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The more Prue thought about it, the better it seemed. There was no way she could miss Cleo’s wedding, but it had been hard not to resent the fact that she would have to leave Australia much earlier than she had originally intended. Now she would not only be a good sister, but she should also be able to spend another whole year here, and who knew what could happen in that time?
Prue could hardly believe her luck. Her momentary embarrassment had passed, and now all she could think about was how everything was turning out better than she would have believed possible. No wonder it was hard to concentrate on how much flour and sugar she needed!
She was coming back. Prue hugged the knowledge to her. Coming back to this place she loved so much.
And to Ross.
Prue’s heart melted when she thought about the daredevil blue of his eyes, about the way he threw his head back when he laughed and the air of suppressed energy he carried around with him, and happiness bubbled along her veins. Surely meeting Nat meant that she and Ross were destined for each other after all?
When Nat found her, Prue was gazing at a pyramid of tinned vegetables, her mouth curved in a dreamy smile. Her sunglasses were pushed on top of her head, drawing the tousled hair away from her face, and even in the dim old-fashioned light of the store Nat could see that her grey eyes were shining.
There had been a moment in the ute when something had tightened in the air between them, but whatever it had been it had gone now. Nat could tell just by the way Prue smiled when she saw him, a wide, open smile that said more clearly than words ever could that she might think of him as a friend, or an employer, but certainly not as a man.
Which was just as well, in the circumstances, Nat told himself.
‘You look happy,’ he said.
‘I am.’ Prue beamed at him. ‘I was just standing here, thinking about how miserable I was when I set out this afternoon. I was convinced that I would never have a chance to persuade Ross to love me, that I’d have to go home and never see him again. When that car ran out of fuel. I just sat there and bawled my eyes out,’ she confessed. ‘I was really pathetic! And then—’ she spread her hands ‘—you came along and suddenly everything is possible again.’
She looked at Nat with her frank eyes. ‘I feel as if today is going to prove to be the turning point of my whole life,’ she told him, ‘and it’s all thanks to you.’
Her face was alight with happiness, and Nat was suddenly aware of how close she was standing. She was so warm, he thought, so vibrant, so open and uncomplicated.
So in love with Ross Granger.
He stepped away from her, unsettled to realise that he didn’t want her thanks. ‘Are you ready?’ he asked curtly.
‘Yes, the boxes are by the door.’
Prue was puzzled and a little hurt by his brusqueness as they carried the boxes of groceries out to the ute. The light hit her like a blow as she stepped out of the shade of the verandah, and she couldn’t wait to hand over her box so that she could pull her sunglasses back down onto her nose.
Nat didn’t seem to notice at all. None of the men she had met wore sunglasses, relying on their hats to protect them from the glare instead, she supposed, but the corners of their eyes were always creased from years of squinting into the sun. Prue could see the fan of lines at the edge of Nat’s eyes now as he loaded the boxes into the back of the ute and covered them with a tarpaulin to keep out the dust.
Looking at those lines gave her a funny feeling inside—either that, or the sun was getting to her—and her gaze dropped to his mouth, which was set in a bleak line that made her frown slightly.
His expression was closed, shuttered even. Of course, Nat would be an unemotional man at the best of times, but he hadn’t been like this when they drove in together. She remembered how he had smiled, the look in his eyes when he had said, ‘I want someone like you.’
It was as if he had withdrawn into himself since then. As if, Prue thought slowly, her bubbling enthusiasm had made him retreat behind a barrier of impenetrable reserve. As if he didn’t like her being happy.
And why should he?
Prue felt a sickening wave of shame roll over her. She had forgotten what the trip to London was going to mean for Nat. For her, the job he had offered her meant the possibility of romance, a chance to achieve her heart’s desire. For him, it meant only the aftermath of tragedy.
‘I’m sorry,’ she said in a small voice as she got into the ute beside him.
Nat was bending to push the key into the ignition, but at her apology he straightened in surprise. ‘Sorry?’ he echoed blankly. ‘What for?’
‘I must sound absolutely heartless, wittering on about Ross and coming back to Australia when all you’re thinking about is your brother.’ Prue pulled the seatbelt around her and fastened it into place before turning contritely to Nat. ‘It’s going to be a terrible trip for you, I can see that. I wish you’d just told me to shut up,’ she said in a burst of honesty. ‘I feel awful now!’
Nat’s expression was rueful as he started the engine and pushed up the gearstick on the steering column. He hadn’t been thinking about Ed at all, he thought wryly. He had been thinking about her.
‘You mustn’t think like that,’ he said, contrite in his turn. ‘It’s the last thing Ed would have wanted, or Laura either come to that. They were both real live-wires, and they believed in deciding what you want and going for it.
