by Bonnie Leon
Thomas rested a hand on Mildred’s arm and gently turned her so she faced him. “And how about now? Is it fulfilling?”
“Yes, very. I’m quite happy.” Mildred’s mind traveled back over the last few years. If she were being truthful, she’d have to admit to not being exactly happy. Since Charles’s death and Rebecca’s move here, she’d felt as if she’d been tossed aside. She didn’t mind too terribly much having to live with her sister, Edith. Her family had accepted her into their home. However, she wasn’t really needed. When she’d decided to travel to Queensland, she’d hoped that Australia might be the answer for her. But she wasn’t at all sure she could adjust to living here. It was a bit too primitive. She met Thomas’s eyes. “I have a fine life.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
“Well, then I don’t know how to answer you.” Mildred smoothed her collar. “I’m not young anymore, Thomas. I’m nearly fifty.”
“And do you think I’m young? I’m beyond fifty, my dear. But I don’t intend to stop living because of it.”
“That’s not what I’m saying . . .”
“Mildred, to me you’re still young and beautiful. I want to spend however many days I have left with you.”
Suddenly afraid, Mildred stepped away from Thomas. “You must give me time . . . to think. I’m not sure what I feel.” She tipped up her chin slightly. “I won’t be bullied into marrying anyone. If you care for me you’ll wait until I know for certain just what I should do.”
“I’m a patient man,” Thomas said, his crooked smile reemerging.
With daylight barely touching the sky, Rebecca laid Joseph in his crib and climbed back into bed, snuggling close to Daniel. If only we could have more leisurely mornings, she thought, knowing that the moment the sun brightened the room, Daniel would be up and off to take care of responsibilities on the station.
Daniel stretched and yawned. “Everything all right?” He draped an arm over her.
“Yes. Joseph was just fussy.”
“Thought I heard the little rascal.” Daniel pulled Rebecca close, gently kissing her. “He’s a fine lad.”
“He is, but his sleeping habits could be improved. I barely get to sleep and then I’m up again.”
“Why don’t you have Callie get up with him in the night? She could give him a bottle.”
“I’ve been tempted, but it doesn’t seem right to have someone else look after my son.”
Daniel smoothed soft curls back from Rebecca’s face. “Enough sleep or not, you’re still beautiful.” He kissed her again and then rested his forehead against hers. “Wish I could lie here a bit longer.”
“Why don’t you? Just for a while?”
“There’s work to be done. We can’t always do what we like, eh?”
Rebecca rested her hand on his cheek. “I miss you.”
Daniel grasped her hand and kissed her fingers. “And I dare say, you barely have time to think of me, with Joseph to look after.”
“I love him, but I’ll always want to spend time with you,” Rebecca said with a smile. She glanced in the direction of the nursery. “I was afraid I’d be a terrible mother, but I’ve managed to figure out most of this mothering thing. Sometimes I just stand over his crib and stare at him. I’m still amazed at him and how he came from us.”
“Joseph’s a lucky little boy.” Daniel dropped a kiss on the tip of Rebecca’s nose and then rolled out of bed. He walked to the armoire and proceeded to dress.
Pushing up on one arm, Rebecca asked, “Is there any way I can be of help to you . . . so you won’t have to work so hard?”
Daniel smiled at her. “Watch over Joseph and take good care of yourself. You’ve had a hard go of it.”
“I do those things already.”
“Pray for all of us. That would be a comfort.”
Rebecca sat up and dropped her legs over the side of the bed. “I do that as well. I want to do more. There are so many demands on you—not just Douloo and your family but the people in the church and the community. They depend on you too much. They act as if you are your father.”
Daniel sat on the edge of the bed. “I don’t mind. I want to help, but I’ll never be the man my father was.”
“You’re already a better man.”
“Thanks, luv.”
Unwilling to let things rest, Rebecca pressed, “I’m quite competent and able to be of assistance. I worked with my father for many years.”
“Mum’s taken on the paperwork; perhaps you could help her.”
