Dust on the Horizon (58 page)

Once inside Joseph forced the back door shut and it was suddenly calm. He sat William in a chair and checked his arm.

“I don't think it's broken but the shoulder is dislocated.” He patted William's good shoulder. “I can fix it. A quick pain and you'll feel better.”

Joseph turned to Henry. “Then we'd better see to that cut.”

Henry put a hand to his head then looked at his fingers. Joseph saw his eyes roll. He pushed a chair beneath Henry's legs as they buckled. Henry groaned but remained conscious.

“It's only a cut.” Joseph looked around for something to put on it. There was a drying cloth hanging on a hook. It didn't look too clean but would have to do. “Hold this against it.” He shoved the cloth at Henry and turned his attention back to William's shoulder. He helped his son to lie flat on the ground, then took him by the elbow, gripped hard and pulled.

William let out a yelp.

“All done.” Joseph helped William back to his chair. “Rest now.” He gave William a nod and turned his attention to the fire. “We could all do with getting out of these wet things.”

Henry glanced around. “Perhaps some hot tea?”

“Tea be damned.” Joseph opened the grate and piled more wood into the fire. “Jack would have some whiskey here somewhere. I think we could all do with a drop of that. Even William.”

Another loud rumble of thunder shook the house, light flashed at the window and rain pelted down on the roof overhead.

Joseph poked at the fire some more. “We won't be going anywhere tonight.”

“Shouldn't we …” William's voice trailed off. “Shouldn't we move the … Jack.”

“Nothing's going to change the fact that he's dead.” Joseph studied his son. William's eyes were bright, no doubt a mixture of pain and shock. He put a gentle hand on his son's good shoulder. “Perhaps later, when the rain eases, we can put him in the shed.”

“What will we tell people?” Henry's voice wavered. “How will we explain we were all here and Jack is dead?”

“We didn't kill him.” Joseph began opening cupboards looking for whiskey and something to eat. “It was an act of nature.”

“How do we explain our injuries?” Henry was getting worked up now.

“What injuries?” Joseph nodded at Henry. “You're the only one with anything to show. You fell and hit your head in the shock of finding Jack.”

“So I am to be the one who reports to the constable?” Henry's eyes narrowed.

“It makes sense. People know you're away and it sounds like Smith's Ridge is actually in your name, although not for much longer.”

“What do you mean?”

Joseph lifted his chin. “The Bakers have the money to take it back. Once things have settled down you'll be signing the lease over to us.”

They glared at each other.

“Grandfather always said this place was cursed.” William's words broke the silence between the two men.

“You surely don't believe that, William. Bad things happen no matter where we are. Grandpa buried two children and his wife at Wildu Creek. It's no more cursed than Smith's Ridge. It's just life.”

William slumped in his chair.

“It's all right, son. We won't live here. We'll hire an overseer or, who knows, Timothy and Eliza might like to take it on. The house could certainly use a woman's touch again.” Joseph looked back at Henry. “What do you say Wiltshire? I'm sure you'll be glad to see the back of this place. It hasn't been lucky for you either.”

Henry drew in a breath. “I still have sheep.”

Joseph snorted. “If there are any left after this we'll buy them from you. And we'll keep the shepherd you've got with them. I hear he's a good man.” Joseph knew he would have to draw deeply on the money he'd brought with him from Teetulpa but Hegarty should arrive soon with the rest which should be far greater than what Joseph had already.

“Very well.” Henry held out his hand. “Smith's Ridge is yours.”

Fifty

Henry stepped out his shop door, stopped on the verandah and clasped the lapels of his jacket.

“Good morning, Mr Wiltshire.”

“And the same to you, Mrs Taylor.” He raised his gaze to the blue sky dotted with puffs of white cloud. “Another lovely day.”

“Just glorious for the first day of May.”

“Indeed.” Henry rocked up onto the balls of his feet.

“I'll be back later to look at the new fabrics Catherine told me about over morning tea yesterday.”

“We shall look forward to it.”

