Rata flowers are red

by Mary Moore

  ' Oh, I don't know.' Mark's expression was enigmatic. ` He never married and was always on at me not to leave it until too late. He thought Paul was fortunate marrying young and having a family. This was his way of making his point.'

  ` What is Zelda like ? Do you love her ?'

  She's a very nice girl. When she's at home we go around a lot together. I've known her for years.'

  ` Does she know about the will ?'

  Of course not. Only the lawyer, Nan, and myself and Paul know the contents of the will. Oh, I forgot to mention the twins.'

  ` Would she marry you ?'

  I think she might'

  `But what would she think if she found out

  that you'd only married her to get the farm ?' Judy was horrified.

  ' I didn't say that was the only reason I would have for marrying her. Anyway, she's a very sensible girl. I'm sure she would think it a good idea.'

  Sensible ? I think it's shocking ! However, it's none of my affair.' Judy stood up and put her cup on the table. It beats me why you bother working so hard or trying to balance your budget when you've got the problem already solved.'

  Why are you so angry, Judy ?—not that it doesn't suit you to look angry. I think I've mentioned it before.'

  ' I'm not angry, just disgusted. I didn't think you were like that.'

  Like what ?' He was laughing at her.

  `Miserable, calculating, someone who would marry for money. I hope you have all the happiness you deserve, but I'm sorry for the girl. Good night!'

  Judy, you're always jumping to conclusions. I never said I was going to marry her. I was just telling you the terms of the will.'

  I'm not interested.' Judy would have liked to slam the door, but was scared of waking the whole household.

  Judy was so angry she thumped the pillow with rage, and then burst into tears. After a while she stopped and tried to work out why

  she was so angry. It wasn't because Mark was going to marry Zelda. If he had said he was in love with Zelda she would have accepted that, but he had implied that it would be a sort of arranged marriage.

  He was just despicable. How could she have been so mistaken in his character ? She had admired him so much. He was so good with Vicki and Peter. He and his mother shared a wonderful relationship. He worked so hard and was so cheerful—so kind. She had liked him, more than liked him—not loved, that would have been stupid.

  I hate him, she told herself firmly. He's just not worth thinking about. I can't leave here because I've found out what he really is. I love Nan and the children. It wouldn't be fair to leave them in the lurch. I will wait until after Christmas. They should have some definite word about the twins' parents by then. And she had to admit it—she wanted to see Zelda. What could she be like ? Sensible ! Ugh !

  Judy fell into an uneasy sleep just before dawn. She didn't wake at the usual time and Nan was surprised to see her come into the kitchen.

  ' Oh, I thought you were over at the shed, Judy. Didn't you sleep well ?' Nan's voice was sympathetic.

  Not very,' admitted Judy. I don't think I'll go to the shed this morning. I'll do the

  lunches, and then start the washing. Do you

  think it will keep fine ? It looks a bit cloudy.'

  The weather report is for rain. We might be lucky. We can always finish the clothes off in the drier if it does rain.'

  When Mark and the children came in laughing together, Judy decided grimly that Mark wouldn't get around her as easily as he did the twins.

  Why weren't you at the shed, Judy ?' Vicki demanded. Were you sick ?'

  No, darling, I wasn't sick. Now eat your breakfast or you'll be late for the bus.'

  'Oh, I think your prize Judy is just a oncer, kids. You won't see her back in the shed.'

  Both twins defended Judy loyally. Peter wasn't having his star pupil maligned or criticized. You will come over tonight, won't you, Judy ?'

  Of course. Really, you must hurry. Get your cases.' She refused to look at Mark.. Drat the man ! She had intended keeping as far away from him as possible. Now to pacify the twins she would have to spend a couple of hours a day in his company. After the twins left Judy cleaned the table and stacked the dishes.

  Will you come and give me a hand to move the sheep, Judy ?'

  No, I'll be busy in the house today,' she replied brusquely.

  Oh, don't tell me you're still mad at me.'

  Mark put a friendly hand on her arm.

  Don't touch me ! ' Judy flared, shrugging away.

  Temper, temper ! '

  What's the matter with you two ?' asked Mrs Palmer. Have you been teasing her, Mark ?'