“I’ll ask her. I wouldn’t mind at all.”
Leaning close, he said, “Soon you’ll be busy chasing after our son and you’ll have no time for anything else. Plus, he’ll be growing so fast you won’t be able to keep up with the sewing. And one day he’ll be needing school.”
“It will be quite some time before he’ll need that.”
“Right, but we can’t put off thinking about the future, eh?” He grinned and moved to the closet, where he grabbed a pair of work boots and then crossed to the dresser and took a pair of socks out of the top drawer. He sat on the chair and pulled on the socks and boots.
“There’s church this morning,” Rebecca said.
“Right.” He tied the laces. “I’ll be there, but I’ve got to move a mob of cattle before I go.”
“It’s Sunday. . . .”
“Right. I’ll be cleaned up and there on time.”
“But Sunday is meant for rest.”
“I agree, but I’ve a couple of drovers down sick. And it’s got to be done or the cattle will overgraze. We’ve little enough grass as it is.” He studied Rebecca a moment. “I figure God will understand.”
“If Elvina Walker finds out, we won’t hear the end of it.” Rebecca folded her arms over her chest. “I won’t make excuses for you.”
“And I don’t expect you to.” Daniel grinned. “If I’m late you can make up a story . . . say I’m feeling poorly or something.”
“But that would be lying.”
“You’ve never told a lie?”
“Of course I have, but only when it was absolutely necessary.”
Daniel dropped onto the bed next to Rebecca. “You’ve got to take life a bit easier—not so serious. It’s grim enough as it is.”
Rebecca leaned against him, enjoying the smell of his cotton work shirt. “I suppose you’re right. I’ll do my best to stand up to Elvina.”
“Good for you.” Daniel stood and buttoned his shirt, then grabbed his hat from the top of the armoire.
“Try not to be late. Church just wouldn’t be the same without you.”
Joseph started crying.
“I’ll get him for you.” Daniel left the room and returned a moment later with the infant in his arms. “I’d say he’s right hungry.”
“It’s only been a couple of hours since he ate,” Rebecca said, taking the little boy.
“I’ve got to be off. I’ll see you at church.” He strode out of the room.
With Joseph in her arms, Rebecca followed. “Are you going to work after church?”
“Don’t know yet. Depends on how much I get done this morning.”
Willa stood at the bottom of the staircase. “Lily has breakfast ready for you.”
“Grand. I’m starved.” Daniel escorted his mother into the kitchen.
“I told her you’d be leaving early.”
Rebecca hurried to keep up.
Daniel grabbed a plate with eggs, bacon, and toast from the warming shelf. “Looks right good, Lily.”
The dark-skinned cook nodded but didn’t look up from her cooking.
Rebecca stood in the kitchen doorway. Joseph screamed his indignation at not being fed immediately.
“Is he all right?” Willa asked.
“Yes. He just wants to eat . . . again.” Rebecca shifted him into her other arm.
“You promise not to be late?”
Daniel bit into a piece of toast. “I can’t promise. I’ll do my best.”
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bsp; Rebecca bounced Joseph gently, and his crying quieted. “I want to be supportive, Daniel, but church is important.”
“I agree. And I’ll be there.” His voice had lost its pleasant tone.
Willa sat across from her son. “Will you be missing church?”
Daniel stopped chewing and stared at his mother. “I said I’ll be there.” He sounded annoyed.
“I beg your pardon, young man. You may be overseeing this station, but you’re still my son. And I don’t appreciate your sharp tone.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean any disrespect, Mum, but it seems that doing a bit of work on a Sunday morning is a great sin ’round ’ere.” He cast an exasperated glance at Rebecca.
“I didn’t say it was a sin.” Rebecca glanced at Willa. “It’s just that if he’s late, Elvina and some of the other women will want to know why, and I’ll have to explain that Daniel’s working. I don’t want to face their judgment.”
Willa took a slow, easy breath. “You shouldn’t worry about what Elvina will think. We’re supposed to be living our lives to please God, not people. I don’t believe the Lord is going to be angry with Daniel for working when he must.” Her gaze settled on her son. “However, I doubt he’d delight in this if it becomes a habit.”
