iv

Kate hadn’t slept all that well and woke with a pounding headache. She groaned and got out of bed. It was still early and very cold. She went into the sitting room and coaxed the fire to life. She was warming herself in front of it when Ben appeared. He was an early bird, “you don’t look so good Kate,” he said, after giving her a kiss on the cheek. “I don’t feel so good either,” she replied, “I didn’t sleep well and I have a pounding headache.” Ben began to massage her shoulders and neck. “Mmmn, that’s nice,” she murmured. He kissed her on the neck and then his hands ventured a little lower. Kate turned around and kissed him full on the mouth. They gently began to explore each other’s bodies with their hands. Ben kissed Kate’s collarbone, “you smell lovely,” he said softly, “want to go for a walk? It might help make you feel better.” Kate nodded, then grabbed her scarf, and it still smelled faintly of Ben’s aftershave. She joined him at the door and he turned left. They walked past the new milking shed and waved to Bob and Tim busily milking. “Who’d be a dairy farmer!” exclaimed Ben, “up at the crack of dawn day in and day out.” “I think that I could bear it in country like this,” Kate said quietly, and they continued on in silence. They enjoyed simply being in each other’s presence.

By the time they returned to the old milk shed, Kate was feeling significantly better. She wasn’t sure if it was the walking or Ben. She got into the shower, covering her newly dyed hair. She’d have to get some colour-saver shampoo and she made a mental note to herself for her next shop. She felt normal again by the time she had dressed. Jo stirred, and looked at her, “good morning, my little man, sleep well?” she asked softly so as not to wake the others. She kissed him on the cheek and lifted him down from the bunk. She shooed him off to the bathroom, “I’ll meet you up at the house,” she told him and he nodded and stepped into the shower. When Kate got to the breakfast table she saw that Ben and Steve were already there. They were arguing amiably about something or other. Steve coughed when Kate sat down, “Kate, I just wanted to apologise for last night. It was childish of me and I’m sorry.” Kate nodded, “Yes, it was, but I understand. Mates?” she stretched out her hand. Steve grabbed it and then pulled her up into an embrace. “You’re too special,” he said quietly, “I can never stay mad at you for long.” Kate smiled at him and sat back down, “good,” she said. Ben winked at her and squeezed her knee under the table as if to say, ‘I told you so!’ Kate smiled at him and kissed him on the cheek. Steve could barely contain his wince, but he managed, just. Mrs Jones appeared from the house with a large pot of something hot, “home made baked beans,” she announced as she laid the pot on the table, “please help yourselves.” They all dug in enthusiastically and fell into easy, light conversation. Kate was relieved, all was right with the world….

It was another beautiful day in Gippsland and they decided to go for a picnic at Lang Lang Falls. Mrs Jones packed up two large picnic baskets and the cars were loaded up with rugs, chairs, a few games, hats and the picnic baskets. The baskets contained compartments for crockery and cutlery. It was almost 12 noon by the time they had all piled into the two cars and headed off. Lucy’s family would meet them there. Kate was glad, as it would mean that Jo would have children his own age to play with. She was a little concerned that he was spending too much of his time alone or with adults prior to this weekend. There were several groups of people and families at the falls. The boys set up the rugs and chairs in a semi-shaded spot, while the girls laid out the picnic fare. Mrs Jones had included all sorts of delights. There was fresh bread, cheese, ham, turkey and chicken, boiled eggs, meatloaf, sliced vegetables, nuts, fresh fruit and chocolate and cake. Mr Jones had brought along his famous fruit punch. They passed around the plates and tucked into the food heartily. There was a little bread left over and the children gathered it up to feed to the birds. Lucy went to supervise proceedings.

