For the Love of the Land

by Bonnie Leon

  Rebecca offered Joseph a taste of jam. He puckered and smacked his lips and then opened his mouth for more. Rebecca gave him another taste.

  “Already he likes sweets,” Willa said.

  “Good taste, I’d say.” Thomas grinned. “Who can resist Lily’s cooking?”

  Rebecca turned to Willa. “Why don’t you come riding with us? Daniel told me you were once a very competent horsewoman.”

  “It’s been years. I doubt I’d even remember how. And it’s too painful these days. If I were to go with you, my rheumatism would make me sorry for it.” Putting an end to the idea, she pushed her hands into the pockets of her apron and said, “Well then, I have work to do. Whatever you decide, I pray you’ll have a grand time of it.”

  As Willa moved out of the room, Rebecca turned her attention back to Mildred. “So would you join me?”

  “Oh, Rebecca . . . I don’t know.”

  “Please. If it turns out to be too taxing, we can always return.”

  “I’m sure you’ll do fine,” Thomas said.

  Mildred didn’t respond.

  “Please, Auntie. I know you’ll enjoy the outing.”

  A crooked smile appeared on Mildred’s face. “All right. I’ll go. But no one’s allowed to laugh—it’s been a very long while. I don’t even have a riding habit.”

  “If you’d like, you can borrow a pair of my britches and ride astride.” Rebecca grinned.

  Mildred blanched. “I think not! I wouldn’t have the least idea how to ride astride. And it’s very unladylike.”

  “All right, then. You can borrow my riding habit. But you’re much more slender than me.” Rebecca studied her aunt. “Even so, it should do.”

  Rebecca placed a foot in the stirrup and swung her leg over Chavive’s back. Settling into the saddle, she watched while Thomas led a large gelding and a composed Rena out of the stables.

  Thomas studied Rebecca a moment. “I must admit, I’m not used to seeing a woman riding in that fashion. Daniel doesn’t mind?”

  “Not really. He agrees with its practicality. Of course, if we were riding in town or with new friends, I would most likely ride sidesaddle.”

  Thomas nodded, then glanced at the house. “I’m not sure we haven’t coerced poor Mildred into this.”

  “Perhaps.” Rebecca smiled. “But I still think it’s a good idea. She’ll have a tremendous time. You’ll see.” She studied Thomas a moment. He seemed to be a kind man. She’d wondered about the relationship between him and her aunt, but she’d never felt it was proper to inquire. Curiosity getting the better of her, she asked, “You’re quite serious about my aunt, aren’t you?”

  “That I am.” Thomas rested a hand on the gelding’s neck. “As a matter of fact . . . I love her. Never knew a finer person. I’d be proud if she’d agree to be my wife.” He ran his fingers through a tangled batch of mane. “She refuses to give me an answer. And I can’t stay on here at Douloo indefinitely. I have a business to run back in Boston. However, each time I think of returning home without her, the idea seems inconceivable.” His horse nipped at Rena, and Thomas tugged on the gelding’s reins. “That’s enough of that.”

  Turning his attention back to Rebecca, he said, “I was hoping you might be of help.” Thomas patted his horse. “Could you talk to her? Perhaps convince her she ought to marry me?” He offered an embarrassed smile.

  “Mr. Murdoc, from what I’ve seen you’re a fine gentleman. And I’d be pleased if my aunt accepted your proposal. But I can’t induce her to marry. She must make up her own mind. Only she can know the depth of her affection.”

  Thomas nodded. “Of course. I apologize for asking, but I must admit to feeling somewhat desperate.” He checked the snugness of his saddle by tugging on it. “I was married once. My wife died giving birth to our only child. He died as well.” The brown in Thomas’s eyes darkened at the painful memory.

  “Mildred told me. I’m terribly sorry.”

  “I never thought I’d find anyone else. All these years there has never been a woman who appealed to me. Not until I met Mildred. She didn’t strike me right off. She’s rather quiet, you know. And she downplays her attributes, so her fine looks aren’t immediately apparent.”

  “I’ve always wondered why my aunt hadn’t married.”

  “I’d like to believe God saved her for me.” His expression turned serious.

  “I think she likes you quite well.”

