Green Paddocks Page 10

  With the sewing finished, Holly was at a loose end. She was vaguely restless and wondered what on earth she had found to do with her time before—apart, that was, from quarrelling with Hayes. It was as if life had quite suddenly come to a full stop; it was a homestead without a man. Mr Jenkins did not, as expected, reside at Green Paddocks, but had elected to take up quarters with the men. On rare occasions he would work in the study and make his reports from there, presumably to Hayes, each morning.

  Holly wondered whether Mr Jenkins would carry through Hayes' policy of sacking any hand found chatting to one Holly Drew, even in their 'free time'. She sighed; it was simply ridiculous. What did he think she could do? Incite the men to disobey orders? He had refused to see Holly as just another hand in a working team, and he had, she thought crossly, very peculiar ideas about women. In his book they were creatures of ornamentation, born for the sole purpose of decorating the homestead and to give a little light relief when necessary. She blushed a little at these thoughts and decided not to pursue that line.

  Then her brow darkened. Dulcie Fields was typical of his type of woman, so it was no wonder he had found Holly an oddity. To his way of thinking she didn't add up: either she was still an adolescent or man-mad. Holly presumed he'd done her a favour by choosing the former I He must, she mused, have had a very conservative upbringing, and was probably an only son. If he had had sisters he might have understood. She shrugged impatiently; these kind of thoughts were useless and did not help in her present state of chrysalis.

  One thing she knew for certain was that she could not go on like this. There had to be something she could do to relieve the loneliness and make herself feel a useful member of society again. Hayes Chester had effectively quashed all her hopes and her self-confidence had taken a bit of a hammering. Anyone with less spirit would have folded under such treatment, but not Holly Drew. She felt the familiar prick behind her eyes and despondently shook her head as she made her way to the stables. She most certainly was not the girl she used to be, and was even beginning to dabble in self-pity.

  It was as well Hayes had gone back to Coomela, Holly thought, for had she been on the receiving end much longer she would have burst into tears right in front of him and never forgiven herself for it. That was the sort of reaction Dulcie would have given. It was at this point that she remembered his words. He was seeing Dulcie again, wasn't he? After what he'd said in front of her! How would he explain that away? Her lips set. Oh, he'd think of something, no doubt. Poor Dulcie was so besotted she would believe anything if it meant seeing him again.

  As Holly galloped past the homestead she passed Mr Jenkins, who gave her a polite nod. Going to report to his lordship Holly thought sourly, as she headed Silky out of the homestead grounds and towards the outer boundaries. With any luck she might see Pegleg; he was about the only friend she had left, as even Milly had joined Hayes' retinue.

  A cockatoo screeched past her, its brilliant colours making a kaleidoscope in the bright sunlight. Holly reined Silky and sat for a few minutes gazing about her, drinking in the peace and the expanse of country before her. Her eyes lighted on a patch of scrub and memories flooded back to her. That precise place was where she had watched spellbound as Hal had thrown a bull; she must have been about eight years old. Holly remembered thinking how wonderful he was—and still was, she gulped. How she missed him! Would she ever see him again? Would he come to see them when he had leave? She swallowed hastily. That remained to be seen, but not if Hayes Chester had anything to say about it; he had made it quite clear he thought Hal should cut free from any involvement with her.

  She pushed these thoughts away quickly, and turned them elsewhere. It was strange seeing no stock or men carrying out their various duties but she knew a little of what was going on. News filtered through to Milly via Cookie when he came to replenish his stores from the freezer. Holly knew the high class stock were expected some time the following week and the men were spending much time being clued up on the new procedures to be carried out.

  'Looks like we're landing up as a bunch of nannies to a brood of calves,' Cookie had laughingly told Milly.

  Holly had felt envy; in spite of Cookie's joking, it was a scheme he would be proud to be included in.

  Any cattleman worth his salt would want to take part in the scheme. Not every rancher could afford either the money or the time to carry out such an ambitious project.