The adults were all too full to do anything strenuous like walking up the hill to the falls lookout, so Tim suggested a game of spoons. Everyone was keen so the spoons were polished and the cards dealt out. Play started slowly but built up to a furious pace. There were cries of jubilation and woe alike, and the players were rapidly whittled down till there were only three remaining, Tim, Steve and Ben. The others watched and cheered on their favourites. There was only one spoon in the centre; this round would be the decider. The boys leapt into the competition with gusto. The cheering had drawn a small crowd of interested onlookers. Finally, Tim had four-of-a-kind and grabbed at the spoon. He leapt into the air and gave a whoop of delight. Everyone clapped and laughed. Bob handed around more drinks and the children returned from feeding the birds. They were ready for their walk now.

Josh and Sarah led the way while Bob and Caroline brought up the rear. The children were running and skipping back and forward among the group. The path was a little rough, but not too difficult and it was just wide enough in most parts to allow two to three adults to walk side-by-side. Ben and Kate walked hand in hand, as they had no need to keep their relationship quiet any longer. They were talking quietly together. Ben was telling Kate how he and his family used to spend their Melbourne Cup weekend in Nagambie, camping by the lake with their neighbours and friends. “We would hold a sweep with chocolates and lollies as wagers. Lucky indeed was the winner!” he laughed. “That sounds like fun, you should suggest we do it with the others.” Kate encouraged him. Ben agreed, and then they reached the lookout. The view was great, though the falls were not as impressive as when they were at their peak. “It hasn’t rained enough for the falls to be really impressive,” Bob explained, “but then the river hasn’t even come close to breaking its banks for over eight years.” Everyone continued to look out at the view meditatively, “Has the drought affected your farm much?” Ben asked. “Oh, it has,” replied Bob, “but not as badly as for others. We’ve been fortunate.” Tim agreed, “we haven’t lost any stock, but our milk production is down on a good year’s average.” Kate tried to imagine what the falls would look like at their height….

It was late afternoon by the time they arrived back at the farm. Kate had left Jo at Lucy’s place for a sleepover. He was more than happy there and Lucy’s kids didn’t seem to be bothered by his silence. It would be the first night that Kate and Jo had spent apart since Kate first found him and she was a little bit apprehensive, but Caroline and Lucy had reassured her that everything would be fine. Ben was looking forward to spending the evening alone with Kate; he planned to steal her away after dinner. He disappeared shortly after they arrived back at the farm. Kate figured that he had gone for a run and sought out Bess. She felt like she’d hardly spent any time with her friend over the weekend and she wanted to tell her about her plans.

She found Bess in their room, brushing her hair. She was one of those people that adhered to 100 strokes a day. “Bess, I’ve been looking for you everywhere,” she said as she sat down beside her friend on the bunk. She took the brush off Bess and began brushing her hair for her. “I need to talk to you about something,” she began slowly, “Jo and I won’t be returning to Melbourne on Tuesday evening.” Bess looked at her, puzzled, “why?” She asked, concerned. “I’ve found out who Jo is,” Kate began to explain, “He was being held captive in Mildura with his aunt. His name is actually Sergei.” She didn’t want to give too much detail, as it could put her friends in danger. Kate stopped brushing Bess’ hair and they reclined on the bed, top and tail. “Go on,” Bess encouraged. “My apartment was broken into and trashed on Friday and the man I’ve seen in the park is linked to the people who are after Jo.” Bess gasped, “Oh my God, Kate!” she exclaimed in shock, “where will you go?” Kate paused, and then resumed slowly, “Well, we’ll stay here for a while and then we’ll probably head west along the coast road.” Bess nodded, “to Adelaide?” “I think so,” Kate replied cautiously. “You know, Alex’s family are in Adelaide,” Bess pointed out, “I’m sure that they’d help you. Should I ask Alex?” Kate nodded, “that would be great, but don’t give him too many details. I don’t want people to know Jo’s real name…”

