Fifty
April 1904
“Isn’t it marvellous to have so many people at Prosser’s Run again?” Johanna looked up from the contented face of her granddaughter, who was nestled in her arms fast asleep.
Georgina paused from piling dainty cakes onto plates and listened to the voices and laughter coming from the sitting room. “It is, Mother, yes.” She bent to gently touch her precious daughter’s cheek then returned to arranging the cakes.
“I love it when we are all together.” Millie lifted a large fruitcake from a wooden box. It had little sprigs of white flowers on top, and a white ribbon circled the outside of the cake.
“Oh, Millie.” Georgina hugged her mother-in-law. “That looks so pretty. Thank you for making it.”
“And I am sure it will taste divine too.” Beth smiled. “Mother’s cakes always do.”
“Will two jugs of lemonade be enough, Georgina?” Ruth hovered beside a tray with jugs and glasses already loaded. She was an eager helper like her sister.
“Yes, Ruth, thank you.”
“What’s going on in here?” William strolled into the kitchen then stopped and clutched his stomach. “Not more food.”
“The christening of your daughter is a special occasion.” Millie placed the cake on the large china plate and turned to William. “There has to be food.”
“She was christened six months ago. Look at the size of her now.”
“The belated celebration of her christening then, now that we are all finally together.” Millie lifted the plate. “Shall I take this through to the dining room, Georgina?”
“Yes. Once the kettle has boiled we’ll gather everyone in there.” Georgina kissed her husband’s cheek. “I’m sure you’ll find room for sweets.”
William groaned as Millie passed him. “If I must.” He walked to his mother-in-law and bent down to look at his daughter. “Grandpa was wondering where Eleanor was. I think he’d like a cuddle.”
“Of course.” Johanna passed the sleeping baby into his arms.
“I’ll take these cakes into the dining room.” Beth lifted two of the laden dishes.
“I’ll help then come back for the lemonade.” Ruth lifted another plate.
“Thank you.” Georgina watched as her husband and her sisters-in-law left, all with hands full.
“You’re so lucky to have married into a big family.” Johanna stood and began to stack cups and saucers onto a tray.
“You are a part of the family too, Mother. For better or for worse.”
“It was a good idea to hold this party now.”
“Well no-one could come to Hawker for the church christening, except for you of course. Christmas was too hot to travel so it has worked out rather well we could all be together now. At least it’s cooler. Even Robert managed to make it between runs.”
“The church christening was busy with the congregation.”
“Of course, and I thought it so sweet that Laura Wiltshire wanted to come with you.”
“She’s a dear. She’s only just turned eight, you know, but she calls on me sometimes. I think she gets rather made use of in her brother’s household.”
“That would not be a surprise.” Georgina lifted the steaming kettle from the fire and poured the water into the large teapot.
“It’s probably also not a surprise to learn there is some ill feeling building towards the Wiltshires in Hawker.”
“Really? What’s Mr Wiltshire done?”
“I don’t think it’s Henry so much — he spends quite a bit of time in Adelaide these days.”
Georgina put a pile of dainty napkins on the tea tray. “So it’s more about Charles.”
“Mrs Hill has taken rather a dislike to him.”
“I don’t think she’s ever forgiven Charles for not marrying one of her daughters.”
“Possibly, but she says he is rather two-faced and she rarely shops at Wiltshire’s any more. Some of her friends are following in keeping away. Edith is not well liked either. She puts on a lot of airs and graces for someone who started as a shop girl.”
“Oh dear.” Georgina couldn’t help the smug grin on her face. “Poor Charles.”
Thomas sat back in his chair at the head of the table, his stomach heavy after a piece of Millie’s fruitcake and two of Johanna Prosser’s cream cakes. He had developed quite a sweet tooth in the last few years and the women loved to encourage him. He could hear their voices now, busy in the kitchen cleaning up after the marvellous luncheon they’d all enjoyed, and no doubt planning what they would bring out for supper in only a few hours’ time.
Beth had taken her two younger siblings off to inspect Georgina’s horses, so only the four men remained at the table. It being such a rare occurrence to have all the Bakers together and not working, they were making the most of the late afternoon, sitting and talking.
Joseph produced a bottle of whisky and William found glasses. Thomas declined the drink, he’d never had much of a taste for it, but Robert joined his father and brother and they all relaxed back into their chairs.
“How are you finding fatherhood, William?” Joseph looked at his son over the top of his glass with a proud smile.
“Now I know why you had so many children, Father.” William smirked back. “It is certainly a great joy.”
“Life’s greatest,” Thomas agreed.
“You’re always a soft touch when it comes to babies, Father. Look at how many grandchildren and great-grandchildren you have. My sister has certainly done her part.”
Thomas smiled. “Ellen’s latest letter is all about her new grandchildren. Both Isabelle and Charlotte are wonderful mothers.”
“Of course,” Joseph said.
“And dear Violet and Esther with their growing families.” Thomas thought lovingly of Joseph’s daughters, who he and Lizzie had helped to raise after their mother’s death.