Daniel took a drink of coffee. “Mum, even Dad worked on a Sunday now and again.”
“Yes. He did. But only when there was no other choice. And I can count on one hand how many Sundays he worked throughout our entire marriage.” She folded her hands on the table in front of her. “He certainly had his share of sins, but missing church wasn’t one of them. He cared too deeply for the people in this district to disregard his duty to the church.”
“Right. I know that. In fact, he sometimes put so much into the church that his own family did without him.”
“It was out of love.” Willa’s eyes filled with tears. “I won’t have you speak poorly of him.”
“Sorry, Mum. But we’ve got to tell the truth ’round ’ere.” He rested a hand over his mother’s. “I loved him. And sometimes I feel him . . . watching me. And I can hear his criticism.”
“Daniel, you didn’t get a chance to say good-bye to your father. If you had, he would have told you how much he loved you and how proud of you he was.”
Daniel nodded. “I know, Mum. I know he loved me, but now it’s my turn to take care of Douloo. And I’ve got to show him I can run this place.”
“You’re doing splendidly. He couldn’t ask more.”
“I pray you’re right.” He pushed to his feet. “I’ve got to go.” He gave his mother a kiss on the cheek, then leaned over the table to Rebecca and kissed her. “Don’t be angry,” he said seriously.
“I’m not angry,” Rebecca said, feeling especially tender toward her husband. He was hurting. “I’ll see you in a bit, then.”
Rebecca started up the church steps, dreading walking in without Daniel. She’d stood out front waiting for him as long as she dared. Willa, Mildred, and Thomas were already inside. She hoped Elvina Walker wouldn’t notice her.
Before Rebecca was five steps inside the sanctuary, the gray-haired widow strolled past her mother-in-law and her aunt and walked straight to her.
“G’day, Rebecca.” She looked at Joseph. “Isn’t he a handsome lad? Looks so much like his father, eh?”
“Yes. He does.”
Elvina stared at Rebecca, then glanced behind her and looked about. “And where is that husband of yers?”
“He’ll be here. He’s just a bit late.”
Elvina raised one eyebrow. “Oh? I hope everything is all roight.”
Rebecca was tempted to lie but decided that being deceitful wouldn’t help. “He had pressing business at the station.”
“Seems ta me he’s been roight busy these days. Might be workin’ too hard, eh?”
“He’s working very hard. There’s a lot to be done.” Rebecca fought to maintain a friendly tone. “And we have a couple of drovers who are ill, which makes us shorthanded. Daniel’s needed.”
“Well, you might want to remind him that if he makes time for God, God will make time for his work.” Looking something like a bristling hen, Elvina continued, “I hope this won’t lead to his missing church on a regular basis.”
“He hasn’t missed church.”
Elvina continued as if Rebecca hadn’t spoken. “It’s bad enough to work on a Sunday. Remember God’s commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy.”
“G’day, Elvina,” Daniel said, stepping up to Rebecca and taking hold of her arm. “Sorry I’m late, luv.” He took Joseph. “There you are, lad.” He settled him against his shoulder and smiled at Elvina as he escorted Rebecca toward the front of the church.
“Thank goodness,” Rebecca whispered. “I was just about to get a lecture on the Ten Commandments from that old biddy. I’m not sure I would have been able to control my temper.”
“Now, Rebecca, mind your manners. You’re in the house of the Lord.” Daniel grinned.
Rev. Cobb moved toward them. “G’day to you.” He smiled and rested a hand on Joseph’s back. “What a fine lad. He looks quite robust.”
“Yes. Dr. Walker says he’s the picture of health,” Rebecca said.
“Looks like you,” the reverend said to Daniel. “Same blue eyes and blond hair.”
“I think he’s a bit more handsome than his old man though, eh?”
The reverend smiled and moved on to Elvina. “G’day, Elvina. Hope you’re in good health.”
