Rata flowers are red

by Mary Moore

  ' The doctor said that if I could get someone to help, I could bring her home. She doesn't need nursing, only someone to keep an eye on her, and see that she doesn't overdo things for a start. I had one housekeeper a couple of weeks ago, but she turned out to be an alcoholic. I came in one afternoon to discover her rolling drunk with the twins as interested spectators, so she had to go. This is the busiest time of the year on the farm. I simply can't stay in with the kids when they come home from school, and although they're out with me a lot, I can't take them with me in all weathers.

  ' I put an ad in the Press saying I would be in Christchurch today and would interview any applicants for the job. Two applied and both were hopeless:

  In what way were they hopeless ?' asked Judy.

  Mark waited until the waiter had served their meal and left. He looked slightly embarrassed. One of them wanted an astronomical wage, which I can't afford. The other one intimated that she was quite prepared to

  offer me all the home comforts, and I mean all. She said quite frankly that she would be quite happy to accommodate me if I didn't like sleeping alone.' He shuddered.

  I don't believe you!' Judy's gay laugh rang out.

  It wasn't funny,' Mark glowered. 'After that I tried all the employment agencies and the Labour Exchange. Nothing. No one wants to go out in the country. Now, I know I've got a colossal nerve, but I have to ask. Would you be interested in a position like that ? You did say you preferred the country. I don't want to pressure you, but even if you could come for two or three weeks it would be wonderful. What do you say ?'

  Judy gave him a long steady look. Of course she knew that she could not judge a man's character at one glance, but his clean-cut features made a favourable first impression. He had a strong deeply tanned face, a firm mouth and determined chin'. There were laughter lines around his eyes—blue eyes that held a glimmer of amusement

  I won't press you for an answer. Eat up, or your meal will go cold. I don't expect you to take me at face value, you know. I'll give you the names of several folk here in Christ-church who will vouch for my character. This steak is really good. I was starving ! '

  As Judy ate her steak, eggs and chips she was surprised to find how hungry she was.

  She had been so much on edge lately that she had not felt like eating much. She must be mad to think of going off with a man she hardly knew. But it was a job. And what was the alternative ? Leaving Christchurch tomorrow for an unknown destination and then applying for a position. She was seriously tempted. After all, he did offer references, and there was his mother and children there. And he did have a sense of humour, that was most important.

  ` How do you know I'll be suitable ?' she asked curiously. ` I haven't any references, and I hardly think Mrs Clarkson would give me one.'

  ` You'll be just right. You're strong and healthy, and you'll need to be to keep up with the twins. You can laugh at yourself. this I consider a most necessary virtue. You've shown that you have a fine independent spirit. You'll fit in just perfectly.'

  ' You don't even know if I can cook,' Judy protested.

  Mark laughed, ' Even if you can't boil water, I would still want you. To have someone as pretty as you about the place would make everyone feel so good, it wouldn't matter what we ate.'

  ' Flattery will get you nowhere,' Judy told him firmly. She couldn't help feeling pleased all the same. Mark had shown quite obviously that he liked and admired her. After

  weeks of trying to walk a narrow tightrope of behaviour to gain Mrs Clarkson's approval, she suddenly felt free.

  Tell me about your children. What are their names ?'

  They aren't my children,' Mark looked horrified, they're my brother's kids. You must have misunderstood me. Peter and Vicki are living with me while their parents are overseas. I'm not married.'

  Not married, thought Judy, and was ashamed of the thrill of pleasure she felt.

  Mark took a piece of paper from his pocket, and a pen, and wrote down three addresses. Here are the names and addresses and phone numbers of three people who will speak for me. The first one is Basil Watson, of Watson, Watson and Taylor, solicitors. I was at school with him. The next one is the Vicar of All Saints Church. And the last is my aunt, Mrs Morris. She's rather a pet. Go out and see her. She would come and help me herself, only her husband is an invalid. Well, what's the verdict ?'

