Black Sheep by Judy Nunn

Author:Judy Nunn [Nunn, Judy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Sagas/Family
ISBN: 9781761340147
Published: 2023-09-25T14:00:00+00:00

Christmas was approaching and with it came the parties. Glenfinnan and many neighbouring properties in the area were known for their social festivities at this time of the year. Garden parties, dinners and dances abounded and the threesome of James, Jenna and Ben were seen regularly in attendance. It soon became apparent that young James Brereton was courting Jenna McKinnon and that her brother Ben was acting as chaperone. There were some who didn’t altogether approve of the match, particularly those who had hoped their sons might become suitors to the younger McKinnon daughter. A number of eligible bachelors had experienced fleeting promises; indeed Jenna had been known to tease and flirt outrageously, but no relationship of any serious intent had resulted. Many a matron agreed it was most disappointing. And now this rank outsider had appeared from nowhere and bagged the prize, it would seem. Quite a bit of tut-tutting went on here and there.

The family, however, approved of James Brereton. Adriana and Alexandra, Alastair McKinnon’s two younger sisters and their respective families – ‘the sea of cousins’ to whom Ben constantly referred – all liked James. It was true, they knew nothing of his background, but that didn’t bother them enough to close ranks. The McKinnon line could do with an injection of fresh blood, the sisters agreed, both practical women. And if their brother Alastair appeared a little wary of his daughter’s choice – well that was just Alastair being an over-protective father wasn’t it?

The parties spilled into the new year, even while work continued as usual; a property like Glenfinnan didn’t run itself. But the arrival of 1894 was cause for much celebration, particularly as this was the year the Wolseley shearing machines were to be installed. Glenfinnan was all set to move with the times.

As was his custom, Alastair had sent samples of wool from his latest clip to the Technological Museum in Sydney, inviting a report from them. He placed great importance upon these independent assessments, and the report returned to him was glowing:

‘. . . it would be difficult to select from any flock wool carrying such commanding length and pronounced character . . . staples well built, uniform and compact from base to the close tip . . . structure very pronounced, the crimp being even and true right throughout . . . a breeder’s wool suitable for the manufacturer also . . .’

For selling purposes no report could have been better.

In February, Alastair once again deputised his son to take the flock samples to Sydney, together with the museum’s report. Ben was to impress the overseas buyers as he had so successfully the previous year. He had been booked into the Metropole for two weeks, his father told him.

The anonymity of Sydney beckoned, and Ben couldn’t wait.

He said as much to James as they shared a beer on the back verandah of the Big House. ‘My dose of freedom at long last.’ He gave a theatrical sigh. ‘Sheer heaven.’ Then leaning back in his wicker chair he became reminiscent.

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