The phone rang. Paula looked down at the little face tipped sideways looking back at her. Unable to resist, she picked the dog up and answered the phone.
“Paula, it’s Alison.”
“Has Susan had the baby?”
“No. I’m just ringing to say hello. How are things on the farm?”
“Good.” The pup settled on Paula’s lap then shut its eyes. “I’ve got a pup.”
“Oh, how sweet. Is it a sheep dog?”
“No. It looks a bit like a Jack Russell. It’s a wedding present.”
“What did you think of the things we sent?”
“They were lovely, Alison. Didn’t Mum tell you? I should have emailed.” Paula scrunched up her nose and looked at her tablet lying on the dresser. “Well, at least I would if I had a decent connection. I’ve been busy working.”
“Mum was a bit vague about the visit. She didn’t mention you were working. It’s great you’ve found yourself a job already. Mum and Dad were home a bit sooner than expected. Did everything go all right?” Alison’s tone was curious.
“I didn’t get the job till after they’d left.” Paula didn’t want to go into the reasons for the hasty departure. “Mum was worried about Susan having the baby early.”
“Oh, I can’t see that happening. Jerry has put his foot down and banned Susan from work and she’s complaining that she’s sitting at home, bored and growing fat. At least the poor baby has a chance to fatten up now that she’s slowed down. Mum goes over with a sympathetic ear and fusses over her. I can’t stand it. I hope you’ll make a better mother-in-waiting.”
“No babies here thanks,” Paula jumped in quickly. “We’re not ready for that.”
“Where is that gorgeous man of yours? Still on the tractor? Mum did say he worked hard.”
“We had terrible weather here yesterday. He’s gone to golf.”
“Golf! And left you home alone?”
“I’ve got plenty to do here.” Paula put on a brave front.
“So what was the work that you found? I didn’t imagine you’d find it easy to get something but it’s great you have. You’d soon be bored in the kitchen.”
“It wasn’t permanent.” Paula hadn’t had the chance to be bored but today she felt the isolation of her existence keenly.
“Paula, don’t be too tough on Dad.”
Alison’s sudden mention of their father took Paula by surprise. “What do you mean? He’s the one who’s tough. He interferes too much.”
“He was very generous in helping Julian and me when we needed it.”
“Yes, but you didn’t have a big failure like Marco to make up for.”
“He only has your best interests at heart.”
“Ali, I have to go.” Paula cut her sister off before she could say any more. “I’m expecting visitors, so I’d better get organised. Thanks for ringing.”
“Call me any time if you want a chat won’t you, little sis. We miss you.”
Paula hung up quickly as the tears brimmed in her eyes for the second time that afternoon. The movement woke the pup on her lap. He lifted his head and opened two sleepy eyes to look adoringly up at her.
“Just as well I’ve got you.” She patted his head and put him on the floor. “Come on, we’ve got work to do.”
By six o’clock Paula sat dejectedly on the couch watching the news alone. The pup was asleep again, in his basket in the laundry. There had been no word from Jane.
Paula had kept herself busy with housework. The beds were freshly made and she’d closed the old blind in the spare bedroom and swathed a sheet across the top of the window so it didn’t look so bare.
The fireplace in the lounge had been overflowing with ash and it had taken her several loads to get rid of it all. Both she and the pup had been sooty by the time she’d finished. The fire flickered brightly now but she’d used the last of the wood in the basket and there were only scraps left outside. She had no idea where to go to find more.
A roast sizzled in the frying pan in the kitchen and the vegetables were prepared, ready to cook when Dan came home. She wished he would come home now. What was the point of her being here, if not to be with him?
She turned the television off and played a CD instead, moving restlessly from the lounge to kitchen. The sounds of Pachelbel’s Canon floated after her. Prodding at the roast, she decided she would put the vegetables on. Surely, Dan would have to be home soon.
