CHAPTER FOUR

All adventures had to be paid for. Jo kept hold of Paddy's little hand, her eyes continually on his pale face. He had been sick twice on the plane and the golden dusting of freckles across his nose were standing out clearly.

'Better, darling? ' she asked gently.

'Worse! '

'It's excitement! ' Jenny offered. 'He's always sick when he's excited. '

They had landed on Malakai's airstrip and their charter pilot, Terry Conrads, a tall, sandy-haired young man with a nice easy manner and a pronounced drawl, was piling their luggage near the entrance to the great silver, shining hangar.

'Who owns the plane over there? ' Jenny called to him. 'It's not Uncle Marsh's. Its only got one propeller! '

Terry came back to them dusting his jeans. 'That's Miss Morley's—Philippa Morley's. Her father owns Summerfield, that's the property we flew over on Malakai's north-eastern border. They're pretty big wheels in this part of the world. Pots of money, but they didn't pioneer the country like the Marshalls and the McConnells. Morley bought the property when old Colonel Fullerton died. The old boy's sons were fighter pilots in the Second World War—both of them killed. The old fellow turned into a recluse but he always had time for Marsh. Marsh used to call on him and generally keep an eye on him and his property. He's a great bloke, is Marsh. Don't expect Miss Morley to be too friendly. Most of us folk aren't good enough for her! ' Having delivered himself of that as though driven, Terry then put a big, gentle hand on Paddy's head. 'How are you feeling now, young feller? '

'Worser an' worser! ' groaned Paddy, leaning his head against Jo's side.

Anxiously she ran her hand over his face and let it linger on his forehead where his silky brown curls clung damply. 'I think he has a temperature. Perhaps he's coming down with something. Where on earth is Marsh? '

'Unless I'm mistaken, that's him now, ' said Terry.

'I can't see anything! '

'All you need is a puff of dust to tell who's coming, ' Terry explained. 'We're a good distance from the homestead, but he's expecting us. He would have come for you himself, only that big Texan feller flew in, quite unexpected. One of their top breeders. 'Course, Marsh knew he could trust me with his precious cargo! '

'Yes, and thank you very much, Terry. You looked after us well. It was a very smooth flight. The country looks fantastic from the air—I wish I could have enjoyed it more. A pity about my little pal here. The sooner I get him tucked up in bed the better. '

'Oh, he'll find his legs! ' Terry said carelessly. 'It's like young Jenny says, too much excitement. When Marsh arrives, I'll get away. We've been pretty busy of late. If you need someone to fly you out send for me! '

'I'll do that! ' Jo smiled, wishing only that Marsh would come so she could get Paddy up to the house. Anne had entrusted her with the care of her children and Jo regarded this as a great responsibility, her anxieties heightened because of the Symons' particular tragedy. Paddy was of a sturdy build like his father and she picked him up, holding him like a native woman over her hip. 'Won't be long, darling! ' she comforted him. 'Uncle Marsh will be here then we'll go back to the house. I'll give you a nice cool sponge down and put you into bed. '

'He's all right, isn't he, Jo? ' Jenny's anxiety was suddenly in competition with Jo's.

'Yes, dear! ' She smiled into the nice, intelligent little face. 'But he's only a little fellow. Tell me, has he had all the usual things, measles and mumps? '

'He's had the chickenpox. All the Grade Oners had the chickenpox! '

'Nothing else? '

'We should have asked Mummy! '

'Here's Marsh now. ' Terry broke into their contemplation of Paddy's childhood ills. 'And Miss Morley. Trust her not to want to miss out on anything. I'll say my goodbyes now, folks—she won't want me here. Take care! '

Like the little gentleman he was Paddy lifted his head to say goodbye and add his polite thanks. Terry saluted them and swerved away to the Cessna, coming to a halt beside it for all the world like a chauffeur standing to attention. It seemed odd to Jo, but it wasn't her place to make a comment. Jenny wanted to run forward towards the moving vehicle, but Jo grabbed her by the hand. 'Stay here, dear! ' she warned, feeling exactly like a mother hen. 'Wait until it comes to a complete stop. I wish I had my sunglasses, the light is blinding. '

'Shall I get them? ' Jenny offered. 'They're in your shoulder bag. '

'No, it doesn't matter now. ' The Range Rover came to a stop near the end of the hangar, then Marsh was out of it, waving a hand to Terry and coming towards their own little group. A young woman moved lightly beside him, almost dancing to keep up, her auburn hair glittering like a flame in the brilliant sunshine.

Just for once, Jo thought dismally, I'd like to meet a woman of my own height! Philippa Morley couldn't have been more than five two or three, but very nicely rounded like a pocket Venus. Her black jeans fitted her like a second skin and her high, firm breasts beneath the expensive T-shirt played havoc with the film star's face that was transferred on to it. As they drew close Jo could see the redhead's fragile white skin and the topaz-coloured eyes, a broad forehead tapering to a pointed chin, a small pouting mouth which still managed to convey an attitude of no compromise. A conclusion if she cared, which she didn't Jo assured herself, not to be tempted by Philippa Morley's man, and it was obvious he was travelling right alongside her. The thing to do was to keep calm. She was here to look after the children and she had to make it plain from the beginning. She had no intention of creating problems or complicating things, neither did she particularly care if she made a favourable impression on Marsh McConnell's possible fiancé e.

Jo released her firm hold on Jenny and the little girl flew towards Marsh, who scooped her up easily. Poor little Paddy lifted his head trying to concentrate on Uncle Marsh's progress, but it proved too much of an effort, and his hot face soon found its way back to the comfort of Jo's neck.

'What's wrong, Jo? ' Marsh was beside her, taller, broader, even more striking than she remembered, lifting Paddy out of her aching arms.