  ' I'll come.' Judy's face lit up with delight as she imagined what Mrs Clarkson's reaction to her impulsive decision would be. Her slightly slanted witch-green eyes sparkled wickedly. I've decided the devil you know is better than the devil you don't know.'

  Mark pretended to be hurt. I don't care for your reasoning, my dear girl. I find your

  allusion of my character extremely painful.' Then he smiled, But I'm very relieved that you've decided to take us on. You've taken a tremendous load off my shoulders. You're definitely not the mercenary type. You haven't even, asked what I'm going to pay you.' He named a figure far in excess of what Judy expected.

  Certainly not I wouldn't get near as much as that at the hospital I -think ten pounds a week—sorry, I mean twenty dollars —would be generous. It's hard to get used to thinking in dollars and cents. And I'll come for a fortnight's trial. If I don't like it, or if you don't find me suitable, we can stop there with no hard feelings. Agreed ?'

  I think a fortnight's trial is a good idea, but I'm not having you working for a pit-tance. I'm not a pauper. Say I pay you the same wage you would get from the hospital Will that suit you ?'

  Yes,' agreed Judy thankfully. When do I start ?'

  I'd like to take you with me tonight, but I can hardly expect you to set off into the night with a complete stranger. There's a railcar which leaves Christchurch at ten-twenty every day. Give me that envelope and I'll write my address and phone number on it. You can check up on. me tomorrow and if you haven't changed your mind, send me a telegram saying which day you're -travelling.

  You buy a ticket to Stillwater and I'll meet you there. The railcar gets in about two thirty, I think.'

  Mark sat back and lit a cigarette.. ' Well,

  that's all the details taken care of. I'll run

  you back to the hotel and get on my way.'

  He picked up the tab, then took her ring from

  his pocket and put it in front of her. ' That young chap of yours must be very unimaginative. Fancy choosing an ordinary diamond ring for a girl like you. If I bought you an engagement ring it would be a large square emerald.' ' It's a very valuable ring,' Judy's eyes flashed. 'And you never will have to worry about buying me an engagement ring. If I ever get married, and I don't think I will, I'll take good care to choose an orphan. There'll be no mother messing up my wedding plans another time!'

  ' But you haven't met my mother yet. She's really something. Plenty of girls have wanted to marry me just to get her for their mother-in-law.'

  Judy giggled, her anger forgotten. He really was ridiculous ! She placed the ring in

  her purse and went out to the car.

  Mark drove the short distance to the hotel, and parked the car. He turned to Judy, his voice serious for once. ' Judy, just a minute before you get out. I have something to say

  to you. You're only a young girl, and your

  family are a long way away. You're making a big decision when you hand back that ring. Take my advice, don't be hasty. This afternoon you were very upset. Perhaps you said things you didn't really mean. You've had time to cool down. Think carefully before you act. I suggest that you ring his home to let them know where you are, then tell him you'll see him in the morning. I think it's always best to have a good sleep before deciding anything important. You know the old adage " sleep on it " '

  No, I wouldn't sleep. This decision isn't as sudden as you think. I've been worried for the last month. I've given it plenty of serious thought. I won't change my mind,' Judy said stubbornly.

  Bruce is still in love with you, I presume ?' Mark made it a question.

  Yes.' />
  `And you must have loved him or you wouldn't have promised to marry him. Don't you love him now ?'

  Yes—no. Oh, don't keep at me ! I don't know what I feel for him. I did love him very much when we met in England, but he seems a different person in his own country. I still like him, but I feel sorry for him now. He's clever and intelligent, and is highly respected in the firm where he works. It's just his private life that's such a mess. He never makes a move without his mother's approval. I

  thought if he would transfer to another town our marriage would have a chance. I nearly had him persuaded, but he talked it over with his mother, and she became so upset that he dropped the whole idea.' Judy's voice was bitter.

  Perhaps you over-estimate his mother's control. Once you're his wife you will have a lot more influence with him.'

  Not if she's living next door. Anyway, whose side are you on ?' Judy cried accu-singly.

