‘All the more difficult because of her condition,’ said Olivia.
Jessie saw something in her eyes that made her uneasy. She decided to answer the question as asked and ignore further implications. ‘It certainly didn’t help,’ she said gruffly. ‘But Eva was a tough little woman. Nothing got her down for long.’
Olivia looked at her hard, but remained silent. Jessie finished her tea and tried to settle back in the chair. She peered through the gap in the curtains as she attempted to put her thoughts in order. It was growing dark, she realised with surprise. The day had flown – but it was far from over.
‘Did Eva ever find out what happened on that expedition?’ asked Maggie. ‘Did she get to speak to the survivor?’
Jessie looked at Maggie and nodded. ‘Yes. But the short conversation posed more questions than answered them.’
‘He couldn’t tell her much, then?’
Jessie’s expression was grim. ‘He knew a lot more than he was letting on. But, considering the sort of man he was, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise.’
‘Why, what happened?’
Jessie stared out of the window. She could remember Eva telling her in great detail of that meeting. Could remember every word of their conversation.
*
Eva entered the hushed hospital ward and sat down on the hard wooden chair beside the iron bedstead. She looked at the man lying there and wondered how they had reached this crossroads in their lives. They had all started out with such hope, now, here she was, a widow.
His eyelids fluttered and he turned to look at her. ‘I’m sorry,’ he murmured. ‘So sorry, Eva.’
Eva hitched her handbag closer, her gloved hands tight on the handle. ‘What happened?’ she demanded.
He moved his legs beneath the sheets and winced. ‘We got separated. Fred said he knew where there was water. Wouldn’t listen to me, and went off on his own.’
‘You were the guide, his right hand man. You should have gone with him,’ she retorted.
‘I had three other sick men to look after. Fred was quite capable of making his own way and his own decisions.’
Eva glared at him. ‘How is it you are the only survivor?’
‘I knew of an old Aboriginal watering hole. It was a gamble, of course, there was no guarantee it hadn’t dried up, but I had to try.’ His smile was weary and didn’t quite reach his eyes as he turned to look at her. ‘I was lucky, that’s all.’
Eva looked at him. She knew the kind of man he was – a philanderer – a liar – and far too ambitious. Despite his injuries, she couldn’t bring herself to like him – or believe him. The words were too glib, as if they’d been rehearsed, and there was something in the way his eyes shifted away from her that said he wasn’t telling her everything.
‘You seem to have a charmed life,’ she said coldly. ‘Out of sixteen men, you are the only one to have come out of the Territories alive.
Their gazes held and the silence stretched. He was the first to look away.
‘But because you survived, and because I know you for the man you really are, your luck has just run out,’ said Eva. ‘Not only have I lost my husband because of you – I have also lost a daughter, and probably a grandchild.’
He turned his head, the fire of his hair gleaming in the stream of light coming through the windows. All pretence was gone from his eyes, which had an arctic gleam to them. ‘Your husband was a fool and your daughter a slut,’ he said nastily. ‘You should look to yourself before you cast blame.’
Eva felt the blood rush to her face and she strengthened the grip on her handbag. Deciding not to rise to his taunts, she changed the subject. ‘What are your plans for the future?’
A gleam of something unpleasant lit his eyes. ‘My wife is dead. I have three daughters to raise and the ability to earn enough will be hampered for a long time by the injuries I’ve incurred during your husband’s last expedition.’
Eva understood him completely, and had come prepared. She twisted the gold clasp and opened the handbag, pulling out a banker’s note. ‘This should support you and your daughters for some time,’ she said as she held the money order out. ‘But it comes with the proviso that you leave this part of Australia, and never attempt to contact me or my daughter again.’
His eyes widened as he saw the amount she was prepared to pay him.
‘This is not negotiable, and there will be no more,’ she said firmly. ‘If you should be tempted to blackmail me, then I will bring into question your part in this fatal expedition.’ She leaned closer to him so her words couldn’t be overheard. ‘I believe you abandoned my husband,’ she murmured. ‘I believe you wanted only to save your own skin. God only knows what happened out there between you and Freddy, but I have a good imagination as well as a keen intelligence. Cross me again, and you’ll find I’m a dangerous adversary.’