'I think he's coming down with something. He's running a temperature. '

'Then we'd better get him back to the house. How was he on the trip? '

'He was sick twice, ' Jo told him.

'Good God! ' he muttered. 'How's my poor little mate? '

'All right, Uncle Marsh! ' Paddy said, gallantly worried he was going to be sick again.

Jo glanced quickly towards Marsh's companion and surprised an expression of blame and impatience in the round topaz eyes. Marsh was still staring into Paddy's pallid little face, but he looked up briefly to introduce them.

'Philippa Morley, Jo Adams. You'll be seeing quite a bit of each other. '

Neither girl smiled and Philippa looked into Jo's face with bright accusing eyes. 'You didn't give him anything silly to eat on the plane, did you? Chocolate or potato chips? '

'Negative to both! ' Jo said shortly, taking an instant dislike to the younger girl.

'Let's get him back to the house, ' said Marsh, missing the clash. 'I'll have to have a word with Terry. ' He walked away to the charter pilot with Paddy firmly wrapped in his strong arms. There was a minute's conversation, then Terry waved and climbed into the Cessna.

'I want Jo to sit with me! ' Paddy announced as Philippa moved towards the front seat.

'All three of us will fit neatly in the back! ' Before anyone could move Jo had opened the rear door and propelled Jenny across the seat, then turned to take Paddy out of Marsh's arms.

'It might be an idea if we wait a moment! ' Marsh said quietly. 'I think he's going to be sick. '

'Here, give him to me! ' Jo moved swiftly as Marsh set the boy down and in the next second Paddy began to retch. Jo held his head and when the spasms stopped wiped his clammy little face with the clean handkerchief Marsh passed her. 'My poor little boy! ' she soothed, holding him gently.

Jenny in the Range Rover began to cry, anxious and totally ignored. Marsh looked in at her and put out his hand. 'Be a good girl now, Jenny. Move over and help Jo with your brother. We'll have him up to the house in no time. '

'He's not going to die, is he? ' she asked fearfully, hearing the sound of her mother's weeping in her ears.

'Of course not! ' Jo and Marsh broke in together, sounding equally appalled.

'You are a silly little girl! ' Philippa observed crisply, turning back to Jenny with a quelling glance. 'Little boys are always being sick! '

'Jenny knows that only too well! ' said Jo shortly, finding such a remark completely unnecessary. It seemed doubly important to her to show the children extra love with their mother and father away. She settled back against the seat holding Paddy's small compact body protectively against her, Jenny rammed up against her side, although there was plenty of room and the afternoon sun struck powerfully through the wrap-around windows.

Marsh held her gaze with his own. 'Philippa doesn't know much about the family, ' he pointed out mildly, then he turned away to stow the luggage before climbing into the driver's seat. He looked even more notorious in his everyday clothes: close-fitting jeans and high leather boots, his khaki shirt open to expose a tangle of hair on his broad, darkly-tanned chest, a cream wide-brimmed slouch hat tilted forward rakishly on a head that had blown into black curls, his hat circled with a beautifully marked snakeskin band.

Even with the weight of her responsibilities on her Jo could still catch the unmistakable pulsing of feeling that emanated from Philippa. No doubt such splendid male virility would make the blood race to most women's heads, but to Jo's jaundiced eye he looked larger than life size, a big, bold, bad adventurer. Only Blair had put her heart in a tumult, and he would look incongruous in jeans and a bush shirt. Philippa kept darting little appraising looks over her shoulder. Jo felt crushed and none too fresh, having dealt with poor little Paddy, and she could almost have laughed imagining the thoughts that must have been running through Philippa's head. Under that delectable chocolate coating she had the notion that Philippa was a very tough cookie indeed. It was perfectly absurd of her to worry about Jo as a possible competitor. In fact she could scratch her off the list right away. Marsh McConnell was simply a man she could sharpen her wits on. She didn't have to defend herself from him. It was perfectly absurd!

Through the light woodland or natural bushland, she could see the white glimmer of buildings. There were bungalows surrounded by gardens, what seemed to be a small playing park for children, administration buildings and a huge sales shed. It was a settlement in itself and the space and freedom, the pure, dry invigorating air, lent it a wonderful magic. Even Paddy stirred against her and lifted his head. 'Isn't it beautiful, Aunty Jo? '

He had taken to calling her that quite naturally, and she was astounded at the surge of love she felt for another woman's child. 'It is indeed, my pet. I only wish you were feeling better so we could enjoy it! '

'Oh, do look at the bougainvillaea, ' Jenny insisted. 'There are mountains of it! '

And so there were. It seemed to spill everywhere, clinging in a glorious riot of colour to almost everything that was standing, buildings and trees, the common magenta and the introduced modern hybrids, white, scarlet, pink and violet and a beautiful orange and bronze trained over a great trellis like a Japanese tori gate that spanned the drive. There were stands of wiry-branched casuarinas, towering gums and feathery acacias and melaleucas, and almost as prolific the beautiful, showy bauhinias, the orchid trees, their bare branches covered in great flowers in a variety of colours. Splendid ornamental succulents from South Africa and Mexico thrived in the hot, dry conditions, spring flowers appeared on the brilliantly flowering cacti.

As they drew nearer to the homestead, the savannah gave way to a more cultivated setting with a broad expanse of lawn and bountiful gardens where two aboriginal boys were actively digging and sprinklers played out fountains of water in shimmering cascades. There was even an ornamental lake some hundreds of yards long floating a waxy burden of nymphaea and the exquisite blue lotus, the sacred flower of the Pharaohs. It was fantastic to find a place like this anywhere and quite dizzying on the fringe of the desert. It was actually getting a little beyond Jo, who hadn't really grasped the vast scale of the place and had in fact been feeling so unsettled and forsaken to think much about Malakai. It began to strike her, as it would increasingly in the weeks ahead, that Marsh McConnell lived somewhat like a Pharaoh himself in his male-dominated world.