  I'm not on either side. Personally, I hope you get rid of him and come over to the Coast, but I don't want you to make any mistakes that you may be sorry for afterwards.'

  I'm sorry,' muttered Judy contritely. I know I'm a bit touchy on this subject And it's good of you to bother with me, especially when you have a long drive in front of you. But I'm not a child. I'm twenty-three, old enough to know my own mind. I know now that I couldn't marry Bruce, I couldn't be happy with a man I didn't respect.'

  Mrs Clarkson says she only wants the best for us, and I'm sure that's the -truth. She refers to her interference as, quote, " a gentle guiding hand," unquote. I know that she had many good points, she is an excellent house-keeper, a marvellous cook, better than I will ever be. She's on all sorts of committees, and works hard. She has the best garden in the

  street. Perhaps she does always know best,

  but I want to be free to make my own mistakes. Oh, you don't want to hear all this.'

  Mark encouraged her, Tell me. I'm interested, and it may help you if you get it off your chest.'

  Judy continued, ' You would think being so busy, she would be happy to let us go our own way, but no, she takes an interest in every move we make. For instance, Bruce and I planned to have a small quiet wedding shortly after I arrived. His mother said it wouldn't help his career to have a rushed hole-and-corner wedding. She said it would take her three months to prepare for the type of wedding she wished us to have. So we waited. I wanted to have Bruce's two little nieces as my attendants, but she thought it more fitting to have three girls of my own age. I gave in. Honestly I don't want to bore you with all these petty details, but you must understand that there's no satisfying Mrs Clarkson. No arrangement is too small to escape her notice. If Bruce and I plan to dine out, she says she has people coming for dinner especially to meet me. So we stay in. When we discuss buying furniture, whatever I choose, she has some good reason why it's not suitable, and every time she talks Bruce around to her way of thinking. He's like putty in her hands. I could go on and on, but I won't. This afternoon when she told me

  we were going to live next door, I could see the writing on the wall. I've got to get out and quickly.'

  ' I'm sorry you've had such a rough time, Judy,' Mark said sympathetically. 'Bruce sounds to me as if he's sadly lacking in intestinal fortitude. He deserves to lose you. And as for his mother, she sounds a real beaut.' He got out of the car and went round to open the door for Judy, then escorted her to the hotel.

  Taking her cold hand in his large warm one, he said goodbye. I'm glad we met, Judy. Remember if you change your mind, you have my best wishes. If you decide to come over to the Coast we'll do our best to see you enjoy yourself. Send a wire and I'll be waiting for you.' He gave her hand a comforting squeeze and walked away to his car.

  CHAPTER II

  Judy caught the railcar with only minutes to spare. Her face was flushed as she sank thankfully into her seat. What a rush ! She felt quite jubilant. Last night, when Mark had driven off, she had promised herself that she would be on the railcar the next morning come what may. And here she was. She did not know why the thought of catching the railcar had become so important, but she had used it as a crutch to support her through the painful meeting with Bruce last night.

  He had been waiting for her when she returned to the hotel. He had been worried and upset about her disappearance. Poor Bruce, she had felt a swift rush of pity as she saw his anxious face.

  They had gone for a drive. The name of the place she did not remember, but it had been a beautiful spot. The sky had been alive with brilliant stars and the light of the full moon shone on the sea. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore had seemed but an echo of her own smashed hopes and dreams.

  There she had told Bruce she would not marry him. He had been quite marvellous, she had to admit that. He had listened to what she had to say, without interrupting or

  arguing. Bruce had agreed that his mother was too possessive and that he had been un-fair to Judy. He had been quiet and con-trolled, but had not attempted to hide how deeply hurt he was. He begged for another chance.

  Judy had found herself weakening. She had loved him very much, but she knew deep in her heart that their marriage would not work out She was sorry for him, but pity was no foundation on which to base a happy marriage.

