by Mary Moore
Judy, who had been doing just that, said primly, ' Oh, I'd heard the Colonials had no little conceit of themselves.'
Oh, had you ? Did you also hear that we don't like being called Colonials and that we're wild and reckless, especially when insulted before breakfast ?' Without effort he scooped her into his arms and held her poised over the water trough. Apologize or I'll. drop you in ! '
Judy struggled wildly. Let me down! You wouldn't dare ! '
' Oh, wouldn't I?' His blue eyes were full of mischief. He lowered her feet into the water. Say sorry like a lady for calling me a big skite. One, two, three!'
' I'm sorry ! ' Judy yelled.
Mark set her carefully on her feet. Thank you for your most abject apology.'
You're no gentleman,' stormed Judy. You hurt me.'
I did not,' replied Mark, smiling, and held the gate open with exaggerated courtesy.
Let's go home and get some breakfast. Come on, Judy love, I don't like fighting on an empty stomach. Don't sulk.'
Oh, you're impossible,' replied Judy, but she smiled as she went through the gate be-side him. It was extraordinary. If any other man had treated her like that she would have marched off in high dudgeon. But Mark seemed to be able to tease her, make her fighting mad, then disarm her completely with that wonderful smile of his.
After breakfast Judy tidied and cleaned the bedrooms, and as Nan still would not let her into the kitchen, she wandered out into the garden. How lovely it was ! The huge lawn, swept down to the creek which was bordered by a mass of golden daffodils. Two huge rhododendron trees were just coming into bud. Some forsythia trees were in bloom with their shower of golden. bells; and the heavenly scent of a heavily laden daphne tree filled the air.
Nan joined her. There's just a small patch of garden to weed, Judy. Here along the cement path. Mac does the lawns and shrubs, also the vegetable garden.'
Who is Mac ?'
He's an old man who lives across the
road. He's a grand old chap, Mr McTaggart, but he takes a lot of knowing. He keeps the place looking lovely.'
Yes, it really is beautiful. I wondered how Mark found time to do the lawns.'
Oh, Mark ! ' laughed Nan. He would rather plough and sow a hundred acres than do a small vegetable garden. Mac has been here as long as I can remember. He taught both Mark and Paul to fish and last year he taught Peter. They're both eagerly looking forward to the fishing season. which starts in October.'
While Nan went inside, Judy got busy with her gardening fork. It took her about an hour to weed and dig the small garden. She was busy admiring her work when around the corner came an old man. He was tall, straight and almost gaunt, and his hair was snow-white. He eyed Judy up and down, then looked at the garden.
You've no done a bad job there, lassie.'
' Thank you.' Judy brushed her hair back from her forehead. Are you Mr McTaggart ?'
The old man nodded. 'And you'll be Judy. The children have been telling me of you.'
You like gardening, Mr McTaggart ?'
Yes.' The soft Scottish burr was most apparent.
How long have you been in New Zealand ? You haven't lost your accent.'
I have no kept track of the years. I came
here as a young lad of eighteen to seek my fortune.'
`And did you find it ?'
No, but I found something a lot better—contentment.'
' What part of Scotland do you come from ?'
' I was born in Skye. The Isle Of Skye.'
Why, isn't that strange ! I was on Skye last year. I went with a friend on a trip to Scotland last year and went to several of the islands.'
The old man's keen eyes brightened and he questioned Judy eagerly on the changes that had come to the Island since he was there last.
Have you ever been back, Mr McTaggart ?'
' Oh yes, I went back. I had no been in New Zealand only but a few years when the war broke out, and I went to France. Spent four years in the trenches there. I went to Skye on leave, and a great fuss of me they made.'
Nan came to the door. Cup of tea, Judy. Oh, good morning, Mac. Come and have a cup of tea with us ?'
No, thank you, missus. I'll be away to my work,' and he walked briskly away.
As Judy and Mrs Palmer sat down for their tea Mark walked in.
My word, you ladies do yourselves proud. Every time I come in you're sitting gossiping
over a cup of tea,' he teased.