“Whose real name?” Alex asked from the doorway. The girls hadn’t noticed his entrance. Bess beckoned Alex to sit beside her on the bed. She took his hand in hers, “Kate and Jo can’t return to Melbourne,” Bess explained, “Someone is after Jo.” Alex looked confused and concerned, “who?” “We’re not certain,” Kate, said quickly, she didn’t want to give too much away. “That doesn’t really matter,” Bess, added, “Kate’s apartment was trashed on Friday. They’re going to head towards Adelaide soon.” Alex brightened at the mention of his hometown, “My parent’s are there!” he exclaimed. “They would be more than happy to put you up. They have a modest place on the coast near Adelaide.” He explained, “Dad is well off but they don’t like to flaunt their wealth.” Kate could feel her composure slipping away, and she needed to be alone. She rose from the bed, “Thank you Bess, thank you Alex. You don’t realise how much this means to me,” she said quietly, a slight tremor in her voice. They smiled and nodded, “Bess said, “you know that I’d do anything for you.” Kate nodded, “I know Bess, I know.” Kate escaped to the tree house. Tears were flowing freely down her cheeks by time she reached it. There was no one about. Kate was glad, as she wanted to mourn alone. She couldn’t bear this, ‘how could she tell her brother?’ she abandoned restraint and gave in to her emotions.

Ben found her some time later, “Steve told me I might find you here,” he said from the top of the ladder. He was too big to fit into the little doorway. He could see that Kate had been crying and his heart went out to her. “It’s time for dinner,” he said gently and reached out for her hand. “I’m not hungry,” she said quietly. “Never the less,” Ben encouraged, “it’s in your best interest to keep up appearances, come on,” he said with kindness. Kate saw his point and came down the ladder. Ben held her close, rubbing her back, “it will be all right, you’ll see.” Kate couldn’t see, not yet anyway. They returned to the old milk shed so that Kate could wash her face. She splashed the cool water over her eyes and cheeks, and she felt a little better. The emotions had been boiling up inside her like a pressure cooker and it had been a relief to finally let it all out. “Where’d you disappear to?” Bess asked her with concern when Kate sat at the table. A beautiful lamb roast with all the trimmings was laid out on the table. ‘When had Caroline had time to prepare this?’ she thought to herself. “I needed some space,” she answered Bess simply, “wow, Caroline! This looks great. When did you get a chance to prepare it?” Bob was carving the succulent leg of lamb, and Kate noted it was still a little bit pink close to the bone. “Oh, a roast is easy-peasy!” Caroline replied lightly. “You’re too modest, Mum,” exclaimed Tim, “you’re the best cook I’ve ever had the pleasure of dining with!” Mrs Jones blushed, “you’re biased!” she chided her son playfully. Mr Jones allocated the lamb and each guest added his or her desired portion of vegetables. There was even Yorkshire pudding! Gravy and homemade mint sauce were passed around the table and everyone tucked in. Conversation was subdued as they all respected the roast….

“That was scrumptious!” Alex said with satisfaction as he placed his cutlery neatly in the centre of his plate. Everyone agreed and added their praise to the cook. Tim rose from the table and disappeared into the kitchen. Bob also rose and offered another round of drinks. They had already consumed two bottles of sparkling red. Kate declined, she could feel the alcohol going to her head, she was sensitive to bubbles, and she wanted to avoid a headache. The boys switched to Scotch Whiskey. Mr Jones suggested his secret recipe cocktail and Sarah and Caroline clapped their hands in delight. Mr Jones’ cocktail was renowned in the district. It had even won prizes! Kate eventually gave in to pressure from the girls, “I suppose one won’t do any harm, you only live once,” she said with a little resignation. Tim re-emerged from the kitchen with a huge platter – on it was arranged fresh cheeses, a variety of crackers, grapes and pears, and bittersweet, rich, dark chocolate. Our German neighbour makes the chocolate and sells it at the local market,” Tim explained. He also introduced each of the cheeses and apologised in advance for any imperfections, “I’m still learning the art of cheese making,” he said modestly. There were none that the slightly inebriated guests noticed. Lively conversation resumed, Kate loosened up with the cocktail and began to relax and enjoy herself. As they were polishing off the platter, Ben caught Kate’s eye and subtly indicated the door. He had a surprise waiting for her….