  “I agree. That’s why I don’t understand her hesitation. I believe she finds me appealing, and we have many similar interests . . . I don’t know what it is that keeps her from accepting my proposal.”

  “Have you asked her why she won’t marry you?”

  “She will only say she needs more time, and something about being single.” He shrugged. “I think it’s something more, but she won’t tell me.”

  “My suggestion is that you persevere, Mr. Murdoc.”

  “Please call me Thomas or Tom.”

  “All right, Thomas then. As I was saying, my aunt has never been one to do anything without first giving it careful consideration. I believe she’ll come around.”

  The sound of footsteps on the front porch closed Rebecca’s mouth. She and Thomas turned to look. Dressed in Rebecca’s black riding habit, Mildred nearly pranced down the front steps and across the yard. “It’s too large,” she said holding out the loose waist of the riding habit. “I’m surprised it’s so roomy. You’re quite petite, Rebecca.”

  “You may be taller, Auntie, but you’re much thinner.”

  Mildred stopped and looked down at the habit. “Is it terribly oversized?”

  “No. It will do just fine.”

  Mildred removed a pin from her small hat, tidied her hair, and then repinned the hat.

  “I think it’s just fine. And you look quite robust,” Thomas said. “Your cheeks have a high color.”

  “They do?” Mildred asked, brightening at the compliment. She approached the small buckskin mare. “Well now, I’ll need a hand up.”

  “Allow me,” Thomas said, quickly moving to her side.

  Mildred faced the horse. “It’s been so long.”

  “Just put your foot in my hand and I’ll lift you.”

  Mildred handed him her riding crop and did as he said, then gripping the saddle horn, she allowed him to boost her. However, instead of landing lightly in the saddle, she ended up draped over it. The mare pranced and tossed her head.

  “Oh dear. Help me. Please.”

  Rebecca laughed while Thomas assisted Mildred.

  Once she stood on solid ground again, Mildred smoothed her dress and tucked loose hairs back into place. “This is not a good idea. I can’t even get on the animal.”

  “It was only your first try,” Thomas said. “I’m sure you’ll get it the next time.”

  “Hmm.” She stared at Rebecca. “This humiliation is your fault.”

  Rebecca grinned and Mildred cracked a smile. “All right. I’ll give it one more try.”

  Once again she planted a foot in Thomas’s hand and gripped the saddle, and up she went. This time, although a bit wobbly, she managed to settle herself on the saddle. Awkwardly she lifted her right leg, placed it around the tall saddle horn, and arranged her skirts so as not to reveal her legs. “I’ll need my riding crop.” Thomas handed it up to her. Sitting very straight and stiff, she said, “I’m ready.”

  Thomas mounted his horse and then said to Rebecca, “You know the way. We’ll follow you.”

  Chavive had been prancing, ready for a run, but Rebecca held her in. With a light kick, the horse set out at a rapid trot. Thomas and Mildred followed.

  “Oh my,” Mildred said, gripping the reins tightly and keeping one hand on the saddle horn. “I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep my seat.”

  Rebecca glanced back. Mildred did look a bit unsteady. “We’ll walk for now,” she said, pulling back on the reins to slow Chavive, who obeyed with reluctance.

  The three walked along side by side, Cha
vive and Thomas’s gelding tossing their heads, hoping for permission to run. A soft breeze rippled short grasses and stirred the leaves on the occasional tree.

  “It’s quite a lovely day,” Mildred said. “And I’m enjoying myself immensely. I’m so glad I came. Thank you for convincing me of the idea.”

  “I knew you could do it,” Thomas said, wearing his crooked smile. “You sit a horse very well.”

  “You think so?” She lifted her chin slightly and rotated her shoulders back just a bit.

  Rebecca smiled. “Do you think you’re up for a trot?”

  “Oh, I don’t know.” Mildred glanced at Thomas. “Well, why not.” She tapped the mare with her riding crop, and the horse stepped into a brisk trot.

  The other horses did the same.

  “You’re doing well, Auntie. I can’t believe you and I didn’t ride together when I lived in Boston.”

  “Yes, well, you know how easy it is to get into a rut. I guess I thought it wasn’t dignified for a woman my age.”

  “Your age? You’re not all that old. You’re barely over . . .”