The kitchen curtain was still open and she went to close it. The blackness beyond was total. In the glass she could see her own reflection. Despair washed over her and she pulled the curtain across sharply. How did other wives tolerate it? Maybe if they’d been brought up in the country it was different. It sounded like Jane had a role to play on their property beyond the house but Paula was no help to Dan. She didn’t understand the first thing about what he did all day. Behind her the phone rang.
The pup came skittering to her feet as she answered it.
“Paula?” She was pleased to hear Jane’s voice. “I’m sorry I didn’t get there today. I tried to ring a couple of times but you were engaged or not answering.”
“It’s been a busy day.” Paula tried to sound light-hearted.
“Bruce and Dan are here. We wondered if you’d like to come over for tea…” Loud laughter echoed in the background. “They’ve had a few drinks but I could come and pick you up and you could drive Dan home later.”
Paula didn’t feel the slightest bit cheery. She looked across at the frypan where the roast still sizzled and then at the table she had set with their new dinner setting and flowers from their garden. “I don’t think so Jane, thank you. I’m cooking a roast and…” The pup sat right in front of her looking up adoringly with those big brown eyes and Paula suddenly felt overwhelmed. Tears began to roll down her cheeks. “I’m sorry,” she sobbed.
“Are you all right?” Jane’s concern only made Paula feel worse.
“Yes, I guess I’m just very tired.”
“You’ve been on your own long enough.” Jane’s voice was reassuring. “I’ll get Bruce to drive Dan home. They won’t be long.”
Paula picked up the pup and stroked his back. “Now she’ll think I’m a weak fool who can’t even spend half a day on my own without turning into a gibbering mess.”
The pup relaxed and was soon asleep again. She tucked him into his basket and shut the door, then went back into the kitchen where the small blow heater was struggling to warm the room. Perhaps they could eat in the lounge by the fire. A quick check in there revealed the last log crumbling into coals. Perhaps Dan would be able to bring some from wherever he had the wood stashed.
Back in the kitchen she began serving up the roast. That’s if Dan’s in any state to eat it, she thought. By the time she had dished up and cleared away the mess, she heard a vehicle approaching. She put the two plates of food into the oven to keep warm just as a bang at the back door announced Dan’s return.
The chill in the back porch made her shiver as she was met by a smiling Bruce.
“Hello, Paula. Sorry we’re late. Dan let his hair down a bit.”
“Where is he?”
“Pit stop.” Bruce pointed towards the toilet. “Are you okay? Jane wanted me to check you were all right.”
“I’m fine. Thanks for bringing him home, Bruce.”
Bruce turned to go then looked back at Paula. He lowered his voice and spoke earnestly. “He needed to unwind. Let go of his troubles a bit.” The toilet flushed. “Anyway, I’d better get home myself.”
So lighten up girl, she told herself. You’ve been home alone all afternoon, done housework and cooked a nice meal and now your grateful husband comes home late and inebriated by the sound of it. She went back to the kitchen to look for the bottle of wine.
There was a crash and a yelp from the laundry. She stuck her head through the passage door in time to see Dan struggling out with the pup attached to the leg of his jeans.
“What is this?” he asked and stumbled
another step forward. “Have you been breeding killer mice?”
She went to rescue the pup, or was it Dan’s jeans? She wasn’t sure which. “It’s our wedding present from Rita.”
“Bloody hell. Don’t tell me Bluebell’s still spitting out pups.” He laughed and fell against the wall, waggling his leg. “Let go of me, Fang.”
Paula removed the pup and patted him gently. “It’s only Dan,” she soothed. “Did you think he was a burglar?”
“Lucky it didn’t bite my leg off, silly mutt. Old Rocket will probably think it’s a mouse.” He staggered up straight and swayed towards the kitchen. “Now, Jane mentioned roast and I’m starving. Damn it’s cold in here. Have you got the fire going?”
Paula ignored him and went back to the laundry with the pup, settled him back in his basket and returned to the kitchen. Dan wasn’t there. The sounds of her CD had been replaced by the voices of football commentators from the television. Looks like we’ll be eating in the lounge, she thought, glancing ruefully over to her beautifully set table.