Ben tied a scarf around Kate’s eyes and led her slowly down a rocky path. Kate could hear frogs and she assumed that they were close to the creek. She shivered, it was cold out here at night and she wasn’t wearing her scarf. “Just a little further…” Ben said encouragingly. He had noticed that Kate was a little cold, “here we are,” he removed the scarf from her eyes. Kate gasped in delight as she beheld the scene. There was a small campfire and Ben had laid out a picnic rug with large cushions, extra blankets, a book, a lamp, candles and a small basket of provisions. Ben pulled Kate down onto the cushions and wrapped her in blankets, “do you like it?” he asked tentatively. “Of course!” Kate exclaimed, “It’s gorgeous,” she marvelled at how considerate he was.

He had chosen a perfect spot. It was quite close to the creek, but not so close to smell and feel damp, it was also naturally sheltered by a large tree and several bushes that also served as a windbreak. He kissed her on the forehead, each of her eyelids and cheeks, her nose and finally her lips, his tongue tentatively explored her mouth, he tasted of sweet whiskey. The kiss lasted a long time, neither of them wanted it to end, but eventually it did. Kate was slightly breathless. Ben turned and fetched something from the basket. It was a thermos filled with hot chocolate, and there were even marshmallows. “When did you prepare all this?” Kate asked, very impressed. “When you thought I was jogging,” he smirked. “You sneak!” exclaimed Kate with pleasure. “I wanted to spoil you,” he said somewhat seriously, “you’ve had such a hard time of it lately,” he was silent for a moment and then added, “and I wanted to show you how much you mean to me, Kate.” He took her hand and she trembled slightly, though it wasn’t from cold. “I love you Ben,” she said simply, “no one has ever made me feel so special.” They kissed again, and it tasted pleasantly of chocolate.

After they had finished their hot chocolates, Ben ensured that Kate was comfortable and then reached for a book. “The antique dealer looked at his map, he was dressed as a parson,” he began. Kate squealed with wonder, “Roald Dahl!” she exclaimed, “I love his stories!” Ben grinned, pulled her a little closer, and put his arms around her holding the book in front of them both. Josh had told him that Kate loved Roald Dahl, when he had asked him for suggestions and the Joneses had a copy of his collected short stories. He resumed reading with pleasure and animation. By the time the story came to its unexpected conclusion Kate was dozing lightly. Ben closed the book and gently removed his arm from underneath her. It was beginning to fall asleep and he hated pins and needles. He rubbed his arm and watched Kate sleeping. Then he sat up, stoked the fire and added another log to it. He extinguished all the candles and lastly the lamp. Then he pulled up the quilt and snuggled into Kate’s side. She stirred, but did not wake up. Ben gazed up at the starry sky and made a wish on a shooting star. Then he kissed Kate lightly on the forehead and closed his eyes. He was soon asleep.

Kate woke with the birds and remembered the previous evening. She turned over so that she could watch Ben sleeping. His countenance was so peaceful. Kate wanted to pinch herself, was this actually real? She had never felt this way about anyone before and it had overtaken her so suddenly. Ben stirred but didn’t wake. she wanted to enjoy the beauty of this peaceful morning with him. She bent towards him and kissed him lightly on the lips, “Ben,” she said softly. She wanted him to watch the sun rise over the hills with her. He stirred again, opened his eyes and smiled. “Good morning, my beautiful lady,” he murmured. “Good morning my dashing and noble knight,” she said a little louder. He laughed, “Watch the sun come up with me?” she asked him. “Of course, my lady,” he replied and sat up, “with pleasure.”