Henry looked up and down the street. In every direction there was movement, horses, wagons and people going about their business. Everyone had found their optimism since the huge downpour in January and the follow-up rains since. Grass sprouted everywhere, the few young trees had taken on a brighter green hue and some ladies, including Catherine, were growing flowers in their gardens.

Even the farmers of the region were happy since help had been found to buy seed for them to plant. The government hadn't been forthcoming so it had been left to benefactors and of course he'd been able to extract some money from Harriet so that he had been able to extend credit to a couple of farmers. He was quite sure he would once again build up his landholdings and own more than the local shop.

Catherine was once more with child. This time Dr Bruehl had insisted she keep to her bed and do very little. He had also discreetly indicated to Henry that she should avoid her wifely duties for the duration of her confinement. Henry smiled at the thought. These days he preferred Flora Nixon's firm body to his wife's lumpy one anyway. It had been a good day that had brought Flora to him looking for work. Not only was she their housekeeper and careful carer of her mistress but she looked after her master's needs as well.

A wagon drawn by two horses rolled to a stop in front. Henry's smile slipped when he saw Baker and his very pregnant black wife seated beside him. The lad, William, was dangling his long legs over the back. He jumped off and strode away without a glance at Henry as soon as the wagon stopped.

“Mr Wiltshire.” Baker nodded.

Henry nodded back.

“Taking in the sunshine?”

“Indeed.” Henry looked up and down the street in case someone was watching. He and Baker had managed to agree on the terms of the handover of Smith's Ridge but that was as far as it went. The arrogant man was still married to a native woman and could never redeem himself in Henry's eyes. It also rankled that the women Baker married could also produce children so easily.

“Don't worry.” Joseph chuckled. “We're not stopping. We've a load of supplies to collect, new clothes to buy along with items for the baby but we won't put you out. Mr Garrat next door is always pleased to take our money.” Joseph lifted his hat and flicked the reins to move his wagon forward.

Henry shook with rage as Baker's cheeky wife waved at him with a huge smile. He turned on his heel and strode back into his shop.

Millie gave Joseph's leg a playful pat. “You are bad to goad him.”

“But it's so enjoyable.” Joseph reined the horses in beside Mr Garrat's shop.

“You made it sound as if we have lots of money to spend.”

Joseph turned to Millie and took her hands. “It will be tight until our first wool cheque, then we should be able to do more around the house.”

“That's not necessary, Joseph. We all fit quite well in your father's house. There's little that needs doing and William seems happy enough in the quarters.”

“Speaking of whom where did he disappear to?”

“Something caught his eye back along the road I suspect.”

Joseph twisted in his seat but there was no sign of his son. He jumped down from the wagon and helped Millie to the ground. “Will you manage while I go to the post office?”

Millie chuckled and placed a hand over her swollen stomach. “I'm with child, not injured.”

He watched her move slowly to the shop door. No matter what she said he would worry until she was safely delivered and they held their new baby in their arms. How he wished he had the rest of the money he'd earned from Teetulpa – but he assumed that was long gone. It wouldn't have guaranteed her life, but at least it would have made things more comfortable. It would be a tight squeeze in his father's house once the baby arrived.

Joseph moved off towards the post office. A young native woman pushed a large perambulator over the rough road with a child holding on each side.

“Hello, Mr Joe.”

“Mary, hello. I didn't recognise you at first. You're … taller.”

Mary gave him one of her shy smiles. “Thinner you mean. I don't eat so much these days and chasing after the publican's children keeps me busier than Esther ever did.”

“I hope they're treating you well, Mary.”

“Very well. I like it here in Hawker. I still see my mother and father, and sounds like Joe's enjoying the work at Smith's Ridge.”

“He is. Binda's flat out between watching him there and William at Wildu Creek. Reckons they both need lots more learning yet.”

Mary lowered her eyes. “How is Robert?”

“Making good progress. He's almost running again and no more headaches.”

The children at Mary's legs began poking each other.