For that you can get your own cup of tea,' said Nan firmly. Judy has been working hard in the garden -this morning.'
I met Mr McTaggart,' Judy offered.
I'll bet that didn't take long. Mac would say " Good morning and that would be that He's one of the strong silent types like my-self.'
Oh, I wouldn't say that. He talked to me for ages. I think he's a real poppet.'
Ye gods ! ' cried Mark. If he hears you calling him a poppet you'd better look out.'
Ifs true, Mark,' said Nan. She had old Mac eating out of her hand. I looked out and saw them going hammer and tongs, so I waited a while before I called them.'
Our Judy is quite a girl. One look from her and we men are down on our knees.'
It wasn't so much what he said but the look in his eyes that made Judy blush.
Now, Mark, you just stop teasing Judy,' said Nan sternly. Have another scone, Judy, you earned it'
What are you doing with yourself after lunch, Judy ? Would you like to come for a walk around the farm with me ?'
Why, I'd love to.' Judy's face lit up with. pleasure. But what about you, Nan ?'
Now stop worrying, I'm fine. I'll go to bed for a rest after lunch—that's a promise. You go with Mark. The walk will do you
good. You've been tied to the house ever since you arrived.' Nan patted Judy's hand affectionately.
' Watch her, Judy. She's a very cunning old lady. She knows you've_ been here two weeks and she's worked you like a slave. Now she's trying to sweeten you up in case you've decided to up stakes and leave us to it.'
' Oh, I wouldn't do that. I love it here. mean—that is,' Judy blushed and stammered, `if you want me to stay.'
Want you to stay ?' Mark grinned. Nan and I were discussing the purchase of a ball and chain—
Shh, don't be ridiculous, Mark. Judy my dear, of course we want you to stay. I can't tell you the difference it's made to the whole family having you here. We were at our lowest ebb. I was becoming so depressed, lying in hospital, worrying about Mark and the children, about Paul and Betsy, and then Mark brought you home.'
Not bad for a pick-up, is she, Nan ?' Mark's smile was wicked.
Out of here, Mark Out you go I'm ashamed of you.' Nan chased him out the door and shut it firmly behind him. I'm sorry, Judy. Mark shouldn't tease like that.'
Don't worry, I'm not offended.' Judy giggled. I think he's a proper nut.
After lunch she walked down the farm road with Mark. The sun was shining, the gorse was in bloom, the grass green—it was glorious.
Mark explained, This road we're on was originally the main road. When the railway came through they built the main road on a higher level. Suits me fine having a good road from one end of the farm to the other, the bridges thrown in too. I don't know where "I'd be without it when the farm floods. I have to bring all the stock up here.'
Judy, who had been looking with interest at the green fields sloping gently down to a river in the distance, turned incredulously. ' You mean a flood could cover all your farm ?'
' It has many times,' Mark answered. You're joking again.'
I'm telling the truth, Judy love, and it's no joke. You remember the name of the station the night you arrived ?'
Judy nodded. Stillwater.'
Yes, Stillwater. Well, below Stillwater, on the way to Greymouth, there's a gorge—very narrow—with sheer rock walls. When it rains for two or three days—heavy rain, I mean—the water from back country creeks and rivers comes roaring down the Grey. It can't get through the gorge quickly
enough, so it backs up and up. This farm, except for this road and the house, goes completely under
water. Not a raging flood water, still and quiet, but just as deadly.'
It must be horrible,' Judy shuddered, feeling cold in spite of the sun.
' It's not that bad really,' replied Mark. I've got friends who live up country. When the river there bursts the banks in a big flood they ring me and I know I've got about four hours to clear the stock. I was caught badly the first year I was here, but I'm a bit more careful now. You'll probably see a flood one of these days.'
' I don't want to,' Judy answered hurriedly.
Neither do I want one, but we usually get a good flood in September or October. Of course, plenty of times I move the stock and it's only a false alarm, but if I don't move quickly at the first sign then they're cut off. See how those deep gullies run through the farm. The water fills those first then gradually covers the farm. When I own it, I'm going to bridge those gullies and I won't be forced to clear the stock every small flood.'