  No, Nan my pet, I haven't been teasing her. She's disillusioned. She has discovered that I have feet of clay, and is very angry with me.'

  ' You do flatter yourself, my son. Only finding that their idols have feet of clay upsets people, and I'm sure Judy is much too intelligent to have ever thought you perfect.'

  But you think I'm perfect, don't you, Nan ?' queried Mark in a plaintive tone.

  ' I do not,' replied Nan severely. I think you can be most aggravating sometimes. Now get off to work and leave Judy and me in peace.'

  ' Right, I'm off. Who would want to stay in a house with two bad-tempered women ? 'Bye ! '

  Judy worked furiously. She pegged out the washing, then scrubbed the kitchen, wash-house and verandah. Then she polished the kitchen floor. She tidied and luxed the bedrooms, cleaned the bath and basin, moving like a whirlwind.

  Nan called, Judy, stop work this minute ! Come and have a cup of tea. It's poured out.

  Come on, now, the house is as clean as a new Pin

  Judy came through to the kitchen reluctantly. She took her cup of tea but did not drink it. She was ashamed of her bad temper. She knew that she was being unreasonable. Mark meant nothing to her. The very fact that she was being illogical made her even more angry.

  Nan's quiet voice interrupted her thoughts. ' What's worrying you, Judy ? Can I help ? Have you and Mark really quarrelled ? Are you angry at him for upsetting the twins last night ? Is that it ?'

  ' No, of course not. It's nothing to do with Peter and Vicki. Really, it's nothing at all. I'm just being silly,' Judy said unhappily.

  ' We're all silly sometimes.' Nan's voice was sympathetic. ' Tell me what it is. I'm fond of you, Judy. I don't like to see you upset.'

  `Mark told me about his uncle's will last night, and that to make sure of getting the farm he'll have to marry a girl named Zelda. I thought Mark was such a wonderful person, and now I think he's despicable. To marry a girl for money . . . !' Judy pushed her cup away and walked over to the window, fiercely fighting back the threatening tears. What was the matter with her? She rarely cried, but now she was becoming a real crybaby.

  She stared out of the window until she had control of herself, then realized that Mrs Palmer had not answered her. She turned.

  Don't you think that’s terrible, Nan ? To marry a girl to get money. Not because he

  loves her, but because it would be a satisfactory arrangement.'

  Did he tell you that he didn't love her ?' questioned Nan.

  No. I asked him if he did, but he didn't say yes or no.'

  Did he definitely say he was going to marry her ?' Nan persisted.

  Well, not a definite statement,' Judy spoke as if the words hurt her, but his intentions are quite obvious. First he said he couldn't balance his budget, then he said he wasn't going to lose the farm, then he said if he married Zelda Morrison before the first of March. everything would be all right.'

  Mrs Palmer sighed. Well, Mark and Zelda have been friends for years. It's quite on the cards that they will marry. But I can tell you one thing for certain, he won't marry her un-less he loves her. Mark talks a lot of nonsense

  at times, but he has often said to me that un-less he's as lucky as Paul in finding a real mate he would never marry. So you can be assured that if they do marry it won't be just for the sake of the farm. Does that
make you feel any better ?'

  Yes, yes, it does. If it’s true,' said Judy

  doubtfully. ' It was the thought of him being so calculating, so coldblooded, that upset me. It didn't seem in character. It shocked me. Why do you think he misled me like that ?'

  Perhaps to get your reaction ?'

  Oh, he got that all right,' said Judy, and laughed.

  That's better, you're smiling again. He was probably only teasing you—or maybe he had some other reason.'

  Nan,' Judy hesitated for a moment, then continued, ' I want to ask you something. How do you know for sure when you are in love ? Is there any test? Let me tell you about Bruce. I would like to ask your advice.'

  Mrs Palmer listened carefully. Judy told her the whole story from the time she had met Bruce in England until she had given him back his ring.

  ' Honestly, Nan, he was a completely different person in his own home. In England he was wonderful, light hearted and full of fun, but once he was with his mother ..

  Judy shrugged her shoulders hopelessly.

