by Bonnie Leon
Willa studied her a moment. “I thought not, but I suppose it’s possible. The idea of spending my life without a partner is a bit disheartening.”
“So are you saying that if you did marry it would be for convenience only?” Mildred pressed, embarrassed but unable to restrain herself.
A surprised expression touched Willa’s face. “Why, no. I would never marry simply for convenience. That wouldn’t be right.”
“But you just said you love Bertram.”
“Yes. But that doesn’t mean I can’t love someone else.”
“Mildred, I told you that,” Rebecca said. “And now Willa has said it as well. You must believe her. She’s a widow, after all.”
“What must she believe?” Willa asked.
Rebecca looked at Mildred. “Auntie.”
Her embarrassment deepening, Mildred knew an explanation was necessary. She cleared her throat. “It feels awkward speaking so openly about private matters.”
“You needn’t if it bothers you,” Willa said.
“I do need some advice.” She folded her hands delicately in her lap. “It’s about Thomas. He wants to marry me, as you know. However, he still loves his first wife, Gwenn. She died many years ago, but he continues to be devoted to her.”
Willa nodded, but she didn’t speak.
“You’ve heard him speak of Gwenn, always with tenderness. His affection for her is so strong that he hasn’t changed a thing in the house since her death. The furnishings, photographs, and paintings remain the same. There is a coverlet still on the settee that she crocheted. It’s as if he wants to keep her with him.”
“I suppose that’s possible,” Willa said. “But more than likely, he simply feels comfortable with the familiar. And of course, she was the only woman of the house. Men know so little about decorating.”
“Yes, that may be, but I’m certain he feels her presence. And a marriage to me would be one of convenience.”
“Has he said that?”
“No. He insists that he loves me.”
“Can you be so certain he doesn’t?” Willa asked.
“I assumed that . . .”
“You can’t assume, Mildred dear. You are a wonderful woman. Why is the idea of a fine man like Thomas loving you so difficult to believe?”
“I can see how much he loves Gwenn.”
“And I love Bertram. I dare say, that will never change. But God has created us with a great capacity for love. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Yes.”
“In fact, Rebecca is a good example.” Willa nodded toward her daughter-in-law. “She wasn’t your daughter, and yet when her mother died it was you who stepped in and took over that role. I can see how much you love each other.”
“I couldn’t love her more if she were my own.”
“And Rebecca is only one of the people you love. Does the fact that you love her make it impossible for you to love others?”
“Of course not.” Mildred stopped abruptly. She’d been so foolish. Of course Thomas could love her. He’d told her so, but she hadn’t really heard. Mildred smiled. “Thomas is not one to lie. I suppose he does love me.”
The stage continued on, rocking and bumping as it moved across the flats. Now as the miles rolled under its wheels, Mildred couldn’t help but think that she was being carried away from the man she loved. She wanted to tell him how she felt.
I must go back! I’ve got to tell him I understand and that I love him. She said nothing while she considered the possibility of returning. It was a ridiculous idea. She never did anything without proper forethought and planning. And yet her heart pulled her away from her commonsense thinking. She’d been practical all her life, but now practicality seemed unreasonable.
When the stage pulled in to the next little town, Mildred said, “I’m returning to Douloo. I must speak to Thomas.”
Rebecca stared at her. “Right now, Auntie?”
“Yes. I must speak to him before he leaves.” She stood. “I’m sure there will be a stage heading back to Thornton Creek.” She opened the door and stepped down. “Driver,” she called.
The tall, whiskered man who’d been driving the team climbed down from his perch. “Ya need somethin’?”
“Can you tell me if there’s a stage returning to Thornton Creek today?”
A quizzical expression touched his face. “Wal, I don’t know ’bout t’day. Maybe tomorrow though. Ya can ask inside the hotel.” He nodded at a small, weathered building, one of the few that made up the town.
“Will you wait for me?”
“I ’ave a schedule ta keep. Ya got two minutes is all.”
“Yes. Of course.” With a glance at Rebecca and Willa, she strode toward the hotel. It was dark inside. A man with a drooping mustache and heavy eyebrows stood behind a counter. She hurried across the room. “Please, sir. Can you tell me when the next stage leaves for Thornton Creek?”