She removed Dan’s plate from the oven, put it on a tray with the cutlery and carried it through. The wood basket was lying on its side and the fire was little more than a faint glow of crumbled ash. Dan was stretched out on the lounge, snoring gently.
“Dan.” She bent closer and spoke gently in his ear. The smell of beer and stale smoke wafted around him. “Dan.” She spoke louder and shook his shoulder.
“Hmmm?” He opened his eyes. She saw a look of recognition register and a goofy smile spread over his face before he closed his eyes again, mumbling, “Hello, Sweet Pea.”
“Dan!” She shook him harder. “Are you going to eat this?”
He opened his eyes and half sat up. “Yes. I’ll just get the footy scores.” This time his eyes didn’t focus and he slowly sank down and began snoring again.
Paula looked down. The pup had snuck in and was watching at her feet. “Looks like it’s still just you and me.” She went back to the kitchen. At the door she turned. The pup was stretched out on the floor between the remnants of the fire and the couch, his head resting on his paws. “Then again,” Paula said sadly. “I guess it’s just me.” She went into the kitchen and ate her meal alone with the blow heater at her feet.
CHAPTER
15
“Good morning,” Dan’s warm lips nuzzled at Paula’s ear and she opened her eyes. He was leaning over the bed smiling at her. The inviting aroma of toast and coffee wafted in the air.
“Good morning to you.” She smiled and kissed him before he straightened up. A breakfast tray sat on the table beside the bed.
“I’m sorry about last night.” His face was full of concern. “I hope I wasn’t too obnoxious.”
She smiled at him. He was wearing his work clothes and that serious air surrounded him again. “Well, you make a pretty useless drunk.” She pulled back the covers and patted the bed. “But you could make it up to me.”
He leaned down and kissed her. The prickles from his usually clean-shaven chin brushed against her cheek. She wrapped her arms around his neck and breathed in the fresh smell of his recently showered skin but he gently pulled away.
“I’m sorry, Sweet Pea, I have to go out.”
“But it’s Sunday.”
“I know. Tom’s picking me up. I’ve arranged to help Fred Martin move some stock and there are a few jobs I promised Rowena I’d do.”
Paula watched him cross the room. He always had something to do. She didn’t think she could face another day alone. She sat up, the chilly air seeping in around the edges of the covers. “We need more wood. The pile is empty.” She pulled the doona tighter around her.
“Really?” He looked back. “Already?”
Paula frowned. “It’s been so cold. How else do you expect me to keep warm?”
“I didn’t realise the pile was getting low.”
“Just tell me where you keep more. I can get it.”
“We have a ready source but it’s scattered all over the property.”
Paula stared at him. “You mean I have to go looking for it?”
He smiled. “I tell you what. You eat some breakfast. I should only be an hour or so. Then, once I’ve got the dual cab back I’ll come and get you. I wouldn’t mind an offsider and we can collect some wood while we’re at it.” He winked and left. She listened to the sound of his bootless feet creaking down the passage. Then he called to her, “And don’t be too long. I’ve been entertaining Fang here, but I think he’s looking for you.”
Paula heard a little bark and then the passage door shut. Her spirits lifted. She had forgotten the pup for the moment. They really would have to think of a name for him. She stepped out of bed onto the mat, pulled on her dressing-gown and took a sip of the coffee Dan had left. Come on girl, lesson number one hundred and sixty-four, there’s always work to be done on a farm.
Dan had come back for Paula as promised and they had set off across the property checking stock and loading up wood as they went. He had a chainsaw and used it to cut up old branches along the edge of a scrubby section where he’d made piles of dead wood. Each time he started up the chainsaw, the pup had cowered in Paula’s arms.
“You’re a real brave little mutt, aren’t you, Fang?” Dan laughed.
To Paula’s untrained eye the paddocks didn’t look much different. “Will the crops be okay?”