‘They’d approve of you doing whatever you could to get back to Ross,’ he told Prue. ‘You don’t need to feel guilty about being happy over the fact that I need you to help me with William and Daisy. Ed would be the first person cheering you on!’
His voice was warm when he talked about his brother. ‘You must miss him,’ said Prue quietly.
Nat hesitated. He wasn’t used to discussing his feelings, but somehow it was easy to talk to Prue.
‘Yes,’ he admitted. ‘I do. I miss him a lot. Ed was only a couple of years younger than me, and there were just the two of us when we were growing up. We ran Mack River together when our parents died, and then Ed met Laura, and they bought their own property. I’d got used to them not being around every day, but still…it’s hard sometimes to believe I won’t see him again.’
He wasn’t looking at Prue, but she felt her throat tighten. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said again, knowing that it was inadequate, but knowing too that there was nothing else to say.
Nat’s smile was rather twisted. ‘I’m sorry too,’ he said slowly, ‘but it’s William and Daisy who matter now. I’ve got to think about them, not Ed, and that’s what I’m going to do.’
When they got back to Prue’s car, they transferred the groceries into the back, and then Nat took the can of fuel he had bought and poured it carefully into the tank. He had brushed aside Prue’s attempts to pay and she watched him, feeling helpless and more than a little disconcerted to discover how easy it was to accept being looked after by someone so competent.
It was difficult to imagine that barely two hours ago she had had trouble remembering his name. Already there was something very familiar about him. How much more familiar would he be after they’d spent almost a month together in London?
The thought was vaguely disconcerting, and Prue frowned. It wasn’t as if they were going to be intimate, she reassured herself. It was just a job like any other. And Nat was hardly likely to show any interest in her, was he?
Even if she hadn’t been in love with Ross, she would have little to appeal to a man like Nat. He was quite a bit older than her, for a start, and to him she probably seemed very young and very silly. Correction, thought Prue, cringing inwardly as she remembered some of the things she had said: she must definitely seem very young and very silly.
Anyway, Nat himself had sounded far from over his broken engagement. Prue couldn’t help wondering what Kathryn was like. What kind of woman could break through that quiet self-containment and unlock his reserve? She must be quite special, Prue decided.
Hidden behind her sunglasses, her gaze rested on Nat as he tipped the can higher to let the last drops of diesel trickle into the tank and she tried to imagine him in love. He wasn’t a demonstrative man, she guessed, but behind closed doors…well, that might be a different matter…
‘OK, that’s it.’ Nat’s voice broke into her thoughts as he dumped the empty can in the back of the ute. ‘Start her up and we’ll see if she goes now.’
Obediently, Prue climbed into the driver’s seat and turned the key. The engine shuddered into life and then settled down to a steady tick.
‘Do you ever get a day off?’ Nat asked, laying a hand on the roof of the car and bending his head slightly so that he could talk to her through the open window.
‘I don’t do much on Sundays. Why?’
‘We still need to sort out a few details about this trip,’ he pointed out. ‘I could fly over and pick you up next Sunday and you could spend the day at Mack Creek. It might not be a bad idea for you to see where the twins are going to grow up anyway, and we could talk about things then. It would give you a chance to think about what’s involved too, and change your mind if you want to. How does that sound?’
‘Fine,’ said Prue. ‘But aren’t you coming to Cowen Creek now? I thought you wanted to see Bill Granger?’
‘It can wait.’ Nat didn’t think he really wanted to go to Cowen Creek now and watch Prue mooning over Ross. ‘I think I’ll get back.’
His face through the window was very close, and his features seemed uncannily clear and detailed. Prue felt as if she could see every crease at the corner of his eyes, every minute line texturing his skin, every hair that grew in the strong brown brows. She wanted to look away, but her gaze seemed to have snagged in his somehow.
‘What shall I tell the Grangers?’ she managed to ask.
‘Just say that you met me in Mathison,’ said Nat. ‘There’s no need to tell them about the fuel. You could say that we got talking and when I found out that you were going to London, I offered you the job. They know about Ed and Laura and the fact that I’m guardian to the twins now, so they probably won’t even be surprised.’
‘Right,’ said Prue, finally succeeding in wrenching her eyes away. She put the car into gear and cleared her throat. ‘I’ll see you on Sunday, then.’
She had the impression that Nat was about to say something else, but in the end he just stepped back, slapping the car roof in a gesture of farewell.
‘See you on Sunday,’ was all he said.
CHAPTER THREE
IN THE event, it was Ross who flew Prue to Mack River the following Sunday.
‘He was going to Mathison anyway,’ Prue found herself explaining to Nat as together they watched Ross’s Cessna speed down the airstrip and lift up into the blue. He dipped his wings in farewell and headed off in the direction of the town, leaving the two of them alone together in the crushing silence of the bush.