The man gazed at her a moment, then scratched his chin. “What’s a lady like you doing traveling alone, eh?”
“Sir, that’s of no consequence to you.” She glanced at the stagecoach. The driver stood alongside the horses. Turning back to the man at the desk, she said, “Please, can you check your schedule?”
He turned and studied a timetable nailed to the wall. “Let me see. Ah. Right. There’s one due ’ere tomorrow ’bout ten o’clock in the morning.”
“And it goes directly to Thornton Creek?”
“Right. It does at that.”
“Good. And do you have rooms available here at the hotel?”
“We do.”
“Thank you, sir. I’ll be right back.” Mildred trudged back to the stagecoach. “Driver, could you please unload my bags? I’ll be getting off here.”
He gave her an odd look but climbed atop the stage.
“Mine are the matched set of tan bags.”
Without a word, the driver unfastened her baggage.
Mildred moved to the coach step and stuck her head in the door. “I’m going back.”
Rebecca’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Auntie. I’m so happy and so sad. I know it’s the right thing for you to do.” She moved to Mildred and hugged her. “I love you. I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you too.” Mildred squeezed her tightly. “I’ll write often. And I’ll notify you of my wedding date.” She smiled. “That is, if Thomas will still have me.”
“I have no doubt of that,” Willa said. She grasped Mildred’s hand. “I’ll miss you. You’re a grand woman. And any time you and Thomas want to visit, you come right along. We’ll have room for you.”
“Thank you. You’ve been very gracious to me.”
Mildred scooped up Joseph and hugged him. “You be a good boy for your mommy and daddy.” She kissed his cheek. Tears washed her face.
“I got ta go,” the driver called. “Yer either on or off, lydie.”
“Yes. Of course. I’m coming.” She turned back to Rebecca and hugged her again. “I love you. Please take good care of Daniel and Joseph. And come to visit.”
“We will. I love you, Auntie.”
Mildred stepped off the coach and stood on the walkway. The driver climbed onto his seat and slapped the reins, and the coach pulled away.
Rebecca and Willa waved. Rebecca dabbed at tears. Mildred stood and watched the coach until it disappeared. Then she turned and walked into the hotel.
The stagecoach bounced over the uneven road as it headed for Thornton Creek. A businessman who wanted only to sleep and another man who glowered at anyone who dared look at him were Mildred’s traveling companions. She didn’t mind their lack of communication. Her thoughts were with Thomas and their future together. However, fear stirred in the back of her mind. What if her leaving had caused Thomas to change his mind?
When the stage pulled into Thornton Creek, Mildred stepped out and onto the sidewalk. She peeked inside the hotel but saw no one she knew except the proprietor.
“G’day, Miss Williams. I thought ya were on yer
way ta Melbourne.”
“I was, but I changed my mind.” She dropped one of her bags on the floor. “Do you know someone who might give me a ride to Douloo Station?”
“Right. I can. But I think Mr. Thornton will be into town. Mr. Murdoc is checking in. His stage leaves bright and early tomorrow.”
Mildred glanced at the clock. It was four o’clock. Thomas would probably be here anytime. “Well, then I believe I’ll check in.”
After signing the registry and putting her bags in her room, Mildred returned to the hotel lobby. “I’m going down to the eatery for a cup of tea. If Mr. Thornton or Mr. Murdoc come by, would you tell them I’m there?”
“Right. I’ll do that.”
Mildred sat in the café, quietly sipping tea. Her mind was occupied with thoughts of Thomas and his possible responses to her change of mind. Her hands trembled as she set her cup back on its saucer.
Thomas walked past the window. Mildred straightened her spine and waited.
The café door opened, and he stepped inside. His eyes immediately found her and didn’t leave her as he walked to the table where she sat. Standing directly in front of her, he said, “The man at the hotel told me you were here. I don’t understand, Mildred. I thought you were going to Melbourne?”