Rebecca hurried to the pew where Mildred, Thomas, and Willa sat. She slid in beside them, allowing room for Daniel. She leaned close to him and whispered, “Please don’t be late again. I don’t know if I’ll be able to hold my tongue next time.”
“I’ll do my best,” Daniel said.
“I don’t mean to be selfish. But I feel very conspicuous walking into the church alone. And I know Elvina will be looking for any little failing on our part.”
“Don’t you worry about Elvina. God will see to her. I’ve no doubt.”
Rebecca glanced over her shoulder at the elderly woman. “I suppose she must be miserable,” she said. “But she’ll cause trouble if she can. I think she and Meghan are friends.”
“Then they deserve each other, eh?”
“Hep, hep, hep,” Daniel called and then whistled as he drove a mob of bullocks back onto Thornton land.
In a puff of dust, Jim rode up alongside him. “So we’re going to move these closer to the house?”
“Right. They’ve been nothin’ but a nuisance down ’ere. Course, might save us a lot of trouble if we just took them straight to the cattle yards.”
Jim grinned. “Might at that. Especially if they keep wandering.”
“Looking for good grazing is all they’re doing. There’s none ’round ’ere.”
Jim nodded, then with a whistle mustered the young bulls. Once the cattle were rounded up, Daniel and Jim rode side by side as they drove them toward home.
“Come on,” Jim hollered. “Keep moving.” He whistled and twirled a rope over his head. “I was worried we might be dealing with poddy dodgers instead of straying cattle.”
“Haven’t heard of any thievery ’round ’ere lately,” Daniel said as his horse cut to the right toward a stray. “Hep, hep, hep,” he called, turning the young bull back toward the group. Joining Jim again, he said, “This mob’s only a piece of our trouble. We’ve got cattle wandering onto our neighbors’ land all over the station.”
“Thirsty and hungry.” Jim eyed the arid plains. “It’s dry, the worst I’ve seen since coming here.”
Daniel nodded. “I’ve not seen it this parched in all my life. But I’ve heard of worse.”
“You think it’ll break soon?”
Leaning forward in his saddle, Daniel gazed at a distant ghost gum. Its bare limbs and white bark suited the thirsty landscape. He had prayed and hoped for a change. “Can’t say. Dry seasons like this one can be murderous and unwilling to give way.” He pulled a hand
kerchief from his back pocket and wiped sweat and dirt from his face. “We may be hard done by before we’re through. Woodman says this’ll be a bad spell.”
Jim lifted his water flask from the saddle horn where it hung and swilled down a mouthful. “What you gonna do if the rains don’t come?”
“Might have to sell off some of the herd, let a few drovers go, and pray—for rain.”
“So you figure I’ll be looking for work?”
“No. I’ll be keeping my best drovers. I’ll not be sending you down the road.”
The cattle were compliant, and it didn’t take long before the bullocks were well onto Thornton land. Daniel pulled up. “I figure we’ve come far enough. It’s Saturday. Take the rest of the day off, eh?”
“You’re not going back to the house?”
“I’ve got something I wanted to look at. I’ll be along before supper though. Maybe you could stop by the house and tell Rebecca.”
“Glad to.” Jim glanced toward the road. “I was thinking about taking a turn by Cambria’s.”
“You serious about her?” Daniel draped his rope over the saddle horn and looped it a couple of turns.
“Maybe. She’s a fine woman, but I’m in no hurry to settle down.”
“She’s a free-spirited filly, that one. Won’t take to the bit well, I can assure you.”
Jim grinned. “Sounds a bit like Rebecca, I’d say.”
Daniel lifted his hat and resettled it on his head. “You might say that.” He grinned.
“Don’t know that I’d really want to tame Cambria. I fancy her just the way she is.”
“You think her father’s going to let her go ’round with the likes of you?” Daniel chuckled.
“I’m working hard to make my way into his good graces. Things seem to be going pretty well.”
“Good for you, then.”
“You sure you don’t need me? I can stay.”
“Go on and take some time with your lady.”
