Chapter 4 - i

Jo was sound asleep when they finally turned into the drive. There was music playing softly in the car and Kate and Ben had barely exchanged a word in the last hour, spending most of the time lost in their own thoughts. Ben was a good driver and Kate had relaxed significantly. Kate spied the welcoming glow of the lamp on the wide front porch and spotted Bess’ sporty little car. Jo stirred as they pulled to a stop, “Jo, wake up, we’re here,” Kate said softly, shaking his knee. Jo opened his eyes drowsily and stretched. Kate and Ben got out of the car. Kate took a deep breath; the cool country air was fragrant with the scent of grass and cows, “Lovely,” she said and stretched her hands over her head, as she was a bit stiff from the long drive. Kate opened the rear door of the car and gently pulled Jo to his feet outside, he shivered; he was only wearing a t-shirt. Ben led the way to the house and Kate and Jo followed closely behind. The wire screen creaked gently and Ben knocked on the door. A large, old dog barked and they heard heavy footsteps approach the door from the inside. The door opened, “Hi, you must be Kate and Ben, come in, we were just finishing dinner, we saved you some. I’m Tim, Sarah’s brother.” He motioned them inside and shook Ben’s hand firmly, Kate was holding onto Jo’s hand. They took off their shoes and followed Tim down the long hall to the rear of the house. The floorboards also creaked a little and it looked like an old place, with tongue-in-groove weatherboard walls and polished wooden floorboards. The runner was threadbare, but homey and the ceilings were high. There were many pictures hanging from picture rails all along the length of the hall, ‘perhaps there’s an artist in the family,’ thought Kate. The rear lounge was large and comfortable, with overstuffed chairs and a large, colourful rug. There was a warm fire burning in the hearth and a cat and dog were sleeping in front of it.

“Good evening, good evening, have you eaten?” Mrs Jones asked them as she emerged from the kitchen holding a tray of steaming hot bowls of soup, “tomato soup made from Robert’s prize-winning tomatoes,” she said and laid the tray on the table. There was also fresh bread that had been warmed in the oven. “Mmmn, smells delicious,” said Kate, and sat down at the table after she had helped Jo to a seat, “this is Jo,” she said and ruffled his hair. “I am Kate and this is Ben,” she finished, indicating Ben as he sat down beside her. “I am Caroline and this is Robert,” Sarah’s mother said, “you met Tim at the door.” Sarah’s father rose from his chair, “please call me Bob, no one calls me Robert,” he said warmly, “can I offer you a drink?” He made his way over to the bar, “the women have been drinking Gin & Tonic and the men Scotch Whiskey,” he said. “Sounds great,” replied Ben. “Mmmnn,” agreed Kate, her mouth full of the delicious hot soup. “Steve couldn’t make it down tonight,” Sarah, explained, “his final job took longer than expected.” “He’s coming down in the morning with Alex,” Bess added. “We’ve made the beds in the old milk shed and there’s a fire burning in the grate, so you should be nice and cosy down there,” Mrs Jones said. “Robert also finished a small bathroom down there last month, so you won’t have to troop up to the house.” “Sounds great,” responded Kate, as she finished her soup and buttered another piece of bread, “that was delicious, I’m beat.” Ben requested seconds and Caroline refilled his bowl with evident gratification. “Mum’s cooking is the pride of the district,” boasted Sarah, “and all the milk, cheese and vegetables are products of the farm,” she added with satisfaction. “I can’t wait to explore the place in the morning,” Ben said enthusiastically. “Plenty of time for all that,” soothed Mrs Jones, “I think you all need some rest,” and she directed them to the old milk shed after handing them soap and towels.