“I was, but then I realized I needed to be here. That I couldn’t bear the idea of your returning to Boston and leaving me behind.” She stood. “I know it doesn’t make sense, but I suddenly realized that I love you too much to let you go sailing off. I don’t want to live my life without you.”
“And what about Gwenn? I haven’t stopped loving her.”
“Yes. I know. And you shouldn’t. I was being foolish and unfair.”
Thomas smiled. He took her hands in his. “Will you marry me, Mildred?”
“I’m rather set in my ways. I don’t know that I’ll be a good wife.”
“You’re more than I ever dreamed of.”
Mildred smiled. “Yes, Thomas. I will marry you.”
“Melbourne is the social capital of the country,” Willa said, gazing out the window at thirsty grasslands. “It’s a grand city. I remember that even as a girl I enjoyed the activities. There were cotillions to attend, and we often went to the symphony or the opera. I do hope we’ll have time for the opera.” She closed her eyes and smiled softly. “Such music is a delight to one’s soul.”
“I enjoy the opera,” Rebecca said, watching Joseph gallop a wooden horse back and forth across his lap. She rested her elbow on the window ledge. “But I must admit, it has never been one of my favorite entertainments. The language is a bother. Not knowing what’s being said breaks the spell of the music.”
“Indeed, but they all have a story to tell. One only need know the tale, and the music conveys the emotion. There’s no call to know every word.” Willa smiled. She looked radiant, her blue eyes brighter than usual. “I remember my first visit to the opera. I was mesmerized—the splendor and the music absolutely carried me away. Afterward, I declared it the most wondrous thing ever created. Mum and Dad laughed. But I knew they were pleased to discover their daughter had a taste for the arts. And I’ve never lost my wonderment.
“After that first introduction I convinced my parents to take me often.” A furrow creased Willa’s forehead. “My parents were grand people. Not grand in the sense that they were wealthy or powerful, but they were vigorous and loving. I’m certain you and Mum would have gotten along splendidly, and my father . . . well, his exterior could be rather stern, but he had a heart as soft as pudding.”
“I wish I’d known them,” Rebecca said, watching as a mob of kangaroos leaped and darted through a grove of acacias. Pressing her hand against her unsettled stomach, she wished the coach rode more smoothly.
Willa cooled herself with a fan. “I must say, this is the perfect time of year for a trip south. The weather will be more tolerable in Melbourne. And it may even be green there.” Her eyes sparkled. “I do so look forward to that.”
“It’s a pleasant thought,” Rebecca said.
Joseph put his toy horse aside and reached for his mother. “Mama.”
She lifted the tot and stood him on her lap. He placed his hands on her cheeks and planted a wet kiss on her lips. Rebecca hugged him and he giggled.
“He’s such a love,” Willa said.
Rebecca smoothed Joseph’s silky hair. “He’s like his father. I’m thankful he’s not willful like I was.” She smiled, remembering the stories she’d heard from her father and from Mildred. “Aunt Mildred said I was a handful.” She looked out the window. “I hope she’s well. I’m still stunned at her leaving so suddenly. I can’t help but worry a little.”
“I’m sure she’s just fine.”
Rebecca clapped Joseph’s pudgy hands between hers. “I’m absolutely thrilled for her.”
“I was looking forward to sharing Melbourne with her, but this is better.”
“She and Thomas deserve happiness.”
“That they do.”
“Other than the arts, what other plans do you have while we’re in Melbourne?” Rebecca asked.
“I’d like to visit some of the shops. There are some fine ones. There’s a lovely millinery store. Perhaps we can purchase a hat for Mildred.”
“Oh yes. A new hat always gave her a lift.” Rebecca smiled. “However, I doubt her spirits need lifting right now.”
“Is there anything special you’d like to do while we’re in Melbourne?” Willa asked.
“Actually, there’s a fine stable in Melbourne. And I heard of a grand colt that might actually be for sale. I was hoping to visit.”
“Oh, really?” Willa asked. “And how does Daniel feel about that?”
“He said it’s fine if I have a look at him, but I’m to make no purchases. At least not until the drought is over.” Joseph climbed down from her lap and stood leaning against her skirts. “I’d still like to see him though.”