They started to climb and the house rose before them, typifying man and his castle, Jo was betrayed into a gasp. It was bigger, much bigger than she expected, a mansion in the wilds, big enough to house an army and strong enough to stand as a fortress, which of course it had done during the Black Wars. Marsh turned his head far from accidentally and caught the bemused expression on her face. He might even have guessed at her thoughts. She would never be able to separate him from his house and his land again. There was a kind of exultancy in both of them, a grandeur and a strength that actually moved her.

Paddy felt her quick intake of breath and lay back against her heart, satisfied. Jo loved Malakai just as much as Jenny and he did. 'We're here! ' Jenny sighed, like the beginning of a great adventure.

'And it's paradise! ' Jo said sincerely.

This earned her a sharp look of increased speculation from Philippa. The topaz eyes glittered, giving fair warning, but the tone was honeyed: 'And we do hope you'll enjoy your visit! '

Her choice of words was deliberate and even the children seemed to get the message, Jenny going so far as to crinkle up her nose. Jo glanced at Philippa to see if she had seen, but she had already turned back to address some private remark to Marsh. Jo missed his reply; she was too busy looking at the house. As they pulled up a short distance from the front steps, two members of the household staff came out, a man and a woman, part aboriginal and part European. The man, impeccably turned out in a kind of uniform of short-sleeved white shirt and white trousers, went to collect the luggage and the woman came towards them, a smile spread all over her motherly face.

'Welcome! ' she said in a broad drawl. A woman past middle age but a strong woman, within and without, her skin and her hair and her eyes faded by the sun. 'Great kangaroos! What's wrong with the little feller? '

'Jo, ' Marsh said, smiling, 'this is Ellen, my housekeeper-and an indispensable member of my team. If there's anything you want to know at any time, from childbirth to snakebite and custard through to crepes, ask Ellen. There's no little problem she can't untangle! '

'How are you there, Jo? ' Ellen came a few steps forward, wiping her hand on her apron before she extended her hand to Jo. 'Been making scones, you know. There's no end to the number they put away at smoko! ' Her faded blue eyes were rapidly assessing the young woman before her. She hadn't known quite what to expect, having little experience of city-bred women, but she very nearly drew a sigh of relief. Jo met her eyes directly and her handshake was nearly as strong as her own. No problems there! the blue eyes seemed to say. Ellen Hays was a great one for spotting capability. This young woman would prove a useful ally and she would be sensible in the Big Country. Malakai, for all its beauty and wild grandeur, didn't favour the stupid or reckless. More than one guest on the property had become lost before a search party brought them back.

Quickly Jo explained how sick Paddy had been and Ellen, all concern, hurried them back into the house, shepherding Jo and the children ahead. There was no time to admire the interior, but Jo was overwhelmingly conscious of magnificence very much to be seen. A deep wide hallway divided the house into two wings and a polished hardwood stairway sprang up to lead off on either side to the first floor gallery and bedrooms that were as big as many a modern living room. One painting in the gallery caught her moving eyes and she thought for a moment it was Marsh, only the subject had blue eyes and was wearing the uniform of a Wing-Commander in the Royal Australian Air Force. He looked very dashing indeed and his vivid face and lean body almost leapt from the canvas.

'Master Gavin! ' said Ellen, and it sounded like a tribute. 'Marsh's father. He had a very distinguished career in the Second World War. Shot down and escaped. Had all sorts of adventures. Married an English bride—or a mixture of French and English, for she had a French side to her family. A grand lady is Mrs McConnell! '

'Yes, I've met her. '

'Went to pieces after Master Gavin was killed, ' Ellen went on. 'Shock put those silver wings in her hair. Quite natural, I know. Not that it doesn't make her look all the more handsome. She couldn't stay here at any rate. It was a great tragedy. We had some visitors here for a week-end, they were always entertaining, and the master was shot accidentally—by a friend. My God, what a day that was! Just a dreadful freak accident. The poor man had a nervous breakdown afterwards, but the family never held him to blame—publicly, that is. I've never forgotten my poor lady's raving. Stumbled over a fence and the gun went off. We're all fighting the effects of it in our own way, even Marsh. He adored his father and there was no one in the world for Master Gavin like his son. We all thought he was going to live to be a hundred. I mean, he did come through the war.

'Ah well! ... ' Ellen paused with her hand on the doorknob. 'Young Paddy and Jenny in here. We moved another bed in—I thought it would be cosier to have them together. The rooms are so big they might get lost and lonely all by themselves. This room adjoins your own across a little sitting room. ' She walked across and opened another door and Jo and the children went into the room, Jo depositing Paddy temporarily in a deep armchair. Jenny ventured a sweet smile at the housekeeper, who responded in kind.

'How do you like this, young lady? '

'Oh, it's beautiful! This isn't the room we had before. '

'So you remember? '

'Of course. '

'And what a bonny child you've grown, the living spit of your mother. How is she now? '

'She'd be in America! ' Jenny said grandly.

Jo went to one of the canopied beds that occupied the centre of the room, turning back the quilt. The floor was parqueted, scattered with Persian rugs, and a huge gilded mirror stood over the white marble fireplace, filled now with a beautiful luxuriant fern in a copper pot, the new fronds a striking bright red. All of the furniture was Victorian, its solid opulence suited to the scale of the room, but there was nothing heavy or dark in the atmosphere. The wallpaper had been renewed in a light and airy modern design and the french doors stood open to the veranda which, like the ground floor, ran the length of the house and protected the interior from the heat of the sun.

