Right As Rain (22 page)

Patrick seemed smitten with Yasmine. Louise liked her apart from her being such a city girl. If Patrick married her, she would have to adapt to farm life. It was too early to expect a wedding but Louise was glad Patrick had found such a nice young woman. Now all they needed was for Mackenna and Hugh to officially pair up. That would be both her children on their way to settling down.

Louise paused midway through folding one of Cam's t-shirts. Thankfully he was turning out to be a good addition. When they'd advertised the job, Lyle had preferred an older bloke who'd done more stock work but he didn't have a truck licence. Cam had less experience but was a mechanic, and the licence tipped the scales in his favour. It didn't hurt that he was around the right age, well mannered and good-looking to boot. Funny she'd even considered him as a possibility for Mackenna when they were first employing him, but now that Hugh was on the scene Louise was glad there'd been no spark between her daughter and Cam.

She felt a small pang of guilt when it came to Adam. He'd given Louise his mobile number before he left and asked her to tell Mackenna to call him if she needed help with the bus group on the weekend. Louise had got rid of the number. She'd passed on Adam's farewell message without the part about his coming back to help. He was a nice bloke, but he only complicated things. Hugh and Mackenna needed space to work things out together without anyone distracting them.

Louise started to imagine babies but pulled herself up. “Bit early for that yet,” she muttered, but she longed for the time when she could fill her days with grandchildren. And if everything worked out, they'd all be living close enough for her to see them all regularly.

She held up a dress wondering if she should add it to the pile of clothes she'd set aside to pack for New Zealand. It was a good wash-and-wear fabric that didn't require ironing. She put it to one side. If she took it she'd take a cardigan that matched, then she'd have all bases covered.

The sound of murmuring voices and a soft giggle let her know Patrick and Yasmine had returned from their trip to the coast. Louise stacked the folded clothes back in the basket and shifted it to the desk alongside the parcel that had arrived for Lyle. At least this one was in a plastic postbag and didn't feel very heavy, but after the mattress overlay she wasn't looking forward to finding out what was in it.

A pile of unopened mail sat beside the parcel. Most of the letters had windows and she hadn't wanted to spoil her day by opening them. Their cash flow was very tight at the moment with the land payments, extra feed and Lyle's medical bills on top of everything else. Mackenna was spending money on the old house like there was no tomorrow and they'd helped Patrick get his car. Louise knew the New Zealand holiday was adding pressure but they'd survived tight times before and she wasn't going to give up her holiday.

The sound of Patrick's teasing voice brought a squealed response from Yasmine.

Louise flicked on the kettle and got out some plates. She'd discovered Yasmine had a sweet tooth so she'd made a moist chocolate cake and added shards of chocolate to the top for afternoon tea. The young woman needed fattening up, she was so thin.

“Hello, you two,” she said as she placed the cake on the table. “How was the beach?”

“It was beautiful along the coast,” Yasmine said. “Such rugged coastline and then those beaches. The colours were fantastic. I'm hoping I got some good shots.”

“Cake.” Patrick groaned and patted his stomach. “We just ate ice-cream.”

“That was an hour ago,” Yasmine said. “You're mum's been baking, Patrick.”

“Come and sit down,” Louise said. “I love to cook for people who appreciate it.” She gave her son a playful tap on the back.

Yasmine wriggled onto a chair.

“Your scarf looks good,” Louise said. “I never have much luck with getting them to sit right.” Yasmine wore so many layers but they suited her. At least today the vest and the scarf were a gentle shade of grey that softened the black of the rest of her clothes.

“I love scarves. There are so many ways to wear them,”Yasmine said and took a bite of the cake.

“She has a million of them,” Patrick said.

“That's an exaggeration.” Yasmine chuckled. “I do have quite a few, though. This cake is delicious, Mrs Birch.”

“Please call me Louise.”

“Okay . . . Louise. “Yasmine's face was pale but her brown eyes flashed with life. “And thank you for making this cake. It's to die for. Can I have the recipe?”