  Holly would have loved to be given the chance of partaking, but there was not a hope. All she would know about it would come from snips of information from Milly now and again. She bit her: lip. She couldn't bear it! It was bad enough being banned from the work she had known all her life, and now to have this tantalising project so near, yet utterly out of reach, was the last straw. If Hayes had deliberately set about making her existence unbearable he couldn't have thought of a better way of doing it.

  She blinked hard. Snap out of it, she reproached herself, you're not too old to start another occupation, and she spurred Silky into action again. Now what could she do? Her mind went over various jobs. Secretary? She'd have to take a course first, then perhaps get a job on a ranch or farm—at least she would know Something about the work, it should give her a flying start. The thought of sitting in an office all day was somewhat quelling, so she explored other possibilities. Some ranchers took on girls as cooks, didn't they? She grimaced; she had no culinary experience—as Hayes had so often pointed out, she was spoilt as far as domestic work was concerned; What about a dairy farm, milking cows? She shook her head wearily; most used mechanised aids these days. Well, there were other things to do on a farm, surely? the state was fairly littered with them. There must be one in which her peculiar capabilities could be used. Of course, she mused, it meant leaving Green Paddocks, but it wasn't as if she had any choice. It was stay and vegetate, plus being thoroughly miserable, or striking out and making a new future for herself.

  Milly would object, but Holly did not have to worry about her now; she had only to tell Milly Hayes would expect her to stay on, and she would not argue, for Milly thought the world of Hayes. Holly thought if she were lucky enough to get fixed up within striking distance of Green Paddocks, enabling her to visit every now and again, Milly would have even less cause to argue. Now that her mind was made up Holly felt better. A feeling she hadn't experienced for a very long time swept over her—she was master of her own ship again.

  Immersed in these thoughts, she did not see the roan until it was almost beside her, then it was too late to avoid the encounter with Pete. It was almost a month since she had seen him and then she had had Hayes' protection. She frowned. Had Pete heard that Hayes had returned to Coomela? He hadn't set foot on Green Paddocks since his encounter with him. Her heart sank, she would have to play it by ear. She reined Silky as he got level with her.

  'Hallo, Pete,' she smiled. 'What are you doing this side of the boundary?'

  Pete dismounted and walked over to her, waiting for her to do the same.

  Holly hesitated. 'I'm joining Tim on the west bore,' she fibbed.

  Pete caught her bridle strap. 'I'm sure he can manage without your help,' he said. 'What's that man of yours doing letting you carry on as an ordinary hand?'

  It was said as if he didn't know Hayes had gone, but Holly was sure he did know. 'Oh, I like the work,' she said airily.

  He watched her carefully. 'Going to let you carry on after you're married, is he?' he asked, a little too casually.

  Holly studied the distant hills. 'Perhaps,' she said quietly, then straightened up. 'I really must get going, Pete.'

  'Not yet,' he said, still holding on to Silky's reins. 'Long time, no see. Why don't you come over to Bullora one afternoon? You never did get to see Sirius's foal, did you?'

  Pete did know something, Holly was sure; she also knew she wasn't going to be allowed to go before she had accepted his invitation. She had seen that stubborn set to his mouth before. 'All right,' she said breezily. 'Not this afternoon, though,' she adde
d.

  'Tomorrow, then,' he said firmly. 'I'll lay tea on for you.'

  Holly nodded and held her hand out for the reins. His hand held hers before he gave them to her. 'Till tomorrow, then,' he said as she prepared to leave. 'If you're not there by two I'll come and fetch you,' he added meaningly.

  Holly did not reply; he meant it. A feeling of utter dejection swept over her as she lightly touched Silky's flank breaking from a trot into a full canter. It was all very well for Hayes Chester, he was now out of it all, leaving her to cope as best she may. Pete had worked it out—it didn't take much brain power, at that. He must have been awfully impressed by Hayes not to have taken him up on it before. No; he'd waited until he'd gone. From now on Holly knew Pete would be a frequent visitor to Green Paddocks. As Hal had once said, she ought to have seen it coming.