  “It’s not proper to reveal a woman’s age, Rebecca,” Mildred cut in.

  “Right. I’m sorry.” She offered Thomas a smile. “She doesn’t look old at all, does she?”

  “Not at all. She’s a beauty.”

  “Go on, now. You’re embarrassing me.” Mildred’s face had turned pink. “I believe a canter is in order,” she said, leaning forward slightly and tapping her horse with the whip. Rena broke into a smooth lope. Mildred’s face shone and her hair caught in the wind. She actually looked young.

  “This is marvelous,” she said, moving beyond Rebecca and Thomas.

  “Be careful,” Rebecca said, kicking her horse and quickly catching up to her aunt.

  “It’s all coming back now. It’s delightful. I think we ought to ride more often.”

  “I agree,” Thomas and Rebecca said in unison.

  After sharing lunch beneath a gum tree, Thomas walked to the fishing hole. Rebecca and Mildred put away the lunch items. When they had finished, the two women remained on the quilt, leaning back and resting on their arms. They gazed out over the tranquil greenery of the billabong. The woods were filled with the buzz of insects and the songs of birds.

  Rebecca lay on her back and looked up through the sparse limbs of the tree. She could detect the subtle aroma of eucalyptus. For a moment the taste of it was on her tongue, and she was reminded of the tea Lily had made her drink while she’d been ill. Quickly setting the thought aside, she said, “I’ve really enjoyed myself today. Thank you for joining me.”

  “It’s been my pleasure.” Mildred lay beside Rebecca, closed her eyes, and rested a hand on her stomach. “Oh, I think I ate too much.” She was quiet a moment, then asked, “Who’s taking care of Joseph?”

  “Callie.” Rebecca took in a breath and slowly released it. “It’s a puzzle. I hate to leave him with her, and at the same time I’m grateful. Because of her, I’m allowed times for fun like today. But sometimes I’m afraid Joseph will love her more than me.”

  “Fiddle-faddle! We’ve talked about this before, and I think you’re borrowing trouble.”

  Rebecca reached out and took her aunt’s hand. “I’m sure you’re right.”

  She watched the slender leaves twirl in the breeze. “I wish Daniel were here. It would be an even better day if he had joined us.” She rolled onto her side, placed an elbow on the blanket, and rested her face in her hand. “You’re very lucky to have a man like Thomas. He makes time for you.”

  “Yes. I suppose so.”

  “He loves you, you know.”

  “He’s said as much.” Mildred’s tone was reserved, and she continued to stare up at the tree limbs.

  “Auntie, why are you shutting him out?”

  Mildred turned to look at Rebecca, her eyes wide. “I’m doing no such thing. I’m just not certain what I ought to do yet.”

  “You’re not getting any younger, you know. He’s a fine person and you’re lucky to have him.”

  “You think it’s so important that I have someone?” Mildred sat up and stared at the water.

  “No . . . well . . . oh, I don’t know. I just think it would be nice if you did.”

  Mildred didn’t respond for a long moment, then she said, “He doesn’t really love me. He’s still in love with his first wife. I don’t think I could abide that.”

  “Why do you think that?”

  “Oh, he talks about her all the time. Just like this morning when he said how much he loved her coffee.”

  “Auntie, he spent many years of his life with her. Of course there are things that happened between them that he’ll always remember. That doesn’t mean he isn’t in love with you.”

  Mildred pushed herself up off the ground. “I think I’ll have a look and see if Thomas has caught anything.” She walked briskly toward the pool.

  Rebecca joined her, matching her stride. “Auntie, you can’t keep him waiting forever. One day you’ll have to make a decision.”

  “That may be so, but not today,” Mildred said curtly and walked down the bank.

  A tree had fallen across the water, creating a natural bridge to a small island in the middle of the pool. Thomas stood on the island. Mildred stepped onto the log and started across. Holding her arms straight out from her sides, she moved along carefully.

  “Wait, Mildred, I’ll come across and help you,” Thomas said, setting down his pole.

  “Be careful,” Rebecca called.