Eva threw the money order onto the sheet and stood up. ‘I regret the day we met, Bluey MacDonald. Goodbye.’
*
‘Bluey MacDonald,’ breathed Maggie. ‘My father.’
Jessie looked down at her fingers. ‘I’m sorry Maggie. It can’t be easy to learn about him like this.’
Maggie’s face was ashen. ‘Do you know where he is now?’
Jessie shook her head. There had been rumours of him resettling on the western coast. Whispers that he’d used Eva’s money to find himself a rich wife. But Maggie didn’t need further evidence of her father’s failings – it was bad enough to know he was a wrong’un.
‘That just about puts the tin lid on it,’ snapped Maggie. ‘My mother’s spiteful and my father’s a weasel.’ She looked up into Sam’s face. ‘Still want to marry me?’ she asked. ‘Now you know what kind of people I come from?
Sam kissed the top of her head and drew her back into his embrace. ‘I’m not marrying them,’ he said softly. ‘I’m marrying you – and don’t you dare go crook on me now, Maggs. I’ve already ordered a new suit.’
She grinned and buried her face against his arm. ‘That settles it then,’ she giggled. ‘God forbid you waste a new suit.’
Jessie felt the relief flood through her. Fate had brought Bluey MacDonald and Frederick Hamilton together on that long trek across the Nullabor. His influence had eventually destroyed Eva’s family. Yet Maggie and Samuel would move on from this day because their love was strong enough to withstand anything – and Bluey MacDonald’s part in this family’s unfortunate history would remain in the background where it belonged.
Olivia cleared her throat. ‘Did you hear from him again?’ she asked.
Jessie saw how pale she was, how tense and still, as if she knew this was not the end to the tale. She busied herself by pouring tea, and taking a sip. It was sour and tepid and did nothing to ease her thirst. Ignoring the question, but knowing it would have to be answered at some point, she returned to the events that affected Eva during those terrible days.
‘Eva had to move out of the house shortly after the funeral,’ Jessie began. ‘The house belonged to the government and the new surveyor and his family were due to arrive within weeks. Eva packed up everything and put most of it in storage. Then, despite her doctor’s advice, began the long journey north to be with me and Irene.’
*
Eva arrived in Trinity on 10 March, 1915. The tiny house had been scrubbed and polished until everything gleamed, and Jessie was eagerly waiting by the window for the first sight of the carriage.
‘Remember, Jessie,’ said Irene as she came to stand beside her. ‘You’re to leave the talking to me.’
Jessie folded her arms and glared back at her. ‘She has a right to know the truth,’ she said stubbornly.
The fair curls bounced as Irene shook her head. ‘And I’ll tell her,’ she snapped. ‘But when I choose to. One word from you and I’ll make your life hell. Is that understood?’
> Jessie bit her lip. She had never lied to Eva, and didn’t approve of what Irene was planning to do. ‘You haven’t exactly made it easy anyway,’ she retorted. ‘Now you’re asking me to go along with something that is impossible to forgive.’ She shook her head. ‘Eva isn’t stupid, Irene. She’ll know I’m hiding something from her.’
Jessie’s arm was grasped in tight, hurtful fingers. ‘Then you’d better make sure you play the part,’ she hissed. ‘You’ll do as you’re told.’ She twisted Jessie’s arm. ‘Or I’ll tell her you’ve been bringing Joshua Reynolds in here and sleeping with him in the next room to mine. I’ll tell her he’s made a pass at me, and make sure he’ll never work in that school again.’
Jessie’s eyes were watering. Irene was hurting her arm. ‘That’s a wicked lie,’ she gasped. ‘Joshua’s never been in the house – and as for making a pass at you ….’ The words failed her.
‘You and I both know he hasn’t the brains to do such a thing, but Mother doesn’t. I’m sure she and the school board can be persuaded otherwise.’
The jingle of harness echoed up the sandy lane. Jessie returned Irene’s glare, then looked away. The girl could be very persuasive, and at the end of the day, Jessie was only a servant – it would be her word against Irene’s. She was in a no–win situation.