Ellen bustled over to help Jo. 'You'll find everything you heed. Barney will have your things up directly. One of the girls can help you unpack if you like—give them something to do. There's linen on the beds and plenty of towels in the bathroom. Your room is the nicest outside the master suite. It has its own bathroom and there's a bathroom for the children just across the hall. '

Jo was deftly stripping off Paddy's clothes to his underpants, feeling his heated skin. 'I think I'll give him a whole aspirin, ' she decided.

'I'll get it. ' Ellen walked through the rooms and returned in a minute with the tablet and a glass of water. 'If he doesn't pick up quickly we'll get the doctor on the radio. He can fly in if needs be. ' She reached over and ran her own hand over Paddy's face and limbs. 'Yes, he has a temperature all right. I shouldn't be surprised if we see some spots coming out. '

'Oh, I hope not! ' wailed Jenny, seeing herself trapped inside.

Paddy took the aspirin like a good boy and lay back on the cool sheets. 'Better have a bucket ready just in case. I'll send one up. Meanwhile, use that towel. Don't worry, little feller, ' she said to Paddy's unblinking eyes. 'We'll have you up and about in no time! '

Paddy smiled, showing some of his usual potent charm. 'I couldn't bear to stay in bed! '

'That's the spirit! ' Ellen beamed. 'Let's see if you keep that aspirin down. Meantime I'll go flatten some lemonade. Nothing solid until your tummy settles! ' At the door she turned about, giving an approving nod to Barney's slim figure as he deposited their luggage just inside the door. 'This is Barney. He controls our house boys. '

Barney looked up and grinned as if really amused, his great liquid black eyes dancing. 'Miss Ellen's really in charge! '

'All the same, I rely on you, Barney! '

Barney smiled across at Jo and the children. 'Please ask me if there's anything you need. ' His voice was very melodious and soft and in the way of his race he really understood children. They all returned the friendly smile and Barney dismissed himself shyly.

'I'd better ask Nara to come up and help you, ' Ellen said briskly, and in another second had followed Barney down the passageway.

Nara turned out to be a lovely little lubra with gleaming cafe-au-lait skin and a head full of tight coal-black curls. She wore a pale blue pinafore and from the unusual exotica of her features and her skin tone it was obvious she had a mixture of antecedents. Her nose was straight and fine with only a slight widening of the nostrils and her slender body and limbs were more rounded and substantial than those of a full-blooded aboriginal woman. Jo and the children took to her immediately and she proved very deft at the job of unpacking.

With that task taken away from her, Jo gave Paddy a nice cool sponge down, then sat down on the bed holding his hand. Jenny was chattering away like a budgie, following Nara back and forth and asking her questions. When Paddy felt a little bit better Jo decided she would have a quick shower and change her clothes. She felt marked by their trip.

'How is he now? ' A voice came behind them and Jo turned to see Philippa advancing into the room as if she owned it, a faint frown between her brows, and a green plastic bucket in her hand. 'Mrs Hays said to give you this. '

'Thank you. He's a little better now. ' Jo stood up quickly, conscious of the barrier of hostility between them. She took the bucket which Philippa relinquished with a moue of distaste and placed it beside the bed. Nara came back through the sitting room and Philippa's eyes glinted over her.

'Have you finished? '

'Yes, missy! ' Nara said sweetly, bearing up philosophically under the tone.

'Then you may go! '

'But I was talking to her! ' Jenny ran in to remonstrate.

'What about? ' Philippa's perfect nostrils flared.

'About legends, actually! ' said Jenny, looking Philippa squarely in the eye.

'That's not her job. Don't go filling the children's heads with nonsense, Nara! '

'It's not nonsense! ' Jenny protested sincerely, not in the least scared like the lubra. 'I'm very interested in the Dreamtime myths. For instance, did you know about Tirlta and the Flowers of Blood? That's Sturt's desert pea. Dad said to learn as many as I can. It would make, me a much brighter girl. '

Philippa turned away with a tinge of dislike. 'You're certainly outspoken! ' she snapped.

'Daddy said children don't have to be seen and not heard any more! '

There was a painful little pause and Jo jumped into it, looking across at the silent Nara and the unusually aggressive Jenny. 'Perhaps you could take Jenny downstairs, Nara, and look after her for a little while. '

Nara bobbed her glossy head until the curls shook. 'Pleased to, ma'am! ' She took Jenny by the hand and both girls skirted Philippa in a wide semicircle, with Jenny mumbling something out of the corner of her mouth when they were barely out of earshot.

'What a disagreeable child! ' Philippa said indignantly, not at all sure she hadn't heard 'bitch! '

Paddy tried to struggle up, looking for a fight, and Jo had to press him back into the pillow. 'You're not very diplomatic, are you? The children are delightful. '

'The girl will make a proper little battle-axe, if you ask me, ' snapped Philippa. 'Marsh is so very kind-hearted! '

'You don't sound sure if this pleases you or not! '

'On the contrary, I would have offered to come over and look after them for what little time they'll be here. I can't think why Marsh didn't ask me. He knows perfectly well I'd refuse him nothing! ' The topaz eyes seemed to glitter balefully. 'I imagine he employed you? '

'Not at all! ' Joe was heartily glad to say it. 'Like Marsh, I'm simply doing a favour for a friend. '

'And seeing Malakai while you're at it. I must say you look the last person in the world I'd have chosen as a nanny! ' Philippa's piercing gaze swept Jo from head to foot, noting with displeasure the older girl's immense chic. Her expert eye knew exactly how much that collarless silk shirt had cost, the tobacco-brown slacks, even the gold hoop earrings and the chain around Jo's neck. Fashion might always favour tall, lean women, Philippa considered thoughtfully, but she believed emphatically that men much preferred curvaceousness. She ran her hands over her own rounded hips, seeking her very attractive image in the large gilded mirror. It obviously reassured her, and Jo could have smiled. She didn't know why Philippa was going to so much trouble to get her message across and she would have liked to inform her that she didn't share her taste in men—Marsh McConnell, for example.