‘It seemed silly for you to come all the way over to Cowen Creek when he could give me a lift here just as easily, but if you could fly me back that would be great.’
She could hear herself babbling, but she was unaccountably shy now that she was suddenly face to face with Nat again. She had forgotten how still he was, how quietly assured, how self-conscious he made her feel.
It was stupid to think that she needed to explain anything, anyway. Even if she hadn’t already outlined the situation when she’d phoned to say that Ross would bring her over to Mack River, Nat hadn’t said anything to indicate that he cared one way or another how she got there.
His greeting had been quite impersonal, as if she were no more than a temporary nanny he was employing to look after his small niece and nephew—which was all she was, of course. There had been no reason for Prue’s heart to bump against her ribs when she caught sight of him through the plane window. He had been leaning against the ute in the shade, arms folded and long legs crossed at the ankle, his hat tilted down over his eyes as he waited for Ross to bring the plane to a halt.
He had straightened as she approached, pushing his hat back and smiling that slow smile that she remembered with such unnerving clarity, and for some reason Prue had burst into speech. Now, she made herself shut up.
‘I thought you’d be glad of a chance to spend some time with Ross,’ Nat commented, holding open the door of the ute for her.
‘Yes,’ said Prue, hearing the slight doubt in her voice too late. She had been glad, of course, but her pleasure in the flight had been rather spoiled by her nervousness at seeing Nat again and broaching the idea that had come to her as she had driven back to Cowen Creek that day.
Still, it had been a great flight. She thought about Ross, the magnetism of his presence, the flashing smile as they’d swooped down over the bush, his eyes as blue as the sky around them. Remembering, Prue felt better.
‘It was wonderful,’ she told Nat, as if he had doubted her.
He got in beside her and switched on the engine. ‘How does Ross feel about you coming back?’
‘I think he’s pleased,’ said Prue cautiously.
It was clear Ross had no intention of committing himself to anything, but she was sure that there had been a definite warming in his attitude towards her since she had told him about the job Nat had offered her.
Of course, it might be wishful thinking, Prue reminded herself. It might just be that Ross was relieved to hear that she was really going and was only being so nice because he knew that she wouldn’t be around for much longer.
She wished that she could have said that he was jealous of her spending a month in Nat’s company, but none of the Grangers seemed to think that there was any chance—any danger, Prue corrected herself hastily—of Nat treating her as anything other than a nanny. They were united in believing that Kathryn would marry him in the end and that temporary help with the children was all that Nat would need. It would certainly never occur to any of them that he could ever be interested in any other woman.
‘Nat’s a one-woman man,’ Ross had explained. ‘He’s adored Kathryn ever since they were kids. Everyone knew they would end up together eventually.’
‘What’s she like?’ Prue had been unable to resist asking.
‘Kathryn? She’s great. Beautiful girl.’ Ross narrowed his eyes appreciatively. ‘Red hair, green eyes, legs that go on for ever and a smile that makes the sun look dim! She’s bright too. She’s got some kind of fancy job down in Perth.’
Prue didn’t think he had to sound quite so enthusiastic about her. ‘If she’s that amazing, what’s she doing with Nat?’ she asked a little too tartly. ‘I’d have thought he’d have been too down-to-earth for someone like Kathryn.’
Ross shrugged, obviously not seeing anything odd in the relationship at all, and it was Joyce Granger who offered an answer when she was helping Prue to wash up.
‘Nat’s always been able to manage Kathryn,’ she said shrewdly. ‘He’s the only one who could. She was a very headstrong girl, but so pretty that her parents spoilt her rotten and let her do whatever she wanted. I think she needs Nat to keep her in line.’
‘But if she needs him so much, why would she break off their engagement?’
‘Kathryn’s used to Nat looking after her. I think she lost her nerve at the thought that she was going to have to take second place for a while and help him care for Ed’s children, but she’ll be back when she gets used to the idea,’ Joyce added comfortably.
Prue scrubbed the bottom of a saucepan with unnecessary vigour. ‘What if Nat won’t take her back?’
‘Oh, Nat will take her back all right.’ Joyce finished drying a plate and put it on top of the pile. ‘He’ll never love anyone but Kathryn. Those two are meant for each other.’
Prue was still thinking about this exchange now, as Nat drove along the bumpy track from the airstrip to the homestead. She slid a covert glance at him from under her lashes and had to admit that he didn’t look as if he were broken-hearted. Joyce Granger must be right. If he wasn’t miserable, it was because he was quite confident that Kathryn would come back to him.
Which meant that her idea wouldn’t work.
It had come to her when Cleo’s letter had arrived two days ago, a flash of inspiration to solve her problem and Nat’s, but if he were expecting Kathryn back at any minute, it might not work after all…. Prue chewed the edge of her thumb, considering. Perhaps it would be better to stick to being a nanny, and not mention the matter to Nat?
