a visit again today. See if I can’t hurry things along.” He wrapped his arms around her and lifted her against him. He groaned as she wriggled her hips.
“Shh, Charles.” Edith put her finger to her lips. “Put me down. I want to dress before the little miss wakes up.”
Charles released her to the floor and with one last glower at his sleeping sister he left the room.
Edith pursed her lips in a smug smile. They must have their own home as soon as possible. Not that she wanted to leave this one but if she couldn’t have the front bedroom, as she’d suggested to Charles, and they were to have his irritating little sister with them at every turn, she wanted a place of her own. She took her shirt and skirt from the wardrobe and turned slowly to take in the room. It was a lovely house and eventually it would be hers, but having Charles to herself in their own new house next door would do for now.
Flora was stirring something on the stove as Charles shut the door carefully behind him.
“Good morning, Mr Charles,” she said. “Sleep well?”
“Yes. Is breakfast ready? I must make an early start.”
“Your father is already in the dining room. I’ll bring the porridge out now.”
Charles gave a nod and made his way along the hall.
“Good morning, Father,” he said as he sat on the chair furthest from the window. Even though it was early, the sun was already hot on the glass. His father preferred the curtains open, but his mother would not have been pleased to see the bright sunlight on her furnishings.
Henry glanced from over the top of the newspaper and returned to his reading.
Mrs Nixon came in with the porridge. While she was busy setting out their breakfast Henry folded his paper and put it to one side.
“Were you out last night, Father?” Charles placed several dollops of porridge in his bowl.
“No. I retired early.”
“Would you like hot or cold milk, Mr Charles?” Mrs Nixon had a jug in each hand.
“Cold.” Charles frowned. “But I can do it.” He took the jug and looked around her to his father. “Edith and I had Laura in our bed. I thought perhaps she’d tried you first and you weren’t there.”
Henry coughed and cleared his throat. “I was in all night. Perhaps she had a bad dream and you were her first thought. Or Edith — a more maternal figure.”
“That’s all very well.” Charles glanced at Mrs Nixon, who appeared to be hovering in the doorway. “Did you want something?”
“Eggs,” she said. “Will either of you require eggs?”
“No, thank you,” Charles said.
His father shook his head, looking a little odd. Finally, Mrs Nixon left them alone.
“Now, about Laura.” Charles drew himself up. “I’m a newly married man. I can’t have her bursting in whenever she pleases. I’m going to have to put a lock on the door.”
“Very well.”
“What?”
“Do whatever you please, Charles.”
“Yes. Well I will.” Charles studied his father. He looked older somehow, sad. Maybe the talk of being newly married had conjured up reminders of his own marriage. Henry was only fifty-one and quite fit. Not ready for his grave yet. “Have you thought about marrying again, Father?”
Henry had just put a spoonful of porridge in his mouth and he coughed and spluttered.
“Are you all right?”
Henry patted at his mouth with a napkin. “Yes,” he croaked.
“I wondered about Mrs Prosser. She’s on her own and you’re—”
“I don’t need you to arrange my life, thank you, Charles. I am perfectly happy with the way it is.” Henry stared at him across the table. “Although it’s obvious we would all be more comfortable if you were to have your own house.” He placed his napkin back in his lap and picked up his spoon. “Is there any chance that might be soon?”
“You can see for yourself the house is a long way from finished.” Charles resumed eating his porridge.
“Perhaps I should have a word with the builder. I did have some success keeping them on task with this house.”
“I can do it, Father.”
The door burst open behind them and Laura tumbled into the room, with Edith following. Laura flew into her father’s arms.
“Good morning, my darling.” He kissed the top of her head. “I think you’ve grown overnight. How old are you again?”
Laura held up her fingers. “Four.”
“Is that so? I thought it was your birthday next month. Did I miss it?”
Laura giggled.
“You will be such a big girl you will be able to begin piano lessons.” Henry lifted her to his hip as he stood. “You’re still in your bedclothes. We’d better go and find Mrs Nixon.” He crossed the room, barely acknowledging Edith as he passed.
Charles saw the sweet smile his wife gave in return. She really did her best. He thought his father would have come round by now.
Charles rose and kissed her cheek. “It seems we can have our breakfast alone.” He pulled out a chair for her.
“I really don’t know what I’ve done to make him dislike me so.”
“He doesn’t dislike you.” Charles resumed his seat. “He’s simply not used to us being married. I think having us in the house so happy together brings back memories of Mother.”
“He didn’t seem to mourn her for long. Did they have a very happy marriage?”
Charles thought about his parents and their separate living arrangements. Perhaps they had been happy until Laura came along.
“My mother never regained her health after she had Laura.”
“But surely her weak heart was what caused her demise?”