'Do you think you'll manage? ' Philippa asked derisively.

Jo leaned over and felt Paddy's cheek, noting the cooling of his skin. 'I think so. '

'Have you experience of children, then? '

'Actually no. I was an only child. No brothers or sisters. No big happy family, but I'm very fond of children. '

'Then how did Marsh come to ask you? ' Philippa continued to probe, her eyes narrowing slightly.

'He was really quite clever about it, ' Jo explained. 'He sprang it on me! '

This time the reddish-brown brows shot up. 'Come, surely you put it to him? '

'Not at all. He was a very sweeping personality. He carried us all along with him. You look as though you find something wrong with it? '

Philippa gave a rather crude little laugh.

'Do you blame me? Marsh always has women after him. That's common knowledge! '

'Indeed? It's grand to be popular! '

Philippa's kitten face set like a stone. 'How long have you known him? '

'This is actually the fourth time we've met, ' said Jo.

'I don't believe you! '

'It's true, though! ' Jo was beginning to get headachey with the endless questions, but at least the conversation was taking Paddy's mind off his troubles. His blue eyes were like saucers, pleased that Aunty Jo was handling the other lady effectively.

'Well, you're good-looking, ' said Philippa, 'I can't deny it! '

Jo turned her body slowly to look steadily at the other girl. 'Miss Morley, I'd really like to reassure you. You may find Marsh McConnell tremendously magnetic, but I don't think I ever will. '

'There's no hurry! '

Marsh's dry tone surprised both of them, sounding vibrantly across the room.

'Well, there it is! ' Jo said wryly. 'You can't win 'em all! '

'You bet you can! ' Far from looking ungratified by her comment, there was a tolerant humour in his very black eyes. He even appeared to relish such unaccustomed, indifference. He touched Philippa's shoulder lightly, then walked across to the bed, looking down at the wide-eyed child. 'I do believe you're looking better? '

'A little bit, Uncle Marsh. Remember how we used to play hide and seek? '

'It seems a shame we can't do it now, but tomorrow will be fine. '

'This is a beaut house! ' commented Paddy, resettling on his pillows.

'And plenty of places to hide is one of its charms, ' Marsh pointed out. 'I feel better you're better. When you're up and about, so we won't be too selfish, I'll arrange for Nara to look after you occasionally to give Jo a break. '

'She's not going away now? ' Paddy asked uneasily.

'Oh no! '

'I couldn't possibly! ' Jo seconded.

Philippa was staring from one to the other as though trying to convince herself of something. 'Why you didn't ask me, I'll never know! ' she said crossly.

Marsh turned to her smoothly. 'I simply didn't think you'd have the time. Besides, minding children is uphill work and there's precious little of you! '

Jo couldn't quite agree on that, but she said nothing, noting that Philippa coloured up looked enticingly pretty. The topaz eyes flashed and the round breasts swelled.

'You know I'd do anything for you! '

'Well, come down and join me in a long cold drink. Jo, ' he glanced across at her kindly, 'you're coming down to dinner, of course? '

She didn't even hesitate. 'If it's all the same to you, I'd prefer to have something here. I won't feel happy until Paddy's fever has broken. The aspirin has brought his temperature down, but it could rise again during the evening. '

'As you wish. I'll tell Ellen. '

She looked up anxiously and pushed the heavy fall of hair away from her face. 'If it's no trouble! '

'No trouble at all. '

Philippa's pleasure was indescribable. 'In that case I think I'll stay on till morning. You won't want to have dinner on your own. '

'Why, sure! ' Marsh half smiled and looked down into Philippa's triangular little face. 'We've any number of beds to accommodate you! '

Philippa blushed and gave a breathless little gurgle and Jo, understanding her line of thought, turned away. Momentarily she had had the uninvited notion that Marsh McConnell would make a mighty fine lover. Why she thought that seemed remarkable, considering the judgment she had already handed down. He was a superb animal, that was it; a powerful beautifully coordinated male animal. His sexual aura was effortless, tossed off like a blue flame, and Philippa's eyes were a polished mirror to reflect her desire. It was sickening, and Jo looked away from them pointedly. Paddy sighed dramatically and Jo was inclined to think he was improving.

After they had gone and the little boy's eyelids had started to droop, Jo walked to the french doors that led out on to the veranda. The light was still dazzling and would remain so until the brief twilight. A golden haze lay over the garden and settled on the trees so that the leaves glittered like knives. How beautiful it was! She was a little astonished at the sudden burst of happiness that lifted her heart. Stretching far, far away, as far as the eye could see was a great Outback station, Malakai. If she could throw off her feelings, her absorption with the past, she could enjoy it, take steps to start a new life.

She had heard nothing from Blair, but she had seen Julie twice in the week before she had come away, both times at Aunt Elizabeth's. For the first time in a very long time, Aunt Elizabeth had shown a deep disappointment in Jo. It was one thing to foster a new romance and quite another to leave Blair in the lurch. She hadn't bothered to hide her annoyance. It had poured down like the rain from heaven. In a way it was even merciful, because Jo preferred her to think that than guess at her misery. Uncle Joss had guessed at once. There had always been a silent communion between them.