Kate had slept like a log and woke refreshed and eager to explore the farm. Jo was still asleep in the bunk above hers and she crept out so as not to disturb him. All the girls and Jo were in the left-side room and the boys were in the room on the right. There was a common area in the centre, which had been fitted out as a sitting room. It was there that Kate found Ben, coaxing the fire to life. “Good morning,” she said softly, “How’d you sleep?” He turned around to face her and smiled, “really well actually, I think it’s the country air, plus I had a tough week.” Kate sat down on the old couch, “Yeah, I thought I might have bad dreams about the apartment, but I didn’t.” Ben joined her on the couch now that the fire was burning brightly; his hair was still wet from the shower. “That’s good,” he said and gently laid his hand on Kate’s knee, “You’ll be ok, you know, we’ll do everything we can to help you. You could even go into witness protection.” A solitary tear slid down Kate’s cheek and she laid her head on Ben’s solid shoulder. She was glad he had joined them for the weekend; she found his presence reassuring. “Let’s go for a walk,” Ben suggested gently, “it might help you feel a bit better.” Kate had already pulled on her jeans and a baggy old sweater, “that’s a good idea,” she said and eased off the couch. She put out her hand to help Ben up; the couch was low and Ben’s tall, large frame looked awkward. They wandered outside of the milk shed and surveyed their surroundings by the early morning light. There was a light mist lingering in the valley where they were, but they could see the wooded hills in the distance. They could hear the cows and goats; the morning’s milking would already be underway in the new milk shed to their left. They headed for the dam to their right in the upper paddock; Sarah had said there was a little creek this way. Kate shivered; the country air was brisk in the early morning.

The path narrowed after the creek and small rocks made it a little precarious. Ben was leading the way and offered his hand. Kate accepted it gladly; Ben was strong and sure of himself. They could now make out the line of the creek, though the mist hung a little heavier near the water down there. They passed a large spiders web glistening in the early morning sun, it shimmered as if the dewdrops were diamonds hung on its fragile threads. The path evened out and widened a little as it approached the creek, and larger rocks from the creek bed bordered it. Kate was now walking alongside Ben; he still held her hand securely in his. Kate enjoyed the feeling of his strong hand around hers. Ben timidly broke the silence, “Kate,” he began, “I’m sure you must be aware of the way I feel about you.” Kate blushed; she had suspected that Ben’s attentions were more than just professional. “Yes,” she replied a little shyly, “I suspected something from the time we met in St Kilda.” He looked at her puzzled, “why?” “Oh, it was the way you reacted to Steve, the two of you were like eagles circling their prey,” she laughed lightly, overcoming her initial shyness. Ben joined her, “yeah, I thought he was your boyfriend.” “Steve?” Kate laughed a little louder, “He’s just a close friend. We went out in high school and I guess we just both kept in touch, initially through my younger brother, Josh. They became friends while we were going out. We haven’t been romantically linked for years.” Ben squeezed her hand, “Then I won’t have to fight him for your favour!” he joked.

They lapsed back into silence then, listening to the birdsong. The mist was clearing and the sun now warmed their backs. They came to a naturally sheltered area complete with a large dead log that obviously served as a seat, and Ben pulled Kate down onto it so she was sitting close beside him. His body heat radiated warmth. He put his hand to her cheek and stroked it gently. He sighed; he’d wanted to do this for a long time. He lent towards Kate and kissed her gently on the lips, then more firmly. Kate placed her hand on the back of his neck and lent into him. His warm embrace now encircled her. They looked at each other almost like they were seeing each other for the first time, then Ben smiled, his eyes sparkling. Kate smiled back at him. It had been a long time since she had felt the spark of early love. She wondered where it would lead, as she knew that her and Jo could not return to Melbourne for the foreseeable future. ‘Would this relationship go anywhere?’ she began to wonder. Ben noticed the change in her expression, “What are you thinking about?” he asked, reaching for her hand; it had gone cold. He rubbed her hands vigorously between his as Kate replied, “I was wondering where all this will lead. We can’t return to Melbourne…” her voice was tinged with sadness. Ben stood and pulled her up gently from the log. He held her close and whispered softly in her ear, “I know….” They embraced in silence and then Kate began to cry softly. How could she leave behind her life in Melbourne – her friends and family, her work? It seemed all too hard right at this moment and Kate didn’t know how she could face it. Ben felt her tears on his cheek and looked at her, still holding her in his strong hands. “Don’t cry,” he said gently, “It will be alright, you’ll see.” They walked on arm in arm, the mist had evaporated now and the sun was shining brightly. A light, fragrant breeze had also picked up. Kate could discern the scent of plum blossoms. Her stomach grumbled, “Perhaps we should head back up to the house for breakfast,” she suggested, “Jo will probably be wondering where I am.” They turned and headed back towards the dam. As they reached the edge of the wooded area, Ben stopped and kissed her again, more passionately than before. “Where did that come from?” Kate exclaimed once he had released her. He smiled mischievously, “I just wanted to show you how I feel,” he said simply, “You’re special Kate.” Kate smiled in return, she wasn’t used to compliments.