“I better keep going, Mr Joe.”

“Nice to see you, Mary. You know you're always welcome at Wildu Creek.”

She nodded and moved off.

Joseph kept walking. There were several new buildings since he'd last been to Hawker. The big rain they'd had and follow-up rains since had inspired confidence. Evidently the whole state had benefited from the heavens opening up.

Joseph pushed open the post office door and waited his turn at the counter. He was sending a telegram to the farmer agisting the last of his stock to let him know he was coming to shift them home and he would pay his outstanding accounts when he arrived. It would be a very lean year from now until their wool cheque came.

The postmaster took down the details and Joseph handed over his money. It was extravagant but a letter might not reach them before he did. As he turned to leave the postmaster called him back.

“Did your friend find you, Mr Baker?”

Joseph frowned. “My friend?”

“Big man, dark hair, bushy beard, easy laugh.”

Joseph's spirits leapt. It sounded like Hegarty but it had been nearly five months since Joseph had left him his gold, surely he was long gone with the money.

“Which way did he go?”

“East, I sent him.”

Joseph spun on his heel and grabbed the door.

“I didn't know you were in town,” the postmaster called after him. “I gave him directions to Wildu Creek.”

William paused in the doorway of the stables and looked around. There was movement at the other end of the low stone building. He moved towards the young woman patting the neck of a horse. Her red curls were pulled back from her face and caught in a bun at the back of her head, the rest of her hair flowed over her shoulders, complementing the tan jacket she wore, far better than any brooch or flower.

“I thought I saw you come in here.”

Georgina looked around and smiled with her lips but not her eyes. “Hello, William.” She went on patting the horse. “Saying my goodbyes to Dusty. I'm on my way back to school for another term.”

“Time goes quickly. You'll be back soon enough.” William could see she was sad to leave her horse. He wasn't sure how to help her feel better.

“Time certainly does. I hear your family is back at Smith's Ridge.”

“We've taken back the lease.”

“Good on you.” Her hand was soft and warm on his arm. “I only ever met Mr Aldridge once but I didn't take to him. Not that I should speak ill of the dead.”

“Georgina!”

She jumped away from William at her father's bellow. “I must go. It was very nice to see you again, William.”

“And you.”

She smiled and her pretty face lit up. Then she turned and hurried away. She was silhouetted a moment in the door frame and then she was gone.

William put a hand to his arm where Georgina's had rested. His insides had gone to mush at her touch. Then he remembered the ribbon in his pocket. He pulled out the crumpled paper bag and looked inside at the neatly folded emerald green satin. Each time he came to Hawker he slipped it in his pocket in the hope of meeting Georgina and the one time he did he forgot all about it. He folded the bag and slid it safely back in his pocket. The day seemed a little less bright as he stepped outside and headed back to the main street.

He found Millie by the wagon outside Mr Garrat's shop.

“Have you seen your father?” She asked as soon as he reached her.

“No.” William shook his head, his thoughts still with Georgina.

“Millie, William.” They both looked around at Joseph hurrying towards them, beckoning wildly. “Leave the cart. We'll come back for it later.” He slipped one arm through Millie's. “There's someone I want you both to meet.”

“Who is it?” Millie asked.

“You will see.” Joseph patted her hand and gave William a wild grin.

They were headed towards the hotel. Even though he had seen little evidence of it since his father had returned from the goldfields, William wondered if his father had been drinking.

Joseph led them through the front door and along a hall to the rooms at the back. He stopped in front of one of the doors and knocked. A huge man opened the door. He looked from Joseph to Millie and then to William. His eyes twinkled as his face opened wide in a grin. “Come in.” He stepped back from the door. The room was narrow and cell-like. William couldn't see how the three of them would fit with the large occupant already taking up so much space.

His father led Millie to the little iron bed and patted a place for her to sit. William squeezed past the big man who closed the door behind him. There was a washbasin on a stand and a small cupboard by the bed but that was all there was in the way of furnishings which was just as well.