One way and the other it had been a very uncomfortable ten days, but at least she had accomplished something, and she marvelled she had done it. Julie had squeezed her hand and told her in a quick, nervous voice how 'understanding' it was of Jo to realise she might like bridesmaids all her own petite height. Aunt Elizabeth, feeling Jo had sacrificed her son's interests, for once had nothing to say. How Jo was going to get out of attending the actual ceremony she didn't at this stage know. She had loved Blair far too long to take her mind off him now. Everything about him had been beautiful to her. She could see his weaknesses now and it helped, but old habits died hard. Especially loving. She hated what he had done to her—yes, hated it, but she longed for the old days. Blair had wrecked her life to make a new one of his own, but for good or bad he was in her blood.

Paddy behind her was gently dozing and Jo continued to stand at the long windows staring out. A glorious sunset came and went, lighting the world to crimson and rose-gold. She could see it colouring the very air. Masses of birds of glowing plumage homed in to the sanctuaries, shrieking and whistling; a brief moment when the world turned to a mysterious mauve, then dark.

Paddy's temperature rose again as the evening progressed and it wasn't until shortly before midnight that his fever broke. Jenny, tired out after the long trip, slept right through Jo's ministrations to her brother, and Jo was grateful for it.

'Better, dear? ' She smiled gently into Paddy's astonishing blue eyes. Gossamer wisps of damp brown hair clung to his childish brow, and he threw a quick grateful look at her.

'I'm nice and clean now. Look at Jenny. She looks happy—she's smiling! '

'You will be too in the morning. I'm going to leave this soft light on and I'll be close at hand. '

Paddy nodded his head but was prevented from answering by his exhaustion. To Jo's intense relief, he turned on his side and went to sleep. Whatever had troubled him apparently was leaving him and Jo adjusted the lamp, staring vaguely around the room as if she had emerged from some sort of crisis. There was a wonderful old chaise-longue in her own room, but she hadn't a hope of shifting it and now Paddy was sleeping so peacefully she didn't dare shift him into her own bed. The only thing she could do was keep hopping up and down to check on him through the night.

Jenny gave a muffled little sigh in her sleep and outside in the hallway the big old grandfather clock struck midnight. Probably the others were long in bed. Jo had seen Ellen and Marsh several times before and after dinner, but Philippa had neglected to look in on the little patient again. It came to her suddenly that the shatteringly empty feeling in her stomach was really hunger. She had paid no attention to the delicious dinner Ellen had prepared for her and Nara had brought up. She was even a little light-headed. She crossed the width of the room and went to the door, opening it up. The hallway still burned with soft lights and there were some lights on downstairs. She knew perfectly well had she been at home she would have made herself coffee and toast. She could still do it if Ellen was up. It would help her through her night watch. The intensity of her devotion to Anne's children was an integral part of her nature and an attribute that worked for and against her.

There was silence right through the great house and she walked down the divided stairway pausing at the first landing. 'Ellen? ' she called softly.

No answer.

She leaned over the banisters the better to see and there was Marsh staring up at her. 'I see now why some men get married! ' he drawled.

'I beg your pardon? '

The brilliant black eyes flashed over her and in spite of herself Jo felt disturbed.

'Do you always look like that when you're going to bed? ' he went on.

'I might sleep on my own, ' she whispered vehemently, 'but I like to look nice! '

'That's the understatement of the year! '

Her heart gave that curious bump again, but she shook off the feeling. 'I'm as well covered as if I wore an evening gown. Probably more! '

'Oh, my dear! '

His black eyebrows arched and she could have smacked his dark mocking face with pleasure. He was doing it deliberately. It wasn't as though she favoured transparency. Her nightgown and matching wrap were both silk crepe-de-chine with lavish insets of lace and no deep plunging V such as Philippa might have shown off to advantage. She was actually quite modest in that department. 'Anyway, I didn't expect to find you here, ' she said virtuously.

'This is my home. Paddy all right? '

'Sleeping peacefully, thank the good Lord! '

'I wonder what was the matter with him? '

Jo shook her head. 'I don't know. I'm only hoping he'll be his bright self in the morning. Such a thing to happen, and he's only just away from his mother! '

'You managed, ' Marsh pointed out.

'Team work. I had help! ' She stood there poised for a moment, her face softened, not actually seeing him, then she murmured 'Goodnight', and went to go. Her wrap caught on the polished dome of the handrail and drew back to reveal a slender, very feminine silhouette.

He gave an entranced whistle and she stormed at him, 'Do stop that! You're making me nervous! '

'Not half as nervous as you're making me. Tell-me, what did you want? '

'I was hungry, if you must know it! '

'In the middle of the night? '

'I didn't eat much of dinner! ' she justified herself.

'Then come on down. It's insane to be frightened of me. '

'My God, I should think so! '

He gave a growled laugh in his throat and Jo whirled around saying, 'I'll just check again on Paddy, then I'll join you. '

'Please don't change. What would you like? '

'Oh, something light. Coffee and toast. '

'Won't that keep you awake? '

'That's the idea! ' she answered.

'Then let me get it for you. A midnight feast! ' He bowed suavely and for an instant she saw his French ancestry. He really did it rather well.

Five minutes later she was seated at the large circular table in the kitchen visibly thawing by the minute, the delicious aroma of freshly ground coffee assisting the atmosphere.

'What a wonderful old house this is! ' she commented.

'I like it! ' Deftly Marsh set out cups and saucers.

'The kitchen's nearly as big as a ballroom. Like me to remodel it? '

'Ellen may be interested. '

'Just let me sit here a minute and think of it. You have everything going for you, the size, that superb old fireplace. What you really need is an island work centre, a different placement of equipment. I could work wonders and it would help Ellen enormously. Leave it to me, ' she said triumphantly, 'I'm very diplomatic! '

'Not with the Boss! ' he said dryly, 'but Ellen's sold on you. You've only just arrived and you're redecorating my home! '

'Some things just come naturally! ' Jo said absentmindedly, her green eyes skipping all around the room. 'Don't worry about the money I spend, it will be well worth it in the long run. Careful planning will make Ellen's job a lot easier. '

'Here, drink your coffee before you change everything! ' Marsh sat down opposite her, his black eyes dominating his face.