When will you own the farm ?' asked Judy.
The beginning of March is D-Day. At the moment I lease it from my uncle's estate, but in five months' time it should be mine, God willing.'
I wouldn't want to own it if half the time it's under water.'
How you women love to exaggerate—half
the time ! Sometimes there isn't a big flood in two or three years. Sometimes it can go under water three times in one week, but the point is all the best land on the Coast is near the river. Anyway, the water only stays about twelve hours at the outside.'
They walked down off the road and crossed a little bridge. The scent of the blue gums was strong and tangy. Judy crushed the leaves in her fingers.
See those big pines there on the hill ? They're over a hundred years old. The first settler on this farm planted them.'
Judy loved her walk around the farm and noticed the pride in Mark's voice as he showed her his stock—the sheep, the calves, the yearlings, the two-year-old steers, and, as they came in a full circle back to the house, the black and white dairy cows, sleek and healthy.
I've been all over the farm,' she boasted to Nan and the twins at afternoon tea.
That you haven't,' interrupted Mark. You've seen about half of it. I've three hun-dred acres across the creek to the north. It's pretty rough up there. A lot of it's swamp and flax and bush. I'll take you that way next time.'
Hurry up and finish your tea,' begged Peter. Then you can come and get the cows with us.'
No, Judy has done enough walking today.
She's too tired to go for the cows with you—another time perhaps,' Mark said firmly.
Judy, who had been feeling tired after walking for hours, could not bear to see the disappointment on the twins' faces.
Vicki, always the most aggressive, was arguing. You had her all day, Uncle Mark. You showed her all your mouldy old farm, and when we want to show her our things you say she's too tired. You're mean. You said Judy came to iodic after us and now you're keeping her for yourself.'
Judy laughed, and felt a warm glow of happiness at being wanted. It wiped away her fatigue. I'm not a bit tired. Get Nan's gumboots out again and I'll be there in a minute.'
The twins showed her all their favourite places on the way down for the cows—the pond where they caught tadpoles, a tree but they had built last summer, a wild duck's nest. When they returned to the shed Mark had the motor going and the twins wanted to teach Judy how to milk the cows.
No !' Mark was firm. Judy is tired, she's going to sit by the water trough and look delectable, while you two show her what good workers you are.'
Why can't I learn ?' questioned Judy.
Because I'm not having you getting hurt while you're here. It's not as easy as it looks. Now go and sit down out of the way.'
If a little girl of ten can do it, I don't see why I can't.'
`Go and sit down!'
Judy was really rather relieved and did what she was told. Later, during a pause in the milking, Peter sidled up to her and whispered, ' Uncle Mark's just being stuffy. Me and Vicki will show you how to milk at the weekend. We won't let him know until you can do it real good.'
Judy, who had only argued with Mark because she was tired and feeling contrary, rather than that she had any real desire to learn how to milk, wondered what she had let herself in for. She was thankful that the twins had confidence in her ability, but realized that she would have to do the work, or they would think she was letting the side down.
Later on that evening after the twins were in bed Mark suddenly realized that he had left the gate behind the orchard open. He went out to the back door, then returned. Come for a walk down to the orchard with me, Judy. There's a beautiful full moon. I'll bet you've never seen anything like it.'
I'm comfortable here, thanks,' Judy replied.
Look, Mark, you've walked the poor girl off her feet today. Leave her in peace.'
She's just lazy,' Mark coaxed. Come on, Judy. It's such a beautiful night I want to share it with someone.'
Judy went through to her room and put on a jacket and shoes. They walked in silence down to the orchard. Mark closed the gate and they leaned on it as they looked at the sky.
Thank you for making me come, Mark,' Judy said softly. ' I've never seen the moon so big. It's magnificent, the snow on the mountains shining in the moonlight and the scent of the blossoms. I can't find the words to describe it. Those mountains seem to call me. One day I'd like to try climbing them.'
Suddenly from the tree above her came the most horrible chuckling—like the laugh of a madman.
Mark ! ' screamed Judy, and threw herself into his arms, terrified. Mark's arms closed around her as he roared with laughing.