‘She’s coming,’ she said through a constricted throat. ‘Hadn’t you better go out and meet her?’
Irene smiled and patted her hair. ‘Why don’t we both go?’ she suggested. She could afford to be generous now she’d got her own way. ‘I’m sure Mother would like to see us both after such a long absence.’
Jessie stood in the shadows of the porch as Irene ran down the path to greet the carriage. She watched as Eva struggled down the steps and embraced her daughter, and noticed how drawn and ill she looked. Eva had been hit hard by Frederick’s death and the long journey coming so soon after had obviously been too much.
Walking up the path with her arm around Irene’s waist, Eva smiled. ‘Jessie,’ she murmured as she reached out a hand. ‘It’s so good to see you again. I’ve missed you.’
The two women embraced and Jessie was shocked by Eva’s frailty. There was nothing of her. She drew back and forced a smile. This homecoming would not be pleasant for Eva, and Jessie realised it was up to her to remain strong – for she would be needed now more than ever. ‘Good to see you too,’ she said with forced brightness. ‘Come on in out of this awful sun and I’ll make you a cup of tea.’
Eva laughed. ‘Jessie and her cups of tea,’ she joked to Irene. ‘The panacea for all ills and disasters – the answer to everything.’ Her step was more sprightly as she went into the house and admired the burnished copper, the freshly washed curtains and shining linoleum. ‘You’ve made it all very homely, Jessie,’ she said as she took the pins from her hat and mopped her brow with a scrap of handkerchief.
‘I done me best,’ said Jessie, as she organised the coachman’s unloading of the bags. ‘But the dust is just as bad up here as it is in Melbourne, and of course the sand is impossible – gets everywhere.’
Eva smiled at her and Jessie saw the weariness shadowing her eyes, the deep sadness etched around her mouth. ‘You’ve always been a good home–maker, Jessie.’ She clasped her hand. ‘Speaking of which, I understand there’s to be a wedding soon? When do I get to meet Mr Reynolds?’ she asked.
Jessie blushed. ‘It’s a school day, so Joshua’s in Cairns with Stella. I’ve asked them over for Sunday lunch, if that’s all right?’
‘Of course. This is your home, Jessie,’ said Eva firmly. ‘I will be delighted to meet Joshua and his little girl after hearing so much about them in your letters.’
Jessie settled Eva in the lounge with Irene. The bags had been carried into the third small bedroom and she paid off the driver before hurrying into the tiny kitchen at the back of the house. She made the tea, her hands clumsy as the tension mounted. Irene and Eva were talking, catching up on the news, commiserating over Freddy’s death and the horrors of the pompous funeral. The house was small, and although neither woman raised their voice, their words easily carried. Jessie could hear everything.
‘How are you my dear? I got Jessie’s wire to say everything went smoothly.’
‘I’m well, thank you, Mother,’ replied Irene. ‘But I shall be glad when I get my figure back. None of my pretty clothes fit me any more.’
‘And the baby? The little girl? Was it very hard to give her up?’
There was a long silence, and Jessie hovered in the kitchen doorway.
‘I’ve changed my mind,’ said Irene. ‘For now, anyway.’
Jessie realised she’d been holding her breath and let it out in a long sigh. Yet the tension was almost unbearable, and she found she was clinging to the door handle as if her life depended upon it.
‘But that’s wonderful darling. I knew you couldn’t just give her away. Baby’s are so precious, and once they are a part of our lives it is impossible not to love them.’
‘Oh, I don’t love it,’ said Irene.
‘You don’t love her?’ Eva’s tone was incredulous. ‘Why keep her then?’
‘I’ve got my reasons,’ replied Irene.
‘Which are?’ Eva’s tone matched Irene’s coolness.
‘It’s pretty enough and doesn’t cry too much,’ she retorted. ‘And once Bluey sees it he’s bound to change his mind and marry me.’
Jessie closed her eyes and took a shallow, trembling breath.
‘How can you contemplate such a match after what he did to your father?’ demanded Eva.
‘You have no proof,’ retorted Irene.
Eva recognised the girl’s obstinacy, and changed tack. ‘You can’t use a child to blackmail a man into marrying you, Irene. Have you no pride, no sense of decency or shame?’