Kate could see Steve’s Ute as they approached the milk shed and she let go of Ben’s hand. “I don’t want to tell the others just yet,” she said softly. “I understand,” Ben, said, “we can keep it quiet for now…” he left it hanging. Perhaps there wouldn’t be much to tell by the end of the weekend anyway. Steve stepped out of the Ute and spotted Kate. He smiled and waved, but his smile dropped a little when he recognised Ben. “I didn’t know you were joining us, P.C. Smith” he commented a little aggressively once they were within earshot. “Call me Ben,” Ben said and offered his hand, Steve shook it without any warmth. “I’m going to have a shower, Ben will show you around,” Kate said. Alex wasn’t around, and he had obviously gone in search of Bess. Kate wandered back to the milk shed, and she could see that the bathroom was well steamed up, though she couldn’t hear the shower running. She retrieved her toiletries and towel from the room. Bess and Alex were on Bess’ bed, and Bess was still only wrapped in her towel. Jo wasn’t there, “Have you seen Jo?” she asked. “He went up to the house to see the dog,” Bess replied, “he thought you might be there too.” Kate nodded, “I went for a walk,” she neglected to mention with whom. “This place is gorgeous,” Alex, commented, “I’m trying to convince Bess to take a walk with me before breakfast.” “Yes, do,” Kate, entreated, “there’s a lovely little path that runs by the creek, it’s just beyond the dam.” She went to the bathroom and found it empty. She tied her hair up and jumped into the steaming hot water. She kept it short as she figured that they probably used rainwater and she knew that the winter had been a dry one again, even down here. She quickly dressed again and headed for the house, she was ravenous.

Breakfast was generously laid out on the terrace outside. The rear part of the house had obviously been added later. Jo jumped up from the table and gave her a big hug, he had been a little alarmed when she hadn’t been there when he woke up and he was relieved to see her again. She laughed and picked him up, he had begun to put on a bit of weight, but he was still fairly small and Kate lifted him easily “Good morning my little man, sleep well?” she asked him. He nodded and kissed her on the cheek. Kate replaced hi in is chair and sat down beside him. She surveyed the feast laid on the table – fresh fruit, milk and yoghurt, toast, cereal, and she could smell bacon and eggs. She lifted the metal lid in the centre of the table; it was heaped with bacon, scrambled eggs, grilled tomato and mushrooms. “Wow, this is amazing!” she exclaimed. “Have to start the day with a good breakfast,” Bob said with satisfaction, he was buttering his second piece of toast after eating his cereal and hot breakfast. “Milking really works up an appetite,” Tim explained somewhat sheepishly. Kate poured herself a glass of fresh apple juice while deciding where to begin. You couldn’t beat a hot breakfast, she decided and helped herself to bacon, eggs, tomato and mushrooms and generously buttered fresh toast. “Coffee?” Caroline asked as she emerged from the house. “Sounds great,” replied Steve enthusiastically as he sat down beside Kate, “You have a great place here.” Ben sat opposite Kate, “wow! What a spread, coffee sounds nice.” Caroline poured several cups of coffee and handed them around. Sarah came out of the house brandishing a teapot. “Josh told me that you prefer tea in the morning,” she said to Kate a poured tea into a fine china teacup. “Thank you,” Kate said, “The grilled tomatoes and mushrooms are fantastic and I haven’t seen eggs this yellow in ages!” Sarah smiled, “we can go and gather mushrooms later this afternoon if you like.” Kate thought it was a great idea. It was going to be a lovely day. She finished her eggs and helped herself to fruit and yoghurt. When she had finished she poured another cup of tea and leaned back in her seat, “well I haven’t eaten like that for some time,” she commented with satisfaction. “Do you know where I can get a haircut around here?” Bess looked at Kate quizzically, “didn’t you just get your hair done?” she asked. “I feel like I need a new look,” Kate attempted to say in an offhand way. “Well, there’s Snippety-Snip in the village,” Sarah said, “or you could go to Traralgon. I’ll make a call for you,” and she got up from the table. “Thanks,” Kate said to her retreating form.