“I do wish Daniel had joined us,” Willa said.
Joseph rested his cheek against his mother’s legs. He looked sleepy.
“Ya can give ’im back ta me,” Callie said. “He can sleep on me lap.”
Rebecca hefted Joseph up and settled him across her lap. “That’s kind of you, but I’m fine with him.”
“Daniel is working too hard,” Willa said. “He needs time away.”
“I agree, but I couldn’t convince him of that. He won’t leave Douloo, not while it’s in trouble.” Rebecca looked at Willa. “I’m afraid of what might happen. Will we be able to stay at the station?”
“Of course.” Willa’s voice sounded startled. “What would we do if we were to go?”
Rebecca shrugged. “Others have moved away.”
“And where would we go?”
“What about Melbourne?”
“Oh yes. Well, I suppose Aunt Ada would help if it came to that.” Using her handkerchief, she dabbed at her moist face and neck. “Daniel won’t leave, not if every blade of grass dies and every stream turns into dried mud. He’ll stay.”
A pang of anxiety moved through Rebecca. She’d known that about Daniel, but to hear it made it more real. How would they manage if the rains didn’t come? “I can’t imagine what life would be like. How does one live?”
Willa thought a moment. “I don’t know exactly. We’ve never faced such a bad drought as that.”
“I wish there were something more I could do to help Daniel.”
“You’re doing all you can,” Willa said. “You’ve been thoughtful and supportive. And you pray. There’s nothing more that can be done.” She reached over and patted Rebecca’s hand. “God will not forsake us.”
“I know, but I’ve read the Bible, Willa.” Rebecca didn’t mean for her tone to be derisive. She softened her next words. “God doesn’t always deliver his children from trouble.”
“That’s true, but Daniel’s faith has always been unwavering. It will serve him and us well.”
“His faith is strong. But he worries.
He’s restless and barely sleeps. And there have been times when he’s told me about his fears and discouragement.”
“Well, now, he’s human, eh?” Willa smiled. “And he carries a weighty responsibility. There were many times that I watched Bertram go through similar trials.” With a nod, she added, “Daniel will do fine.”
Rebecca leaned her head on a pillow propped against the railcar’s window and gazed at rolling countryside. The rhythmic clack of the train’s wheels as they passed over the tracks soothed her. There were green fields and green shrubs. She especially liked the large, broad trees that looked like great umbrellas. They reminded her of the landscape outside Boston.
“Are those vineyards?” she asked, nodding at tilled land striped with green bushes.
“Yes. Indeed.” Willa’s blue eyes took in the view. “There are fine wines made here.” She stretched. “Oh, I’ve grown quite stiff. I think I’ll wander through some of the other cars. And perhaps I’ll have something to drink in the dining car.” She stood. “Would you like a cuppa?”
“Tea would be perfect.”
“Then perhaps you’d accompany me?”
“That sounds lovely.” Rebecca glanced at Joseph, who slept on her lap, then at Callie sitting across the aisle. “Would you watch him for me?”
“Roight, mum.” Callie stood while Rebecca carefully slid out from under her son. Callie sat beside him and gently rested his head on her lap. He barely stirred.
“We won’t be long,” Rebecca said. “If you need anything ask for us in the dining car.”
“Yais, mum,” Callie said with hesitation. She glanced down the aisle. “Should I send someone? I don’t think blacks are allowed, mum.”
“I’m sure if you explain that you need to speak to me, they’ll let you pass.”
Callie shrugged. “Hope so.”
“Would you like me to bring you something?” Willa asked.
“I am a bit thirsty. A cuppa would suit me fine.”
“Are you hungry?”
“No, mum.”
“Fine, then.” Willa glanced out the window. “We’ll soon be in Melbourne.”
The carriage pulled up to a curb in front of a charming two-story stone house. Lush gardens reached toward a manicured lawn, and ivy climbed the walls of the home. Anticipation filled Rebecca as she thought of the adventures that lay ahead. Melbourne was a beautiful and captivating city with magnificent architecture, lush greenery, and shady lanes.