“I suppose so.” Charles recalled his life before and after his sister’s arrival. “But I am certain having Laura didn’t help.”
“Do you think I could also have piano lessons?”
“Of course, my love. I didn’t know you were interested in the piano.”
“I used to play a little before … well, once my parents died there was no opportunity.”
“Then you shall resume your lessons whenever you wish.”
“Did you ask him about the locket?”
Charles frowned. Edith had asked him several times to get the blasted locket. Usually when they were about to make love and he said anything to stop her talking. “There’s no point, my love.”
“Surely one locket is not too much to ask.”
“You have the bracelet, and I will buy you a locket of your own.”
“But that one is so pretty and delicate — it’s a family heirloom. I think as your wife I should be the one to wear it.”
“Father says Mother left her jewellery to Laura so I suspect that’s why he’s being—”
“Obtuse?”
“Cautious.” He smiled. “Please don’t fuss, Edith. I will make sure you have plenty of your own jewellery once things improve.”
She sighed and poured herself some tea.
Flora came in to collect the plates.
“Will you be requiring anything more, Mrs Wiltshire?”
“No thank you, Mrs Nixon. Bread and jam is enough for me this morning.”
Charles picked up the newspaper his father had been reading as Flora carried the plates to the door.
“Just a moment, Mrs Nixon.” Edith said. “I’d like to discuss the evening meal.”
“I haven’t been to the shop yet, Mrs Wiltshire. I can let you know what we’re having once I get back.”
“I’ll be at work.”
“Don’t worry then.” Mrs Nixon gave a demure smile. “It will be a nice surprise for you when you get home.”
Flora turned on her heel and left the room.
Charles heard the conversation but it was the click of his wife’s tongue that made him look up.
“I am meant to be the mistress of this house and Flora carries on as if I am not even here.”
“That’s the way Flora’s used to. Mother let her manage the house as she saw fit.”
He smiled at his wife through gritted teeth and stood. He was tired of all these petty squabbles. “I will be gone all day. I will speak with the builder and then I have several meetings. Two of my wagons are due back in town today and I want to check on them. I could be late for dinner.”
He bent to kiss her cheek and she turned suddenly and pushed her lips against his. She tasted of mulberry jam.
“I hope you won’t be too tired when you return, my love,” she murmured.
Charles’s heart beat faster in his chest and he set off to visit the builder with a sense of urgency in his step. The sooner they had their own house the better life would be.
Forty
January 1901
The rousing sounds of the brass band reverberated around the packed crowd in the Institute Hall. The gentlemen and ladies of Hawker and districts were dressed in their finest and fanning themselves with their programs against the close heat of the hall as the band came to its closing crescendo.
The last of the clapping faded and the chatter of happy voices ensured the sudden silence didn’t linger. Georgina turned to William, her pretty green eyes bright with delight.
“Wasn’t that wonderful?”
“Certainly was.”
“A rousing way to welcome the new year and celebrate our Federation.”
William was relieved to see the happiness in her gaze. Summer had begun early after a cold dry winter. Smith’s Ridge, like everywhere else, was parched and they were living a listless existence. The news that both Georgina and Jessie were pregnant had lifted their spirits, but a month before Christmas Georgina had lost her baby. It had been a terrible blow. She had stoically kept herself busy with her horses, helping with the cattle and managing the house, but they had both been saddened at their loss.
It had been William who had encouraged this trip to Hawker for the district celebrations of Federation. All around the country people were holding festivities to mark the nationhood of Australia and in Hawker a grand event had been planned. That night’s concert was to be followed by a ball and then the next day would be the annual sports with athletics and equestrian events. That was the other reason he had encouraged Georgina to come. She loved her horses and tomorrow she would enjoy taking part in the activities. He had booked them a room at the guesthouse and made it into a holiday.
“Shall we go outside for some air?” William put his arm around her waist. She felt so thin beneath the fabric of her vivid green dress. “I think they want to move the seats ready for the ball.”
“We’ve never danced together before.” Georgina flashed him her cheeky smile. It made his heart glad to see it. “Are you able to dance?”
“I’m afraid I’m not much good at it.” There had always been dancing at home when William was a boy, but he’d rarely bothered to make the journey to town for dances as a young man.
“Then I will have to instruct you.”
“I do like it when you are forthright, Mrs Baker,” he murmured in her ear as they stepped out into the night air, which was hardly cooler than that in the hall.
People stood in groups chatting and laughing. William looked around and couldn’t see a soul he would call more than an acquaintance.
“Look, there’s Councillor Hill and his wife, Anne.” Georgina indicated a couple standing not far from them. “Do you know them?”
“Not well.”
“Let’s say hello.”