'Thank you. ' She had the grace to go pink, accepting the whipped cream but no sugar. 'It's only a suggestion. The last thing I want to do is remake your home. '

'What about me? ' he grinned.

'And put myself in jeopardy? '

'That's the last straw after what I know about you! ' he said sharply, his dark face reflecting his scorn.

Jo sighed. 'Are we going to be buddies or not? ' she asked patiently. 'I have to stay alert so I can keep an eye on Paddy. '

'No need to overdo it! '

'That's the way I am. '

'Yes, I know! ' he said with sarcastic charm.

Now she was piqued. 'Damn it, don't keep harping on one reckless act! '

'So you've put Leighton out of your mind. '

'I may have! ' she said moodily, and treated herself to a little sugar. It might have some value in keeping her calm.

'You can't promise everlasting devotion to Julie's man! ' he said smoothly, obviously needling her.

'I saw him first! ' she said crossly.

'That should only make you realise he's decided his life. '

'And good luck to him! ' Jo said with enormous difficulty.

'Don't sulk like a child. Drink up! '

Her face was downcast and her skin flawless within the dark clouds of her hair. 'I'm afraid I upset Aunt Elizabeth! ' she told him.

'Oh, how? '

Jo shrugged almost defiantly, more hurt than she would ever admit at Aunt Elizabeth's attitude. 'She couldn't see how I could possibly leave Blair in the lurch! '

'Mothers! ' he groaned, not the least bit politely.

'She doesn't even know I've left him for good. '

His black eyes flicked her face and he threw up his head like a spirited thoroughbred. 'All this talk of Blair! ' he said impatiently. 'She obviously ruined him. Don't do that to your sons! '

'I'd better get a move on! ' she said wryly, because the matter concerned her greatly.

Unexpectedly Marsh's face softened and his voice was quick and amused. 'I'm sure there isn't a man alive who wouldn't hasten to oblige you including that blackguard Blair! '

'Oh, don't call him that! ' She put up a hand and tousled her hair.

'What esteemed word would you substitute? ' he enquired.

'Offhand I can't think of a single contribution. Never admit a weakness, that's my motto. Why did you put the cream away? I'd like another cup. '

She stood up quickly, seeking relief from talk of Blair, but he reached the huge double refrigerator before her. They were very close and she began to think there was something radically wrong with her. Electricity was crackling to and fro between them, feathering across her skin. It was absurd and disturbing, yet it held her like a silly moth in the centre of a web.

Marsh turned his head sideways and his eyes travelled over her. 'My mother warned me about fast women! '

'It's sweet of you to feel like that, but I'm not out to seduce you. '

'Not worth it? '

'Too late! ' she said sweetly, misreading his expression.

'Yes? ' Those disconcerting black eyes rested on her face, and for some reason every muscle in her body contracted violently. 'Let's try anyway! ' He reached for her and caught her by the shoulders, drawing her to him in an almost balletic movement.

Flares of reaction were shooting through her too strong to be ignored. He seemed to like overpowering her and he was big enough to do it, his tall, rangy body like some perfect machine. 'This is absurd! ' she said tersely.

'It won't be for long. I mean, you've taken such pains to come down in your nightie! '

'You know perfectly well... ' Her voice quivered and cut out. 'If you're going to kiss me, ' she gritted, 'get it over! '

'I'm not going to kiss you at all! '

'Oh beauty, oh joy! ' Her vivid face was a study in feline mockery.

'There'll be plenty of opportunities! ' he added, grinning.

'Depend on me to thwart them! '

Unexpectedly he laughed, his teeth beautifully white against his dark copper face. 'Whatever would you do if I decided I wanted you? '

'Jump from the roof! '

'Shall we take a wager on that? '

'If it will make you happy! ' Jo's green eyes defied him and there was a bright recklessness in her that matched his own temper, yet his face was full of shadows.

'Don't you see you're making things harder? ' he said softly.

'Blame it on the witching hour! '

He stared at her for a minute but he didn't speak a word, and fancifully Jo thought of herself as Persephone about to be carried off by the King of the Underworld. His eyes were the blackest and most brilliant she had ever seen.

'For God's sake! ' she said abruptly just as he bent his head and touched his mouth to the side of her neck. Just a touch and she went weak from the shock, trembling as if he was maltreating her. She couldn't trust herself a minute longer. This was something fierce like fire, elemental and never sought. Rather stupidly she arched away from him and his mouth trailed to the curve of her breast. Nothing she had ever felt in her life equalled it, and it seemed shocking and disloyal.

'I knew all along you were no gentleman! ' she whispered fiercely.

'Are you sure? I'm not insulting you. Leighton did that! '

Jo struggled wildly, but he parried her easily, holding her so she had to go quiet. 'You've got the devil of a temper! ' he observed.

'You should understand about that! '

'What I don't understand is how you can be such a fool! '

Unexpectedly she drooped against him like a spent child. 'Please, Marsh! ' Her voice shook, then broke.

Just as suddenly his hard strength became gentleness and something that almost seemed like tenderness, but of course she couldn't be sure of it. 'You hurt me! ' she whispered in a kind of anguish.

'Here, show me! '

'No. You're dangerous and you override people! '

'One needs to sometimes. Don't look so endangered. I didn't hurt you at all. In fact I'm trying to be patient. What on earth was it we were after? '

'Cream, but it doesn't matter! '

'Have it. You'll feel better. '

Jo went back to her chair as if it were some place of security. 'I'm not accustomed to rough handling! ' she persisted as though seeking an apology.