  “I’m just fine,” Mildred said, glancing back at Rebecca. At that moment, she lost her balance and teetered to one side. Her arms fanned the air. “Oh dear.” With a small squeal, she tipped sideways and dropped into deep water. She splashed to the surface. “I . . . I can’t swim! Help me!” Her arms flailed and churned the dark waters, and then her head disappeared beneath the surface.

  “Oh, Lord! Auntie!” Rebecca ran to the bank.

  Thomas sprinted to the water’s edge. Without hesitation, he dived in and swam toward the place where Mildred had been. Although built slightly, Thomas had a powerful stroke. It took only a few moments for him to reach the spot where Mildred had disappeared. He dived beneath the surface and a long moment later reappeared without Mildred. Frantically he searched the surface of the water.

  “She was right there,” Rebecca yelled, pointing at the place where her aunt had gone under. “Please find her! Save her!”

  Thomas dived again.

  Rebecca clasped her hands, holding them against her chest, and prayed.

  The dark waters rippled and Thomas appeared, clutching Mildred’s arm. He lay his arm across her chest, grasping her around the rib cage. Holding her close, he swam toward the bank.

  Rebecca waded into the shallows. Her aunt’s skin looked ashen. “Is she alive? Auntie? Oh please, Auntie. Please be all right.”

  Thomas stood and lifted Mildred and waded toward shore. “She’ll be fine. She’ll be fine,” he said, as if saying it would make it so. “Mildred?” he asked, gently lowering her to the ground. “Mildred. Come on, now. Wake up.”

  She lay limp and quiet.

  Thomas rolled her onto her side and patted her back. “Mildred! Breathe!” He hit her harder. “Come on, now. Breathe!”

  A choking cough erupted from the frail woman.

  “There you go. That’s it.” Thomas sat her up, bracing her back against him.

  She gulped down air and coughed again.

  “I’ve got you,” Thomas said. “You’re fine now.”

  Rebecca knelt in front of her aunt. “Are you all right?”

  Mildred took a deep breath, choked, and then gasped. Resting a hand against her chest, she said. “Yes. I think so.”

  Rebecca hugged her aunt. “Oh, Auntie, you scared me to death!”

  “It was so silly of me. I should have been more careful.”

  “Just so long as you’re well,” Thomas said, tightening his hold slightly.

&nb
sp; Mildred grasped her wet skirt. “My dress pulled me right down. If not for Thomas . . .” She looked at him. “You saved my life. How can I ever repay you?”

  “I’ve never been to a horse race before,” Mildred said, tugging on her gloves and then lifting the collar of her coat up about her neck. She snuggled deeper into her seat in the surrey. “It’s quite chilly, isn’t it? Almost reminds me of Boston in the fall.”

  “The month of May can be quite cool.” Willa glanced at Joseph, who slept in her lap.

  “I’ve still not gotten accustomed to the order of the seasons here. It’s strange—your winter is our summer, and summer is winter.”

  “Yes, I suppose it can be rather confusing.”

  “Do you ever get snow?” Mildred asked.

  “Never seen it ’round ’ere,” Woodman said, glancing back at his passengers. “I’ve heard of snow in some of the mountains though.”

  “And it will get cooler, Auntie,” Rebecca explained.

  “What about rain? Can we expect more soon?” Mildred’s voice held a hint of longing.

  “We get most of our rain during the summer, but we can anticipate showers over the winter months.” A distressed expression crossed Willa’s face. “But of course, this year has been exceptionally dry.”

  Rebecca looked at Mildred. “Are you considering staying?”

  “Not permanently, but I can’t bring myself to leave just yet.” Mildred’s gaze went to Thomas, who rode a few paces ahead of the surrey along with Daniel and Jim. “I need a little more time to sort things out.”

  Jim said something to his two riding companions, and Thomas laughed heartily.

  “Looks as if Thomas has become a regular bloke,” Rebecca said, smiling. “Do you think he’ll return to Boston soon?”

  “He keeps saying that he’s leaving, and yet here he is.”

  Rebecca raised an eyebrow. “He must have reason to stay.”

  “I suppose so.”

  “He did save your life.”

  “That he did. And I’ll always be grateful. But I can’t count that as a sign that I ought to marry him. Thomas is a fine man and would never turn his back on someone in need, no matter who it was.” A soft smile touched her lips, and her eyes warmed as she continued to watch him.