‘Pride’s a pretty poor commodity when you’re an unmarried mother,’ snapped Irene. ‘As for decency. Hmph. It’s his child as well as mine – and now he’s widowed, he can’t deny either of us. He’s coming up here next week to visit, and I can guarantee we’ll be going back to Melbourne as husband and wife,’ she finished triumphantly.
‘And what if your plans fail? What then?’ Eva’s tone was chill, the words clipped.
‘I’ll have it adopted,’ said Irene.
‘You really are a bitch, aren’t you?’ Eva spat. ‘A spoilt, selfish little bitch. How dare you use a child like that.’
‘Why not? It might as well serve some purpose. It’s too young to know any different if it stays with me or goes somewhere else.’
Jessie leaned against the doorpost. The tears were hot and blinding, but she refused to let them fall. That poor, darling, nameless little baby would be better off anywhere than with that harpy, she thought with bitterness. But at least Eva was fighting for her. At least there was a voice to speak out on her innocent behalf.
Eva was silent for a long while. ‘Your mind is obviously made up, Irene,’ she said eventually. ‘She is your child, unfortunately, and as you seem hell–bent on this course of action, there is little I can do. But I’ll tell you this. I will never forgive you for this wanton abuse of motherhood. That baby is an innocent victim whatever the outcome.’
There was a rustle of skirts as Eva rose from her chair and headed for the hall. ‘Jessie?’ she called. ‘I know you’re listening. What do you have to say about all this?’
Jessie smeared the tears from her eyes and took a deep breath. Eva didn’t know the half of it, but Irene was watching her and she knew she had to remain silent. ‘I don’t like it, Mrs Hamilton. I don’t like it a bit,’ she said gruffly.
‘Me neither,’ retorted Eva. ‘But it seems we have little choice but to go through this charade.’ She took Jessie’s arm. ‘Come, let me see this child. Does she have a name?’
*
Maggie stared at Jessie in horror. ‘Why didn’t you do
something to stop her?’ she demanded. ‘You let that bitch use me like a pawn in some terrible game of chess. I was a baby, for god’s sake. A tiny baby!’
Jessie could understand her rage – knew how it felt. ‘Maggie,’ she began as she reached out to her.
‘Don’t touch me,’ snarled Maggie. ‘I despise you.’
‘Fair go, Maggie,’ gasped Sam. ‘You can’t talk to Ma like that. She only did what she was told.’
Maggie stood, the anguish and fury boiling over and out of control. ‘So did Hitler’s SS!’ she shouted. ‘They were carrying out orders too, and millions died.’
The slap was sharp and echoed in the silence. Maggie gasped, her hand flying to her cheek where Olivia’s fingers had scorched a stinging trail.
‘Calm down,’ Olivia said firmly. ‘You’re getting hysterical and it’s not helping any of us.’
Maggie was stiff with resentment as Olivia pulled her close and held her tightly. ‘It’s all right for you,’ she snapped. ‘You weren’t used and left on the bloody scrap heap. What the hell do you know about anything with your happy childhood and your loving mother?’
Olivia drew back, the hurt evident in her eyes. ‘I’m not going to apologise for that,’ she said with studied calm. ‘I was lucky, and I can’t begin to imagine how it must have been for you.’ Her expression softened. ‘But there’s no need to take it out on Jessie. She was a pawn in this awful game, just as much as you.’
‘Maggie. Please listen to me.’ Jessie’s voice was tearful. ‘You don’t understand.’
Maggie looked down at the little woman and felt nothing but disgust. ‘I understand all too well,’ she said coldly. ‘And I’m not staying here to listen to any more of this.’
‘Yes, you will.’ Jessie’s voice was commanding as she hauled herself out of the chair and blocked Maggie’s departure. ‘Sit down, Maggie.’
Maggie hesitated, the shock of Jessie’s vehement outburst making her suddenly unsure of what to do. She looked at Olivia, whose face was pale and taut with some inner pain. Looked at Sam, who was obviously confused and saddened by what was happening. ‘Why should I?’ she demanded with truculent bravado.
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