  Holly did not mention the meeting to Milly or the proposed visit to Bullora the next day. Milly was as opposed to Pete as she had accused Holly of being to Hayes. Holly did not feel up to a lecture on the subject of how stupid it was to encourage Pete again. As if she had any choice in the matter, she thought bitterly. The sooner she got away from the homestead, the better. It was now absolutely imperative to find some kind of employment.

  CHAPTER NINE

  BULLORA had none of the old-world charm of Green Paddocks. Although the original homestead had been built not long after Green Paddocks, it had since been modernised and added to, and now looked as if it would be more at home in a city than as a dwelling on a sheep farm.

  Pete had met her about half-way, and Holly was glad she had started out a little earlier in provision of such an event. The foal was in the paddock fronting the homestead and Holly, stroking its velvety nose, was very much aware of Pete's eyes upon her. She did not miss the studied look directed at her left hand and knew he was looking for an engagement ring. She abruptly turned away and looked beyond the paddocks. 'Are you sure you can spare the time to entertain me?' she asked. 'It's your busy time, isn't it?'

  Pete's brown eyes gave the answer, and Holly hastily dropped hers.

  'Where you're concerned, I make time,' he murmured.

  Holly wished she hadn't asked; she had only been playing for time, not compliments.

  He caught her arm. 'Let's go and rustle up some iced drinks,' he said, and led her towards the homestead.

  Pete's maiden aunt, Miss Mills, hovered in attentive servitude as they arrived on the verandah and proceeded to made a great fuss of Holly. She was a timid creature and supervised the homestead affairs. Holly suspected she was bullied by Pete, judging by the way she made nervous attempts to please him. No doubt she had been given her orders. Holly was glad when she withdrew after mixing their cold drinks. Her twittering comments made Holly slightly embarrassed.

  As she watched her depart, she felt Pete's eye on her. 'Hear you're going into some sort of experimental work,' he commented idly.

  Holly nodded, hoping he wouldn't pursue the subject too far, for there was precious little she could tell him about it.

  He suddenly switched the topic. 'When's the wedding?' he asked quietly.

  Holly flushed, her fingers playing along the rim of her glass. She might as well get it over with; for her part it would be a relief. 'Well,' she said slowly as if she were considering things, 'I'm not sure there's going to be one.'

  Pete's voice held triumph. 'Thought better of it, did you? I guessed the guy had rushed you off your feet. Too damn sure of himself by half! Is that why he's gone back up north?' he asked abruptly.

  So he did know Hayes had gone back! Holly knew she had to be very careful here. 'Oh, he's only gone back to make arrangements for the new stock that's coming,' she lied.

  Pete's eyes narrowed. 'So it's still on the cards, is it? Marriage, I mean.'

  'Never !' said Holly belligerently.

  Pete grinned. 'Now you're talking, sweetheart,' he drawled.

  Holly winced at the endearment. 'Guess,' he went on, 'you're pretty bored these days. Things aren't as they were, are they?' He shot her a quick calculating look.

  Holly started. Just how much did he know?

  'Thing is,' he went on casually, too casually, 'I could do with some help. We'll get our usual quota of orphans now that lambing is here.' He shrugged. 'I've not the staff to cope if we get more than the usual amount, in fact I'm going to be pretty pushed as it is. Ensor's left, you know. Aunt Jean's offered. She means well, but I can hardly see her coping with round the clock feeding without going into a flap, can you?' He shot Holly another quick look. 'Kinda thought you might like to help out. No problem about space, you can move into Aunt's quarters, plenty of room, you know. Say just for a week, or so,' he met Holly's doubtful eyes. 'Think about it,' he said abruptly. 'I'll give you a ring some time.'

  He did not pursue the subject and the rest of the time was spent in general conversation. Holly had a feeling he had said what he wanted to say, and a lot more besides, she thought with narrowed eye's after he had escorted her back shortly after tea at her insistence that Milly would be expecting her for dinner. He had not argued when she had told him there was no need for him to come any further when they reached the homestead precincts, and again Holly sensed he knew the reason.

  Really, she thought, as she showered before dinner, he had shown a subtlety she hadn't known he possessed. He had been extremely clever; she was in no doubt now that he knew a lot more about her circumstances and her relationship with Hayes than he had let on. Offering her a job was a master stroke and she was sorely tempted to accept, as he had known she would be.

