Anne Whitfield Kitty McKenzie's Land (pdf)

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I would never have encouraged you, Kitty, if I had known what you
were to endure. It is too much for you, Dan spoke quietly as was his
way. You must come back to Sydney and either sell up or employ a
manager. I am adamant about this.
They walked through the bush and Dan held the rifle. As he was a
better shot than her, Kitty hoped he could shoot a kangaroo for dinner.
Dan, Clara and Joe had been at the property for two days, and despite
the cramped conditions, no one complained. Their happiness was too
much at being together again. Ingrid s baby boy, born two weeks ago,
was well. Therefore, Ingrid told Dan to take the children north to see her.
It is not too bad. I am managing.
But you don t have to. Dan stopped and faced her. It is not
working, Kitty. You have to accept it.
His thoughts ran similar to hers, but stubbornly she couldn t give in
yet. It has only been seven months. These things take years. Once the
cattle are in a better condition, I will begin a breeding program. In the
meantime, we can live on what we grow and the money I get from our
investments will pay the wages and buy the few things we need for the
place. I will get by. I have no alternative.
Come back to Sydney.
No. Kitty walked on, ending the discussion. Besides, there was no
chance of them shooting any kangaroos while they talked non-stop.
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Anne Whitfield
With more luck than skill, they shot a kangaroo and hauled it back to
the hut for cooking. The younger children, now over their chest colds,
were allowed outside with the group. The weather was warmer, as spring
finally made an appearance.
At the side of the hut, they dug a pit and set a fire into it. When a
good bed of embers was established, Jessup placed the kangaroo on it
and raked the coals over the carcass. The natives had used this method
of cooking for hundreds of years. Joe and Clara were full of wonder as
they watched the process. They eagerly helped place the potatoes in the
embers at the edge of the pit. Alice showed them how to make damper in
a flat pan over the fire, while Dan talked to Jessup and Holby.
It does me the power of good ter have those two darlin s ere, Connie
said to Kitty, smiling in the direction of Joe and Clara sitting around the
fire.
You and me both. Kitty sipped her glass of red wine. Dan brought a
variety of treats for them from Sydney. New material for dresses, wine,
fruit and chocolates. He also brought ladies magazines, recent editions of
Sydney newspapers, a few books and stationery.
How they ve grown. Why Joe is nearly a man already, an Clara
grows more beautiful every day. Connie drained her third glass of wine.
Kitty smiled to see her with glowing cherry cheeks and starry eyes.
Yes, they certainly look older. She nodded, watching her brother and
sister.
Joe had grown so tall, at thirteen his body was changing into a young
man with wider shoulders and stronger facial features. He reminded
Kitty of Rory for they were much alike in looks. Her stomach fluttered at
the thought of Rory being somewhere in the country and missing out on
seeing his son grow.
At that moment, Little Rory wobbled towards her and she put out her
hands for him and settled him on her lap. Rory did not see his son take
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Kitty McKenzie s Land
his first steps or hear his first words. It saddened her that he might not
see him ever.
Clara sat beside Kitty and played with young Rory. He is so big. She
laughed, clapping Little Rory s little hands inside her own.
He has a good appetite. Kitty chuckled, then looked keenly at Clara.
She was a pretty girl of nearly twelve and showed promise of becoming a
beautiful woman. How are you, my pet? Tell me if you have any
concerns about anything. I want to know if you are all right.
Clara dimpled and her lovely blue eyes shone with youth and vigor. I
am happy. The Freemans are lovely and I like living with them. At first, I
was a little sad, but Joe came home every weekend and I felt better after
a few weeks. Now, I love it. Aunt Ingrid
Aunt Ingrid? Kitty said amused.
Yes. She asked me to call her that, instead of always Mrs. Freeman,
I like it too. Clara giggled.
So, what do you and Aunt Ingrid do?
Well, she was so ill with the baby we didn t go into town much at all,
but she taught me to play the piano very well. We sing, paint in the
garden, we embroider and then there is school. Sometimes, Aunt Ingrid
receives callers and I help with the tea things, but not lately since little
Andrew was born.
Is he a lovely baby? Kitty asked, relieved that leaving Clara at the
Freemans had not been a bad thing to do. Indeed, it spared Clara the
harshness of living in the bush.
Oh, he is so sweet and so good. I love him, and the others, but
mainly him.
Good, I am glad. Kitty leant over and kissed Clara s cheek.
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Anne Whitfield
Movement to the left made Kitty pause in pegging a petticoat on the
line. She dropped it back into the basket and turned. Grayson rode up
the track from the direction of the swamp and dismounted close by. His
steel gray eyes never wavered from her.
Kitty s stomach twisted. Her throat went dry.
I am sorry to disturb you. His jaw clenched and unclenched.
It is quite all right. She put a hand up to tidy her hair and hoped to
appear sophisticated and worldly, but while the dark forest-green stripe
of her dress matched her eyes and complemented her copper hair, it was
much worn and showed age. She wanted to die of shame.
His gaze seemed to absorb her every detail. His eyes softened, as
though imparting a message all their own, one she couldn t read.
Kitty. Kitty! Little Rory has put a stone in his mouth and will not spit
it out! Clara s distressed call interrupted Grayson s intense study of her
and they both turned as one towards the hut.
Connie came out and dealt with Little Rory. Good day, Mr. Grayson.
She nodded to him.
Good day, Mrs. Spencer.
We have family staying with us, Kitty said. His eyes widened and
she realized it was the first sentence she had said to him in a
conversational tone.
You must be extremely pleased.
Indeed, yes. Kitty paused, as Dan joined them. Dan, you must
meet my neighbor, Mr. Miles Grayson. Mr. Grayson, this is my business [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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