“Esther wanted to come.” Robert shifted in his chair and Thomas turned his gaze to his grandson. “I stayed overnight with her recently on my last trip north. They are mustering at the moment and she couldn’t get away.”
“How are you finding the transport business, Robert?”
Thomas noticed his grandson look to his father and brother before he spoke. “I have more than enough work and I enjoy it.”
“You don’t find it lonely?”
“Not at all. As I said I stayed with Esther just last week and I see Violet when I go to Adelaide, and sometimes Aunt Ellen on the times I head south-east. Along the way there are always other teamsters, carriers and travellers. I find it interesting to meet such a cross-section of people.”
“Well, that is good.” Thomas hadn’t thought about the life Robert led as being social.
“And you know there is always room for you at home if you ever tire of it.” Joseph leaned forward and held Robert’s gaze.
“I know, Father.”
“There’s miles of fencing to be done.” William drained his glass. “I am grateful for the help of the local natives but now that we’re rebuilding our stock I think I will have to employ another permanent stockman to work between here and Smith’s Ridge.”
“I wish fences would keep out rabbits and wild dogs.” Joseph refilled his glass.
Thomas noticed both Robert and William declined a second, and he was quietly thankful. Too much drink could ruin lives. He’d seen enough of that in his time.
“We have trouble with them here as well,” William said. “The dogs not so much as they don’t seem to bother the cattle, but the rabbits can mow through the new grass.”
“You won’t use poison?” Robert asked.
“No.” William’s reply was emphatic. “I want none of that on my land.”
“We’ve discussed it,” Joseph said. “We will find other ways to keep the vermin out.”
“There’s always rabbit pie.” Robert chuckled.
William groaned. “You and your rabbit pie. Always thinking of your stomach.”
“How are you
gentlemen faring in here?”
They all looked up as Johanna came in, carrying a plate piled high with biscuits. “I wonder would anyone like to try one of my burned-butter biscuits.”
There was a chorus of groans. Johanna stopped, her eyebrows raised.
Thomas chuckled. “I’m sure no offence was meant, Johanna. It’s simply that our stomachs are still full from the magnificent lunch we enjoyed.” He leaned across to look at the plate a little closer. “However I am sure I might have a small space to accommodate one of those delicious biscuits.”
This time the chorus was of laughter and Thomas noted he wasn’t the only one to take one of the offered delicacies.
Georgina and Millie joined them, one carrying the teapot and the other a tray of clean cups. When everyone had a fresh cup of tea Joseph raised his glass of whisky.
“Let us drink a toast to the newest member of the Baker clan, my beautiful granddaughter, Eleanor.”
“To Eleanor,” echoed around the room.
Thomas smiled as William kissed his wife’s cheek. They made a fine young couple and Eleanor was a bonny baby. He silently wished them many more children, but he of all people knew that was not always easy.
Fifty-one
September 1907
It was dark by the time the little steam motor coach began to slow for its arrival at the Hawker railway station. Georgina was thankful Eleanor had finally given in to sleep but now the little girl was a heavy weight in her arms. This final stage of their journey had at least been comfortable in the more spacious first-class section with its armrests and a seat by the window. This had been their first ride in the quaint little engine, which at first sight Eleanor, through the wide eyes of a four-year-old, had declared looked like a toy. Regardless of its size Georgina had been pleased to see it waiting when she alighted from the Adelaide train at Quorn. It meant they could travel on to Hawker without an overnight stay as they had done on the journey to Adelaide the week before.
As the coach rolled to a stop Georgina was glad to see William standing among those waiting on the platform. He had his hands in his coat pockets and was stomping from foot to foot. The night air of September in Hawker could be very cold. Georgina knew she would be glad of her thick coat. She waved and pointed to Eleanor. He stood to one side waiting for the last passenger to step off then came to help her.
He kissed her, his lips cold against hers. “Good holiday?” he murmured.
“It was, but I’m glad to be almost home.”
“Any other news?”
“We’ll talk later,” she said, aware that the porter was hovering nearby.
William scooped his daughter into his arms and kissed one rosy cheek. Eleanor nestled against his chest and remained fast asleep.
Georgina felt drained. The trip to Adelaide hadn’t been all holiday. The new Hawker doctor had referred her to a specialist as she had lost two more babies since Eleanor’s birth. The poor little things only grew inside her a few months, and then they were gone. The specialist hadn’t been much help, unfortunately. She looked up at her handsome husband and wished she could be scooped up safely into his arms like their daughter.
“I’ve got your bag, Mrs Baker.” The helpful porter had lifted down her small case from the rack above.
“Thank you.” She rose and followed her husband from the coach.
Georgina climbed into the waiting carriage, with its roof to protect them from the variable weather. “It’s late,” she said as William handed Eleanor back to her. He tucked a blanket around them both for the journey to her mother’s house.
“I’ve come straight here from Prosser’s Run. I didn’t have time to stop and see your mother. I assume she will be in bed.”
Georgina rested her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes as he urged the horse into motion. She longed for bed herself.
“Well, well.” William’s tone made her look up.
Her mother’s house appeared to have a light shining from every window.
Johanna hugged her and supervised them putting Eleanor to bed.