“It's an old favourite from a recipe book our church ladies put together years ago. I'll copy it for you.”

“Yassie makes a mean zucchini and banana cake,” Patrick said.

“That sounds interesting.” Louise smiled, not sure she liked the idea of that combination.

“It's easy to make and always works out,”Yasmine said. “We can swap recipes.”

“Do I get an invite to this party?”Lyle was standing in the doorway. He smiled but Louise could tell he was tired. He'd been putting in longer days at work since they made the decision to go on holiday.

“I'll make you a cup of tea,” she said, “but you'll have to stick with nut loaf.”

“Surely a little sliver wouldn't hurt.” Lyle pulled off his hat and a grubby line from its brim marked his forehead.

Louise felt sorry for him. He looked worn out and he had such a sweet tooth.

“Just a sliver,” she said.

“What have you been doing, Mr Birch?” Yasmine asked.

“Not a very pleasant job, I'm afraid.” Lyle slipped into his chair and pushed his hair back from his face. “We've been getting a few flyblown sheep.”

“We will not have a discussion about that while we're eating,” Louise said with a shudder. A vivid childhood memory of her father cutting away the rotten maggoty wool and flesh from an infected sheep leapt into her mind.

“I'll explain later,” Patrick murmured.

Louise liked the way her son cared for Yasmine. He was a doting partner and there was obviously a deep bond between them. It was so nice to see.

“Has anyone seen Mackenna today?”

“She and Cam have been with me,” Lyle said. “They've gone over to feed sheep and check the water across the road.”

“I asked her to come and eat with us one night before we go,” Louise said. She'd hardly seen Mackenna since the Gatehouse dinner. It felt strange not having her at the table for every meal.

“She'll be in later.” Lyle sat back in his chair. “We've got some paperwork to go through and I really think we'll have to bring crutching forward, although how it can be managed with me away I don't know.”

“Can't it wait? You look bushed.” Louise was worried Lyle wouldn't be up to overseas travel with all the work he was doing.

“You know it can't,” he said.

“Why don't you go and have a shower and a lie down till she gets here? I'll give you a call.”

“I think I might,” he said. He passed the pile of mail and stopped. “This is for you.” He held out the postbag. “Open it.”

Louise slit the bag open. The contents slid onto the table – something black with splashes of bright colour encased in a clear plastic bag.

“What is it?” Patrick asked.

“Take it out, Lou,” Lyle said. “It's a travel bag. It's got one of those across the shoulder straps and compartments for everything.”

“What a great idea,” Yasmine said.

Louise pulled the garish bag from its plastic cover and unfolded it.

“See how many pockets it has.” Lyle took it from her then slid the strap over her head so the bag rested against her hip.

Louise looked down at the monstrosity. Why would he pick such a thing?

“Did it come in other colours?” Patrick asked.

“Patrick,” Yasmine chided. “They're fabulous colours. That's a great travel bag. It's got splashes of so many colours it will go with whatever you're wearing.”

“Don't you like it?” Lyle's face was full of concern.

She leaned in and kissed him. “It's a very thoughtful gift,” she said. “Thank you. Now I really want you to have a rest. You look done in.”

“On my way.”

Louise watched him go. That he went without a fight worried her even more.

“Dad's doing okay, isn't he?”

She saw the concern on Patrick's face.

“Yes,” she said with a brightness she didn't feel. “He's just got to remember to pace himself. The doctors are happy with him.”

“What's crutching?” Yasmine asked. “Is it something we can help with?”

“That's very kind of you, Yasmine, but we get contractors to do the work. It just means a busy time with getting sheep in, helping around the shed, feeding everyone.”

“I can help with feeding,” Yasmine said brightly.

Louise smiled at this young woman who barely ate enough herself to keep a flea alive.

“Mackenna's back,” Patrick said, looking out the kitchen window.

“I hope she doesn't need Lyle for a while,” Louise said.

The screen door squeaked but Mackenna's tread was soundless and she suddenly popped her head around the door. “Good, you're here,” she said to the room in general. “Where's Dad?”