  ' Thank you for telling me, Judy. Mark did tell me, when you first came, that you were only here until you sorted out a personal problem. Have you come to any decision yet?'

  ' No. That's what's so awful. I've been here nearly two months and I'm still un-

  decided. Bruce is becoming impatient, and I can't blame him really. I've been wanting to talk it over with you. I want to ask you what. I should do. Should I marry Bruce ?'

  Nan looked into Judy's trusting eyes. ' My dear, I wouldn't dream of telling you what you should do. It must be your own decision. It is your life. But I will say this, if you have any doubts, any doubts at all, don't marry him. You must be absolutely sure that he's the right man before you commit yourself.'

  But how can I be sure ? Judy cried. ' How did you know that Mark's father was the right man for you ? Were you really sure before you married him ?'

  Nan's smile was sweet. ' Quite, quite sure. When he told me he loved me I felt I was walking on air. When he held my hand I felt safe. His presence gave me comfort, courage, and a sense of belonging. When he kissed me I knew I could never love anyone else. Whether he made me happy or miserable didn't seem important, just so long as I could be with him. Perhaps I was one of the lucky ones, because I knew from the day I met him that he was the only man in the world for me.'

  ' I don't feel like that about Bruce,' Judy said sadly. Yet I like him very much. It seems so unfair to keep him waiting.'

  It would be much more unfair to marry him before you were sure. Take your time, perhaps something will happen to point the

  way for you.'

  It started to rain later in the afternoon and Judy had to race out to the line to rescue the washing.

  Wasn't I lucky? They're all beautifully dry,' she said as she placed the basket on the table.

  It rained steadily all the night and the next morning it became heavier. While they were milking, the noise of the rain pelting on the shed roof drowned out the sound of the radio and milking machines. Thunder rolled ominously in the distance. As they finished the storm moved closer and the sky lit up with vivid flashes of lightning. As the thunder crashed overhead the ground actually trembled. Judy was soaked to the skin by the time she reached the house, and was glad to change into dry clothes.

  ' I've never seen anything like it, Nan. It scares me, yet it's exciting,' remarked Judy as she sat down to breakfast. Does it always rain like this ? Look at the windows. They're like fish shop windows in town. The water is just bucketing down.

  I wish we didn't have to go to school,' moaned Peter. We'll miss all the flood. The kids on the other bus are lucky. They usually get sent home early when it floods.'

  Do you like floods ?' asked Judy, turning to help Vicki button her coat

  Yes,' said Vicki, her eyes sparkling. ' Last

  time we had a raft out on the lawn. It was great fun. Oh, I do hope it comes up properly.'

  You little horrors ! What about all the sheep and cattle ?' Judy scolded, but the twins did not stop to answer as they ran for the bus.

  Where's Mark, Nan ? Isn't he having any breakfast ? Whoo ! that was close,' Judy cried as the lightning flashed, making the telephone ring.

  He went down to check on the river. I don't think it will be up yet, but it won't be long if this deluge keeps up.'

  How long Does it have to rain before it floods ?'

  It depends on how heavy the rain is. Rain. like this will bring a flood in about five hours. Sometimes it can rain for weeks without flooding.'

  I think -that's Mark on the porch now,' said Judy, getting up to put the kettle on. She put his bacon and eggs in the pan and made some toast.

  As Mark sat down to the table he looked worried. It's going to be a real old man. flood. The paddocks are covered with surface water now. I reckon we've had nearly an inch of rain this morning. The thunderstorm is travelling to the north. I'll start moving the stock as soon as I've had this.'

  Can I help ?' offered Judy hesitantly.

  Mark grinned, Decided to forgive me, love ?'

  There's nothing to forgive,' Judy replied stiffly.

  Let's say you don't think I'm such a bad bloke after all ?' His eyes were amused.

  I'll reserve judgement,' answered Judy.

  You're a hard woman,' Mark laughed. I don't think you'd better come with me. It's raining cats and dogs out there. I can manage. There's no need for you to get wet.'

  But I would like to help.' Judy persisted. It's not cold rain. I've been wet before. I won't melt.'