“I have a pot of tea ready and some vegetable tart,” she said. “You never eat well on the train.”
William brought their bags inside. The house had three bedrooms and the middle one was reserved for William and Georgina. She removed her coat and looked longingly at the bed before she joined her mother and her husband in the dining end of the large front room. A fire burned cheerfully in the grate and Georgina held her hands towards it before she sat.
“Sit down and eat.”
Georgina did as her mother bade even though she didn’t feel the slightest bit hungry. William on the other hand was obviously glad his mother-in-law had provided supper, judging by the size of the slice he was devouring.
“How was Adelaide?” Johanna asked.
“Busy. We went to the art gallery and the museum.” She inclined her head towards William. “Eleanor was astounded by some of the exhibits. I wish you had been there to hear her.”
“And your appointment?”
They all stopped at her mother’s question. It was William who broke the silence by taking her hand. “What did the doctor say, Georgina?”
She sighed. “Nothing new to report, I’m afraid. He puts it down to some kind of internal problem and, because I carried Eleanor to almost the full confinement, he seems confident I will do so again.”
“Then that’s good news.” Johanna gave her an encouraging smile.
William squeezed her hand. “We have Eleanor.”
“Yes and that young lady is enough to keep everyone busy.” Johanna slid another piece of tart onto William’s empty plate. “She is so like you, Georgina.” She leaned into the table. “Now I’ve had some terrible news.”
“What is it?” Georgina was glad to no longer be the centre of attention.
“Henry Wiltshire is dead.”
“Oh! That is sad news,” Georgina said. “He was such a help to us after Father died; whatever else happened with the Wiltshires I’ll always be grateful for that.”
William took up his mug of tea. “How did he die?”
“He was in Adelaide visiting his mother and caught a terrible cough.”
Georgina felt a stab of fear. “There were reports of people with influenza while I was there. I hope I haven’t exposed Eleanor to it.”
William gave her a reassuring look. “She’s young and strong.”
“She’s all we have.”
William’s face creased with concern. “And we have each other. We cannot see the future, Georgina. We must take each day as it comes.”
“And how lucky are you to have married such a sensible man?” Johanna gathered their plates. “When I reflect on who you could have married.” She shook her head. “Well, it just doesn’t bear thinking about.” She carried the plates to the bench, tutting as she went.
William stood, a grin on his face. “Time for bed, I think.” He bent and kissed Georgina’s cheek. “I won’t be long.”
She watched him leave the room and then her mother as she put more wood on the fire. They were both right. She was the luckiest woman alive. She had a loving husband and a beautiful daughter.
Johanna returned to sit beside her and reached for her hand. “How are you really, Georgina?”
Immediately the optimism left her and tears filled her eyes. She drew in a sharp breath. “It’s ironic, isn’t it, Mother? Once I had no interest in children and now … when it seems I am to be denied them, I long for nothing else.”
“Circumstances change us all. I have had to change my ideas considerably in recent years.”
Georgina took in the wry look on her mother’s face.
“Here you are married to William Baker, who it turns out is a worthy husband and, as he so wisely said, you have Eleanor. If she is to be your only child then so be it. Perhaps you need to forget about having babies and occupy your thoughts otherwise.” Johanna raised her hand to cup Georgina’s cheek. “Having an only daughter is a
wonderful thing. She will bring you such joy.”
“Oh, Mother.”
They collapsed into each other’s arms. Johanna’s hug was firm and when they finally drew apart her eyes were damp. “I think it’s time we all turned in.” She stood.
“You go.” Georgina gave her a brave smile. “I’ll turn out the lamps.”
Johanna kissed her cheek and left.
Georgina pondered her mother’s words. Her world had become centred on having babies and it wasn’t healthy. She had to find another motivation in her life. It was time she took up interest again in their cattle, and turned some of her focus back to her horses. She had neglected them since Eleanor’s birth. The seasons had been good since the drought and the Lord knew they had plenty of space across three properties. She smiled and felt the weight of the worry that had plagued her for months ease just a little.
Charles slammed the front door behind him. His steps were heavy along the hall in spite of the thick run of carpet beneath his boots.
“Edith,” he called.
She appeared in the kitchen doorway. “Good heavens, Charles, please stop your noise; I’ve just put Victoria down for her sleep.” She studied him closely as he came to a stop in front of her. “Whatever is the matter? I wasn’t expecting you back until tomorrow. Is your grandmother all right?”
“Grandmother is in perfect health, apart from her eyes and her sore hip. It’s Father who’s ruined us.”
Edith glanced at the back door. “Lower your voice. What do you mean ruined us? You were going to conduct a simple funeral.”
“Oh yes, yes. That’s all done. It’s his will. He had one drawn up by a solicitor in Adelaide.”
“Come and sit down, Charles, and tell me what has upset you so.”
Charles followed her into the kitchen, where she had obviously been cooking, judging by the mess everywhere.
“Where’s Leonard?” he asked.
“Laura is with him. They are in the backyard. I had to tell her about your father’s death, Charles. Word has got about. It wouldn’t do for her to have heard the news from elsewhere.”
Jewel In the North Page 42