  Bruce had promised to see the land agent first thing in the morning and cancel -the deal even if it cost him money. He promised to apply for a transfer to Wellington and he was reasonably certain it could be arranged with-in two months. He promised to agree to any-thing Judy wanted, if only she would marry him. He had been quietly determined and sure of himself, adamant that he would not accept her decision as final. Judy had never admired him more. If only he had shown that firmness with his mother a month ago there would have been no broken engage-ment now. Even so Judy had held to her purpose. She was scared to trust him. She had been hurt too often. The magic had gone from their romance.

  Finally he realized that she was determined to give his ring back. Very well, Judy, I'll -take the ring and keep it in the hope that one

  day you'll let me put it back on your finger where it belongs. I love you so much. I know that I've been a fool. If you give me another chance I'll make amends. Perhaps it's a good idea for you to go away, but you must let me know where you will be. Let me write to you.' His voice was desperate. Let me see you once again. Take all the time you want to reconsider your decision. One month, two months, I don't care how long, but you've got to let me see you once more.'

  Judy had not the heart to refuse to see him again, although she told him it would be useless. She would not change her mind. She advised him to get away from his mother and start living his own life, not for her sake, but for his own.

  They had parted friends, but Judy knew that they had lost something very precious. It would never be the same between them. She had gone to bed shaken and miserable, and had cried herself to sleep.

  The clickety-clack of the wheels and the rocking motion of the railcar were soothing. Her thoughts turned to what lay ahead. She began to feel a bit apprehensive. Perhaps she had been too impulsive jumping at the first offer of a job.

  What did she know about Mark Palmer? Nothing. This morning she had decided that since Mark had given her the position on face value, it would be mean of her to check up

  on his credentials. Now she was not so sure.

  She might be heading into a very difficult situation. Then and only then did she remember that she had not sent the telegram to say she would be arriving today. What an idiot she was !

  Good morning. Mind if I sit here ?'

  Judy looked up startled to find an elderly man putting his case in the luggage rack above her head. She smiled and moved over nearer the window.

  The man sat down and gave Judy a 'friendly smile. Cass Davis is the name. My daughter doesn't approve of me smoking and so she booked me into a non-smoking compartment. I've just got the guard to change me through here.' He lit a cigarette with obvious satisfaction and winked at her. ' What the eye doesn't see the h
eart doesn't grieve over ! '

  Judy had to laugh.

  Mr Davis settled down to read his paper, and Judy stared blankly out of the window. Her mind filled with unhappy thoughts. She would have to send a cable to her parents to let them know the wedding was off. Not that the news would affect them much. They had let Judy go her own way for a long time. She had been twelve when they had been divorced. They had been pleased that Judy had accepted the breaking up of their home with apparent indifference. But that indifference

  had only been on the surface. The hurt had gone deep, and the feeling of insecurity had taken years to conquer. She had been sent to boarding school and had spent the vacations being shared equally between them. They had both remarried and had young families. Judy knew they still loved her, but the feel-ing of being a visitor persisted whenever she visited either household.

  From this experience she had become deter-mined to make sure that if she ever married it would be for life. She would not be guilty of giving any child of hers that lost lonely feeling that she had suffered when her parents split up. But how could you be sure that love would last ? She had believed that Bruce was the right man for her. She was shaken with doubts. She had read somewhere that child-ren from broken homes had less chance of making a successful marriage than those from happy, secure homes. Well, if that was the case she would never marry.

  Have you ever been to the Coast before ?' Judy suddenly realized that her seat companion was speaking to her.

  No, this is my first visit,' she replied, only too happy to have someone to talk to. Any-thing was better than sitting brooding.

  Great place. I've just been on. a visit to my daughter in Christchurch and I'm real glad to be heading home. My son has a farm in Totara Flat, and I live with him and his

  family. His wife is a great girl. I potter about the place and do odd jobs for them. I'm real lucky I have such a good home. You know, I went out to an old people's home when I was in Christchurch, to see a friend of mine. It would fair break your heart to see those old folk. I reckon it would be a living death to be shut in one of those places. Mind you, I'm not saying they're not well cared for, but after a life of hard work, to be shoved in there by your kids as if you were a nuisance ! It must be hell.'