“We won’t be too badly off if we can get some rain,” Dan told her. “I think we’ve only lost seed in that sandy paddock close to the house. Some of the other paddocks have bare patches but as long as the seed is still there and we get some rain soon they should come back.”
The back of the dual cab was loaded high with wood by the time they drove along the track to Rowena’s, the pup sitting on the back seat. Dan pulled in behind Rowena’s empty garage. She had gone to Adelaide again. They unloaded a pile of the wood for her.
“Rowena said there was a bit of mail for me in her bag,” Dan said when they’d finished. “She left it on the kitchen table. Can you go in and get it while I pick up the spare battery?”
Paula looked at him in surprise. She’d forgotten all about her flat battery.
“Tom told me about it when he picked me up this morning.” A small smile played at the corners of Dan’s mouth.
“He said it was just one of those things,” Paula said defensively. “Batteries wear out without warning sometimes.”
Dan held up his hands, palms towards Paula and put on his fake drawl again. “I’m just offerin’ a spare battery, ma’am.”
“Thank you.” She turned on her heel and went to Rowena’s shed to collect the spare key.
Inside the house was dark and cold. Paula turned on the light in the kitchen. The benches were clear and gleaming, not a thing out of place. The small table at the end was, by contrast, a clutter of papers, books and pens.
Paula walked over to look for the mail. Rowena must have been doing bookwork. There were piles of accounts clipped together, bank statements, cheque books, notes in Rowena’s neat handwriting and computer-generated pages of crisp figures, all in ordered groups on the table. Paula couldn’t help but glance at them. She was sure she could help Rowena with the task of keeping the farm books.
Suddenly a name leapt off the page at her. Katherine Melton. Paula ran her finger across the entry. A payment had been made to her just last month. Quickly she scanned back up the list. Each month, for the last three, a payment had been made to Katherine. The paperwork only went back that far.
Paula sat down and looked more closely through the lists. She looked through a snapshot of their farming finances; payments to the bank, to agricultural suppliers, to fuel companies, to local businesses. And there were airfares, wedding accounts; everything that had happened to Dan and Rowena in the last three months was listed here via their accounts, including the payments to Katherine.
It was a large amount of money. What could it be for? What was it that Katherine had said the other day in town? Pau
la tried to think back. Something about not cutting her out and some ties being stronger than money.
Paula looked back at the papers in front of her. Katherine was receiving regular payments from Dan, which didn’t give the impression she was being cut out. Why would he be giving her all that money?
Rowena’s garden gate squeaked and Dan’s footsteps came closer along the path. Paula looked around quickly for the mail. There were several envelopes addressed to Dan in a pile to one side. She grabbed them and stood up just as Dan reached the door.
“There you are. I thought you were lost. Anything interesting?”
Paula snapped off the kitchen light. “Like what?” she asked guiltily. Perhaps he’d seen her snooping.
“In the mail.”
“Oh! No…or at least I think it’s all farm stuff.” She handed over the pile, thankful he couldn’t see the confusion on her face in the semi-light.
The pup waited in the dual cab and wagged his whole body as Paula got in. She patted him and he settled on her lap. She wished she had the courage to ask Dan straight out what had happened between him and Katherine but she’d seen his reaction to the mention of Katherine’s name. Paula didn’t want to be responsible for changing the mood.
“That’s a terrible name.”
Paula looked at Dan in horror. Had she said Katherine’s name out loud?
“Well, it’s not that bad,” he said, backtracking at her reaction. “But you can’t keep calling it Pup. It’s going to get a bit bigger.” He grinned and Paula realised she had been talking to the pup out loud, as she thought about Katherine.
“I don’t know what to call him. I’ve never named anything before.”
“What about ‘Fang’?”
Paula looked down at the pup’s sweet little face. One eye was open and one ear was half-cocked, as if he was listening for their decision. “That sounds mean and tough. How about Rupert?”
“Rupert?” scoffed Dan.
They laughingly swapped names all the way home but couldn’t agree on anything.
A Chance of Stormy Weather Page 18