  Please yourself, but don't say I didn't warn you.'

  Just then the phone rang. Mark answered it and came back. Well, if I had any doubts, they're gone. That was Jim—he says it's been raining in the back country all night and the river there has burst its banks. We've got about two hours at the outside.'

  All morning Judy helped him bring the sheep, the cattle and the calves up on to the road. The stock were stubborn and hard to move. Judy was appalled at the sight of the Grey River in full flood. It was terrifying to see the ugly brown water surging and boiling past. It was two miles wide from bank to bank and Judy saw huge trees being washed down, some of them being hurled end over end in the raging torrent. She saw some cattle being swept down, far out from the bank. It made her sick to watch their feeble efforts against the tremendous current.

  Some of them will manage to get ashore further down where the river takes a big swing just before the gorge,' Mark told her. ' I've heard that the police stand on the Grey River bridge at Greymouth and put a bullet into the ones that get that far. At least it puts them out of their misery before they get swept over the bar and out to sea. I don't know if it's true or not. I've always been too busy saving my own stock to worry much about anyone else when the flood is on.'

  As they mustered the last lot of stray sheep and drove them over to the road, they found that the water had risen alarmingly. It covered the bridge and about a chain each side. The sheep would not face it.

  Mark and Judy pushed and shoved and yelled, the dogs barked, but still the sheep would not move.

  We haven't got much time. In five minutes it'll be too late. Push your way through to the front, Judy Mark yelled. Then lead them in. I'll stay here with the dogs and keep them bunched.

  Judy struggled through the flock of wet, bewildered sheep, and waded into the water. It was well over her gumboots, but by now she was so wet it didn't bother her. Miraculously the sheep followed her and were soon

  safe on the high ground.

  That's great,' said Mark as he splashed through the water. ` To think I was going to leave you at home ! I would have lost that bunch if you hadn't been here. Well, I think we've got the lot. Let's go home and get something to eat. That was close, you know. The river is coming up much more quickly than I expected. I wouldn't have managed without your help. You're a great girl.' He put his arm around her and gave her a hug. You poor little thing! You look like a drowned rat.'


  ' I've had more attractive compliments in my time.' But she smiled as she said it.

  To Judy's amazement, Koromiko Creek, the little creek by the house, was a raging river. It had overflowed its banks and the water was flowing all over the lawns, the paths and the gardens.

  Oh, poor Mac ! Look at his garden. What a shame ! Will it come into the house, Mark ?' she asked apprehensively as she rescued some of the twins' toys that were bobbing about in the water.

  No, it's never been through the house to my knowledge. It pours through the wash-house but stops an inch short of the top step. Whoever built this place put it on high piles, but I wouldn't mind if they had put it up another foot. An inch to spare doesn't give you a real feeling of security, does it ?'

  Nan was delighted to see them home and learn that all the stock was safe. She bustled about putting a hot meal on the table while they changed into dry clothes.

  Won't the dairy cows be in danger, Mark ?' asked Judy as she drank her second cup of tea.

  They should be safe for a while. I'll milk early this afternoon in case the power goes off. Then I'll bring them out on the road for the night. There's no use upsetting them too early, and they are pretty safe in -that pad-dock.'

  It wasn't safe enough once,' Nan re-minded him.

  Oh, that was years ago.' He explained to Judy, The chap who owned the farm then left the cows in that paddock while he came home for a cup of tea. Poor beggar! A wall of water came down the valley and picked up the cows and left them stuck in those big old black pine trees in the bottom paddock. Those trees are about a hundred foot high and half a mile from here, so you can imagine the force of the water. They say the County trucks were carting them out of here for. days.'

  How terrible,' cried Judy. How can you sit here calmly drinking your tea when the same thing may happen to your herd ?'

  Don't worry. I wouldn't be here if I thought there was any risk. That time -the

  embankment about six miles above us gave way. It won't happen again.'

  It rained incessantly all afternoon. Mark was out all the time, but he would not let Judy go with him. Judy, heard the milking machine start about half past three and she waded across to the shed. At one part she had to climb along the calf yard rails, because the water between the house and the shed was three or four feet deep with a strong current.