William followed and Georgina introduced him. The two women had their heads together immediately, talking like old friends. William was reminded again of what she’d given up to marry him.
“We don’t see you in town very often, Mr Baker,” Councillor Hill said.
“My property keeps me busy.”
“And your new wife would be such an asset.” The councillor smiled. “You’ve made a wise choice there. Georgina has always struck me as a sensible young woman unlike … some other women her age.”
William almost thought the councillor was going to add “unlike her father”.
“She’s certainly been a great asset to Smith’s Ridge. She has a good knowledge of cattle and horses.” William spoke with pride.
“No doubt you’ll be blessed with children soon.” The councillor leaned a little closer. “For your sake, I hope a son. I have two delightful daughters but am never master in my own home.”
“I hope I don’t hear you complaining, Phillip Hill.” Mrs Hill gave her husband a playful tap.
“Hello.” Dr Chambers came to join them. “What a great crowd and a spectacular event.” He shook their hands enthusiastically. “Good to see you young people in town for it.”
There was a murmur from the group nearby and they shuffled back. William caught a glimpse of Charles, with Edith on his arm, making their way to their carriage.
“No doubt retiring to change into something grand for the ball,” Anne said, craning her neck to view the departing group.
Georgina looked down at her own dress. “I hadn’t thought to bring another dress.”
“Don’t worry.” Anne flicked her program back and forth to fan her face. “I don’t think there are many who are indulging in such frivolity. Anyway, you look like the belle of the ball already, Georgina. Wouldn’t you agree, gentlemen?”
There were murmurs of approval and William smiled to see the pink of Georgina’s cheeks deepen. She flicked him a pleading look.
“We were wondering about the new shop.” He changed the subject.
“The one where Garrat’s was?” Dr Chambers said.
“Yes.” Georgina waved her program. “We see there’s a shop among the advertisements listed here, called Best Fit in Town, and we didn’t know the name H Collins beside it.”
“Harvey Collins has purchased Mr Garrat’s shop,” Councillor Hill said. “And he has already stocked it with more merchandise. I believe he’s a tailor by trade, and won’t be keeping food items. Only manchester, haberdashery and ready-made clothes.”
“He will also be making clothes,” Mrs Hill added. “Are you staying in town for a while, Georgina? You must have a look. He has some delightful items and not at the prices of the Wiltshires.”
“Young Charles Wiltshire was keen to buy Garrat’s place and expand his business further,” Councillor Hill said. “But Henry wouldn’t be in it. I think they may have overstretched themselves of late.”
“That wedding must have cost a fortune.” Anne shook her head. “Quite ridiculous to spend all that money when half the district hasn’t got enough to put food on the table.”
“And the mines are going quiet, I hear,” Dr Chambers said. “The Wiltshires had several wagons carting goods.”
“I have as well and we’ve had to find other work,” W
illiam said. “Hegarty does a regular Port Augusta run now. My brother Robert does all sorts. Lately he has been carting wheat bags full of wattle gum.”
“That’s fiddly work.”
“He doesn’t actually prise the gum from the bark. There are plenty of families doing that. It’s their only income in some places. He carts the bags to the rail.”
“Goodness, it’s a warm night, isn’t it?” Anne was once again fanning her face with her program.
Georgina smiled. “I do hope they have some punch at the refreshment tent. I am parched.”
“Let me get you ladies a drink.” William made his way through the groups of people to one of the tents that had been erected to supply food and drink for the revellers.
A woman stepped back just as he approached and he bumped her arm. “I’m sorry,” he said as she lifted the cup of punch she held.
“No harm done.”
They both looked up at the same time.
Her mouth fell open.
“Mrs Prosser,” he said.
“Yes … William Baker … isn’t it?”
“It is,” he replied, conscious of the eyes watching them. This was the first time he’d seen his mother-in-law in several years. She had aged considerably in that time, and there was such sadness in her eyes. William took a breath. He needed to make the most of this opportunity. Already she was looking away.
“Mrs Prosser, would you be so kind as to spare me a moment?” He hoped she would not spurn him with people nearby watching them.
She lifted her head and glanced away, then her shoulders sagged. “Very well.”
“Perhaps we could stroll this way.” He indicated the path from the hall towards the shops. There was some moonlight to guide them as they moved away from the lanterns that adorned the hall inside and out.
Once there was some distance between them and the nearest people he stopped and turned to her. “Mrs Prosser, I’ll be quick. I know I am not the son-in-law you had hoped for but I love your daughter very much.”
She sighed through pursed lips but held his gaze.
“I know you love her too and even though she’s being very stubborn about it I believe she wants to see you.”
“And yet she is not the one saying so.” She glanced behind. “I assume my daughter is here somewhere. I didn’t notice her in the crowd.”
Jewel In the North Page 34