' What are you laughing at ? What was that horrible noise ?' demanded Judy indignantly, trying to release herself.
That was only an opossum up the plum tree, Judy. Now stand still and tell me, did you mean what you said to Nan this morning about wanting to stay here ?'
Yes. Let me go.'
' What about Bruce ? Are you still going to marry him ?'
' I don't know. I told him I'd think it over and that's what I'm doing. There's no hurry. Let me go.'
One more question. At this moment, then,you're not engaged to Bruce ?'
No.' The sensation of being held in Mark's strong arms was making Judy feel _very peculiar.
Good,' replied Mark, and bent and kissed her competently and enthusiastically, then quietly released her.
How dare you kiss me ?' demanded Judy angrily.
No trouble. You launched yourself into my arms—I mean I'd be a fool not to avail myself of the opportunity. At least I checked to see if you were free first I think I was very helpful.'
Helpful ?' splattered Judy indignantly.
Yes, helpful. You said you were trying to make up your mind whether to marry Bruce or not. Well, now you know what it might be like if you don't marry him.'
You haven't helped at all—you've made me more confused.'
In what way ?' asked Mark innocently. Never mind. I'm going home.'
Don't be mad, Judy love, I'll behave my-self. Come and see -the little chap who frightened you.'
Judy let him lead her forward to see the furry little opossum. It peered down at her with bright inquisitive eyes. Oh, isn't he a darling ? I'd love to cuddle him.'
Well, don't,' advised Mark. They have very strong, sharp claws.' Taking her hand
in his warm comforting- clasp, he walked slowly home. Have you enjoyed your day off, Judy ?'
Very much, but I'm tired.'
You'll sleep well tonight. I want to add my thanks to Nan's—it's been wonderful having you here. Bless your generous heart for coming. It's not only the work you've done, but you've brought laughter and light —the whole atmosphere has changed. I can now concentrate on the farm without worry-ing about Nan and the kids.'
At the steps he released her hand and turned to face her. He looke
d at her steadily for a few moments and Judy felt oddly breathless. His hand came up and gently traced the outline of her face.
You're very beautiful, Judy. You have much to offer a man. Take your time deciding your future. Don't waste yourself on a man who's not worthy of your love.' Then he smiled. Sermon over for tonight, off you go to bed. I'll sit here and have a smoke be-fore I go in. Good night.'
Good night, Mark.' Judy hurried inside.
She could not get away from him quickly enough. He disturbed her. Nan had gone to bed. Judy quickly washed and undressed. Before she got into bed she looked in the mirror . . . Beautiful ? No, she wasn't beautiful, but her face was flushed and her eyes were shining like a child who had just seen a Christmas tree.
Angrily she switched off the light. Darn it all, what was the matter with her ? Two weeks ago she was breaking her heart over Bruce and now she was all of a quiver because Mark had told her she was beautiful. Her heart couldn't be trusted—she 'must be a very fickle, shallow-minded girl.
She tried to think of Bruce, but before her was the image of Mark's deep blue eyes and his teasing, tantalizing smile All right then, admit it. He was an exciting person to be with—she couldn't ignore him—he was so vital, so attractive so—so—so comforting somehow. That slow sweet smile would be her undoing if she wasn't careful. He was only her employer—he meant nothing to her, just her boss—she meant nothing to him. She must keep it that way. Her life had enough complications without adding any more.
CHAPTER V
`Are you going to see Uncle Mark play football, Judy ?' asked Peter on Saturday morning. It's the last game of the season. If his team wins this match, they'll win the competition. It will be a great game.'
`I don't know a thing about football, Peter.'
I'll go with you, Judy, and tell you what's going on. Uncle Mark is a beaut player,' Peter told her earnestly.
` He's the best in the world,' cried Vicki with her usual enthusiasm.
No, Vicki, that's not true—the All Blacks are the best in the world. Don Clark—'
Blow Don Clark. Uncle Mark is the best'
Peter, who took his football seriously, was annoyed. Oh, girls ! They don't know anything,' and he ran off.