“He's having a bit of a rest. I don't want – ”

“It's okay, Mum.” Mackenna cut her off. “I wanted to talk to you on my own. I'll just wash up.”

“Have a seat.” Louise pulled out a chair as soon as Mackenna returned. She'd washed her hands but her clothes were dirty and she looked as weary as her father. “Patrick, can you make a coffee for your sister?”

Patrick moved in the direction of the coffee machine.

“Hi,Yasmine,” Mackenna said. “Sorry we haven't caught up.”

“You look as if you've had a busy day,” Yasmine smiled and reached for a plate. “Let me cut you some of your mother's delicious cake.”

“Thanks,” Mackenna replied but Louise could tell she was distracted.

“What's this?” Mackenna picked up the bag Lyle had ordered.

“A travel bag,” Louise said.

“Your dad bought it for your mum. Isn't it great?” Yasmine ran her hand down the side of the bag.

Louise met Mackenna's look and saw the hint of a smile on her lips. She gave a gentle shake of her head. She could tell her daughter thought it as ghastly as she did but there was no need to hurt anyone's feelings.

“What did you want to talk about?” she asked, steering the conversation away from the bag.

“We're getting a lot of flyblown sheep. Dad and I both agree we need to bring crutching forward but he's worried he won't be here to help and . . .”

Louise saw Mackenna's eyes flick to Yasmine and back.

“I think Yasmine knows a fair bit about us already,” Louise said. “Spit it out.”

Mackenna continued to hesitate.

“Would you like me to leave?” Yasmine asked.

Louise held up her hand. “Stay where you are,” she said and nodded at Mackenna. “Go on.”

“He's worried about the cash flow,” Mackenna said, “and so am I.”

Louise felt anger begin to bubble inside her. The first overseas holiday they'd ever tried to take was constantly in jeopardy and she wouldn't allow it.

“We'll manage.”

“You're the one who knows,” Mackenna replied quietly.

“We'll be fine,” Louise said. “Besides, most of our holiday is booked and paid for. We just won't be dining out on caviar or bringing back expensive presents.” She tried to make light of it but she suddenly worried about the mail that still lay unopened on the desk.

“Don't say anything to Dad,” Mackenna said. “I'll organise the crutching.”

“When will you do it?” They all turned in response to Yasmine's cheerful voice.

“Next week,” Mackenna said. “If I can get the crutching team here.”

“We could come back and help, couldn't we Patrick?”

“I've already said so.” Patrick put a coffee in front of Mackenna and moved away to stand behind Yasmine's chair.

“I'd appreciate that,” Mackenna said.

Louise was relieved to see her smile at her brother and that he nodded in reply.

“There are a few containers of sausage rolls in the freezer for morning and afternoon teas,” she said.

“I can cook. “Yasmine jumped up from her chair, nearly knocking Patrick over. “Well, sweet things anyway,” she said with a quirky giggle.

Hugh made a mental list as he drove away from the office. He only had to throw a few things in a bag for his weekend trip to Adelaide. He had to meet the agent and there was still paperwork to finish if he was to leave for Canada on time.

He glanced in the direction of Rory's shop and his attention was drawn by the sight of Mackenna, struggling with two sheep on the back of her ute. He pulled his four-wheel drive in beside her.

“I wouldn't have thought these two would give you any trouble,” he chuckled.

Mackenna let the rope she'd been holding drop and laughed with him.

“You wouldn't think so would you, but a bronze cut-out is heavier than it looks.”

“Is this what Rory was making for the Gatehouse?”

“Yes, they're going out the front of the old house amongst the tea-trees with the tasting room sign.”

“Very clever.” Hugh nodded at the rope. “Can I help?”

“Thanks,” Mackenna said. “Rory helped me lift them on but he had to get to the bank before it closed. I didn't realise tying them down would give me such trouble.”

They worked together and soon had the two sheep firmly secured in the back of the tray-top.

“Are you heading home?” Mackenna asked.

Hugh nodded.

“I owe you a drink,” she said. “Fancy one now?”

He hesitated.