  The following day proved to be an even more boring day for Holly. Milly suddenly decided to spring-clean the whole house and turned down Holly's offer of help. 'You go and get some of that fresh air,' she said in her forthright way. 'You looks a bit peaky to me.'

  Holly knew that was that; Milly had her own way of doing things. All the same, this spurt of activity way rather sudden, she thought, and suspected Milly was hoping Hayes would be bringing the new stock down the following week. Somehow Holly did not see this as a possibility at all. He had only just gone back to Coomela and there must have been heaps of work that end to keep him busy for months. Nevertheless, even the outside possibility disturbed Holly. She had not forgotten their last conversation, and Pete's offer began to look like something in the nature of a reprieve. She wouldn't have to see Hayes at all if she accepted the job. Her chin lifted; wouldn't she just like to see his expression when told where she was! On second thoughts, it might be better if Milly were to tell him she was staying with friends! Then she caught herself up; all this was pure supposition and the situation hardly likely to arrive.

  After breakfast, Holly was all but pushed out by an industrious-looking Milly with turban wrapped round her head, Holly knew the signs and went quietly. Armed with a picnic lunch, she spent most of the day roaming the now quiet acres of land, trying to come to some decision.

  No matter how desperate she was she knew there would be strings attached to Pete's offer; it was a question of whether she could prevent them from completely binding her. It could be used as a stand-in until she could get other employment, as long as there were no hitches. Having to move in to Bullora also provided food for thought. On the face of it, it was a reasonable arrangement. She couldn't very well manage round-the-clock feeds if she were at Green Paddocks, but all the same, Holly didn't like it. If it had been anyone else but Pete she wouldn't have hesitated. She bit her bottom lip; there was Hal to consider, too. He wouldn't like it one bit; having rescued her from one predicament only to find she had calmly walked into another was hardly likely to please him. She sighed. It was all so difficult—surely Hal would understand if she explained the position, he would know she could not be happy sitting twiddling her thumbs and acting the lady, not the Holly he knew.

  Holly arrived back at the homestead just before dinner, still undecided. Pushing her hat back off her head, she wondered whether another night's sleep would bring the answer, she also wondered whet
her Pete had rung she couldn't see him patiently waiting for her to make up her mind—he would use it as a way of keeping in contact with her. Of course, she mused, as she entered the homestead, it was quite possible Milly would not tell her he had rung, but Pete was not likely to be put off by Milly and would ring again. As if her thoughts had triggered it off the shrill summons of the phone rang as she walked down the hall.

  Milly was there before Holly reached it. 'If it's Pete,' Holly said as she passed, 'tell him I still haven't made up my mind. I'll give him a ring later on.'

  Milly stared at her, then listened to the voice on the other end. After a second or so, she handed the receiver over to Holly. 'Hayes,' she said.

  Holly blinked and backed away from the instrument. 'I've only just come in,' she said hastily. 'Take a message, Milly.' She did not get far.

  'You come right back here,' ordered Milly.

  'Hayes says he ain't giving no messages.'

  Holly glared at her but was forced to take the receiver. 'Yes?' she said abruptly.

  There was a tiny silence, then Hayes said softly, 'So he didn't take my advice. What haven't you made up your mind about?'

  Holly saw no need for subtlety, in fact she was rather pleased to tell him. At least someone thought she was capable of doing something! 'He needs help,' she said blithely. 'My help,' she added for good measure. 'Now if there's nothing else, I've got to get cleaned up for dinner. Milly's still here,' she said hastily. 'I'll hand you ...'

  'You just hold on,' he said furiously. 'I'll talk to Milly when I'm through with you. You keep well away from Pete Mills, got that? How long has he been hanging around?'

  Holly saw red. 'He is not hanging around,' she ground out. 'I happened to meet him on the boundary yesterday. His land borders ours, in case you've forgotten.'

  'And what were you doing that far out?' he demanded, adding softly, 'It didn't take you long to disobey orders, did it?'