'My lady, forgive me! ' he said instantly. 'You're the only woman I know who can't seem to see me as a prize! '

'You've a great deal of vanity! ' She was looking at him as if she had never seen him before in her life.

'Nearer home, money! ' he said rather cynically.

'How silly! I'm compelled to tell you, you fall far short of my requirements. '

'God, I hope so! ' he retorted sarcastically. 'I'm not exactly blind to your many faults! '

Her head flew up and her eyes glittered like a cat's, but footsteps in the quiet held her tense and silent. In another minute Philippa swished into the kitchen wrapped in bright suspicion and the final word in sexy night attire, braking abruptly when she saw Jo. Many were the tricks women got up to, said her outraged expression.

'Hi there! ' Jo raised her eyes.

'I thought I'd better check why all the lights were on, ' Philippa said icily.

'I usually leave them until I turn in, ' Marsh said mildly, still standing by the refrigerator door. 'Want a cup of coffee? '

'Don't be silly, not at this hour! ' She glared at Jo and despite herself Jo gave a little chuckle.

'I had to have it, ' she explained. 'I was almost done in! '

'Surely the boy's asleep now? '

'To my enormous relief. I was really worried. '

'I'm sure! '

'It's a responsibility, looking after children, ' Jo answered, trying to be patient.

'Sit down, Phil! ' Marsh ordered abruptly and evidently she saw sense, for the grimness on her kitten face faded into mischievousness.

'You didn't offer to have coffee with me! ' said Philippa, petulantly.

'Don't sound so disappointed—he didn't offer me any either. I had to ask! ' Jo said dryly. 'Actually we weren't hitting it off at all well when you arrived. '

'We do seem to disagree violently! ' Marsh drawled, and met Jo's green eyes briefly.

'How strange! I'm always at ease with him! ' Philippa maintained, watching them both closely. 'We were discussing things to do to entertain you and the children. '

'How kind! '

'Do you ride? ' Philippa asked loftily. 'Everyone rides! '

'I did try once, but I was more off than on, ' Jo admitted.

Marsh gave a soft amused laugh. 'Can't you really? '

'It would be stupid to deny it. You'll soon see! '

'How extraordinary! ' drawled Philippa, the expert horsewoman. 'How very odd! '

'One usually saves up for a car in the city! '

'But surely as a part-time occupation? '

'I rarely have the time to pursue such things. '

'Jo is thinking of redecorating Malakai, ' Marsh offered, rather slyly, Jo thought.

This might have been a red flag to a bull. Philippa let both elbows fall forward on the table while her lacy neckline plunged alarmingly. 'Don't try it! ' she snapped. 'Don't even move a stick of furniture! '

'Not until I inspect the place more thoroughly, ' Jo said calmly. 'I'm jam-packed with ideas! '

'I'll bet! ' Philippa seconded as though she suddenly found Jo smarter than she had given her credit for. 'You don't really want anything changed, do you, Marsh? I mean, you couldn't bear it, could you? Your family home! '

'It could do with a little updating! ' Marsh smiled at her and Jo had to admit that as a smile it was really something.

'But, darling, ' she looked furiously agitated, 'surely you should leave that to your future wife? Everybody knows most women want to decorate their own home! '

'As a matter of fact, ' Jo assured her, 'a lot of them prefer to leave it to those that know best! '

'And you do? '

'I've got certificates to prove it. '

'I'd certainly like to look at them! ' Philippa replied smartly. 'I gather you don't approve of Mrs McConnell's taste? Marsh's mother, I mean! '

'I know Mrs McConnell approves of mine, ' said Jo. 'Apparently Marsh is trying to tease you. What we were actually talking about was redoing the kitchen. ',

'Ellen might have something to say about that, ' Philippa persisted. 'After all, this is her domain! '

'And I know she's going to be happy with my plans, ' Jo said very confidently. 'After all, such a marvellous cook takes pride in her kitchen and I'm going to make it easier for her to work in it. '

'Well, really! ' Philippa tried a smile. 'I'm none too sure now of your real position—nanny or decorator! '

'He'll have to pay me for the latter, ' Jo said laconically. 'And I'm not cheap! '

'I don't think there can be any doubt that you're a fast worker! ' Philippa exchanged a complicated look with Marsh.

'Be that as it may, I'm taking myself off now, ' said Jo, getting up. 'Thanks for the coffee, Marsh! '

'I spent a little time making toast as well! ' He came gracefully to his feet, topping Jo by many inches.

'Thanks for that too! ' Her mouth twisted and there was some feeling between them impossible to define—a guarded liking, for all their clashes.

'See you in the morning, Philippa! ' she smiled at the younger girl whose countenance showed a remarkable lack of acceptance of her very presence, but Philippa held up her glowing auburn head to say:

'Yes, I'm in no hurry to get away. I may be able to give you a few pointers on how to stay on a horse! I'm sure Marsh has some sympathetic old nag somewhere on the property. '

'Neither of you put yourselves out on my account. As far as I'm concerned if I can't do it on my own two legs I'll take the car. There can't be many places a four-wheel-drive can't go! '

'Don't be difficult! ' Marsh murmured. 'I'll show you. You'll be safe with me. '

Jo nodded her head, not evading the brilliant black gaze. Amazingly she believed him. She shivered, remembering the brush of his lips against her skin, then she raised her hand briefly in salutation and went back along the corridor up the stairway to her room. Her head was swimming a little, but never unpleasantly. In this strange new environment she was coping quite well.

⇐ Предыдущая 1 2 345 6 7 8 Следующая ⇒