The homestead was a low, rambling house, sheltered on all sides by deep verandahs. Having been in the outback long enough to appreciate how precious the sight of water could be, Prue was disappointed to find that it wasn’t right by the river that gave the station its name, but when she asked Nat why the homestead wasn’t closer, Nat only laughed.
‘You don’t want to be anywhere near the river when it’s in flood,’ he said. ‘My grandfather knew what he was doing when he built the house here.’
In spite of the lack of a river view, Prue thought it was a wonderful house, cool and shady inside and set in an oasis of green. Bougainvillea scrambled over the front verandah, and a cluster of palms at the back gave the place a tropical, almost exotic feel, although it was clearly a long time since anyone had made gardening a priority.
Lunch proved to be a barbecue with the stockmen, a polite but taciturn group of men who eyed Prue curiously. She could tell they didn’t think much of her. Every time she opened her mouth, she sounded more brittle and English and out of place, and she was secretly relieved when they disappeared to their own quarters and left her alone with Nat.
She helped him clear away the lunch dishes, and then Nat sent her out to sit on the back verandah while he made some coffee. She sat, enjoying the green shade and imagining what a restful place to live Mack River must be, with its tangled garden and its worn wooden floors and its air of masculine, faintly shabby comfort.
The homestead at Cowen Creek was very busy and functional in comparison, Prue couldn’t help thinking. Of course, Ross lived there, and it was exciting just to be in his orbit, but sometimes it was quite exhausting to spend your day on tenterhooks, never knowing if the sound of the screen door meant that he was going to suddenly appear and bracing yourself for the crashing disappointment when someone else appeared instead.
No, living with Ross couldn’t be said to be restful. But Mack River…Prue ran her hands appreciatively along the arms of the old wicker chair and gazed out at the garden…this was nice. Cool and calm and comfortable. A bit like Nat himself, in fact.
She smiled at the thought, and Nat, carrying two mugs of coffee, paused just behind the screen door.
He could see her quite clearly through the fine mesh as she sat and gazed dreamily out at the garden, her mouth curved in a secretive smile. She was wearing jeans and a pale pink shirt, and her unruly brown curls were pushed anyhow behind her ears. Nat thought that she looked relaxed and happy and disturbingly at home on his verandah.
What was she smiling about so dreamily? Ross, no doubt. Nat remembered the proprietorial way Ross had helped Prue down from the plane, and thought that the Grangers’ son was a lot keener than she had admitted. She was probably planning her return to Cowen Creek already, imagining the scene where Ross swept her into his arms and vowed never to let her go again.
Nat scowled, and then wondered what he was doing. He ought to be glad for Prue’s sake that Ross was showing more interest in her. Ross was the only reason that she was prepared to go to London and help him bring William and Daisy home. She wasn’t doing it for him, Nat reminded himself. It would be a mistake to forget that.
Abruptly, he kicked the screen door open and its hinges creaked in protest. The sound made Prue jump, and she turned to see Nat coming towards her with a mug in each hand. His expression was not grim exactly, but somehow remote, and Prue was conscious of a feeling of disappointment. She had thought they had been getting on quite well.
‘This is lovely,’ she said politely, gesturing at the garden. If they were going to spend a month together, she had better get used to filling the silence. ‘I’d like to sit here for ever!’
The thought crossed Nat’s mind that he wouldn’t mind her staying there for ever either, but he quashed it firmly. She was just being polite. The only way she would ever want to stay at Mack River was if Ross could be there too.
‘I’m glad you like it,’ he said distantly, and handed her one of the mugs.
Deliberately choosing the chair separated from hers by a small table, he sat down and leant forward, resting his arms on his knees so that he could cradle his own mug between his hands.
Somewhat daunted, Prue sipped her coffee and sought around for something else to say. In the end, the best she could manage was to thank him for lunch.
At least she could see a gleam of amusement in Nat’s eyes as he glanced across at her. ‘I don’t think it will have been up to your standards!’ he said. ‘I’ve got a married man working here, and his wife cooks for us during the week, but, like you, she has a day off on Sunday and we have to look out for ourselves. We’re not very adventurous when it comes to food, as you probably gathered!’
‘I enjoyed it,’ said Prue honestly. ‘It’s a real treat to eat anything I haven’t cooked myself now!’
‘The Grangers are going to miss you.’ Nat looked back at the palms and tried not to sound too interested. ‘Are they keeping your job open for you?’
‘No.’ Prue shook her head. ‘They said they were sorry, but I told them when I arrived that I’d have to go back to London, and they’ve already promised another English girl that she can come and cook. She’s a friend of a friend, I think, and she’s already made arrangements to travel up from Adelaide.’
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