He repositioned himself so that he was behind Kate and she was in his lap. He wrapped his strong arms around her and began kissing her on the back of her neck. “I love you,” he whispered tenderly in her ear, and then kissed it lightly. Kate turned to look him in the eye and then bent towards his ear, “I love you too,” and they kissed passionately. When they came up for the air the first rays of sunshine were beginning to creep over the hills. “Oooh, look!” cried Kate, “It’s coming!” All too soon the sun was up and shining brightly, but the lovers didn’t stir. Each was lost in their own thoughts. Ben was first to shake out of it and he reached for the little basket and began pulling out its contents. There was bread, fruit and a bottle of water and teapot. He built up the fire again among the dying embers and rigged up a pail over the bright flames. Kate shivered, because the air was still frigid in the early morning. She wrapped the blanket more tightly around her. Ben returned to the rug with the now boiling water and filled the teapot. He rinsed out the enamel mugs they had used the night before with the left over hot water. “You thought of everything!” Kate marvelled. “Actually, I have to confess that I had a little help in the form of Caroline.” Kate smiled as he filled the two mugs, Ben took a sip and Kate raised her eyebrow at him. “You drink tea?” she asked. He laughed, “There are a few things that you don’t know about me,” he replied playfully. “Oooh, I am intrigued, the mysterious P.C. Smith!” Kate joked in return and took a long sip of her tea. Ben returned to her side under the blanket. He handed her a smallish plate piled with fresh fruit. Kate nibbled at it thoughtfully, “even the way you eat is cute!” Ben exclaimed and kissed her on the cheek. She passed him a piece of apple from between her teeth and they kissed again. After they had eaten and had a second cup of tea they settled back into the cushions for another story. This time Kate read to Ben, “The Great Switcheroo, you’ll love this one!” she began….

They were asleep again when Bess and Alex found them. It was almost 11am. Alex and Bess laughed, “wake up, sleepy lovebirds!” Bess chirruped gaily, “rise and shine my lovelies, the day has already begun.” Kate looked up dreamily, but Ben had not yet stirred. Kate prodded him gently then kissed him on the cheek. He opened his eyes sheepishly. “Mmmn, must have drifted back to sleep,” commented Kate and picked up the discarded book. She dusted off the cover because it had landed in the dirt beside the rug. Ben got up and rubbed his left shoulder, it had taken all his weight as he slept. Kate also got up and began folding the blankets. Bess helped her while the boys wandered off a short distance, heads together in intense conversation.

They made a handsome pair, the girls noticed happily as they finished tidying up the picnic things. Kate tossed water from the creek onto the fire and then stamped the remainder of it out with her boot. The fire hissed gently as it went out. Hearing it, the boys turned around and returned to where the ladies were. They all took a few things and began making their way back up to the house. Kate laughed and Ben looked at her quizzically. “You have bed hair, it’s very cute!” she grinned at him as he put his free hand to his head and smiled. “Now you know why I wash it every morning,” he confessed. They laughed together and he put his arm around her. Bess and Alex were a few paces in front of them so they stole a couple of quick kisses and then caught up with them. “What were you two laughing about?” inquired Bess. “Oh, nothing in particular,” Kate replied evasively. “What, personal jokes already?” remarked Alex, “you two work quick!” They all laughed as they dumped the things on the porch.

Kate and Ben returned to the old milk shed to shower. The shower was roomy, and Kate eyed Ben quizzically, “I’m game if you are!” she said. They stripped and jumped into the scorching hot water together. Kate lathered up Ben’s back and hair and then he turned and did the same for her. She began to sing softly, “I didn’t know that you could sing,” Ben commented and kissed her just below the ear. “There are a lot of things you’ve yet to learn about me,” she playfully twisted the phrase he had used on her earlier. Ben laughed and then sighed, he twisted a lock of her hair between his fingers, and said “will I get the chance to learn them?” Kate looked at him seriously and a little sadly. The weekend was rapidly passing and neither of them wanted it to end. They stepped out of the shower and dried each other off. Then they separated and went into their respective rooms to dress. They both returned to the sitting room a few minutes later and eyed each other off critically. Kate was the first to crack, and broke into a wide smile, she blushed. Ben laughed and gathered her once again into a close embrace.