Heart of the Valley by Cathryn Hein

Author:Cathryn Hein
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781742535098
Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia
Published: 2012-03-23T04:00:00+00:00

Twelve

‘Brooke?’ Lachie took another step towards Poddy’s yard, the aches and small agonies of his rugby-battered body forgotten. Though he’d ordered Billy to stay on his bed, the little dog had followed from the cottage, drawn, as he was, to the hunched figure in the yard. Harbouring none of Lachie’s wariness, Billy sat by Brooke’s feet, looking up, right paw rising and falling as if he wanted to touch her but couldn’t summon the bravery to do so.

She kept her head buried in Poddy’s mane, the horse standing quiet and solid, as though he sensed his mistress’s need for strength. Except for the Blundstone boots on her feet, she appeared to be still dressed in her racewear. The white houndstooth checks of her jacket glowed almost phosphorescent in the moonlight, the bottom of her knee-length black dress like a shadow.

The door of the Land Cruiser hung open, the interior light emitting a soft orange bloom across the yards. The other horses watched, ears held forward, breaths steamy in the cold night air. Hesitant to intrude, Lachie studied her posture. Her arms were around Poddy’s neck, one hand fisted in his mane. She held her head tilted and bowed as she pressed the side of her face into his coat. Her shoulders curved inwards, hunched, as though against the cold, yet some innate sensitivity told him it wasn’t the cold she fought. He took another step closer, focusing hard. And then he heard it. A choked sob so quiet and cut off it could have been a trick of the night.

His indecision evaporated. He ducked under the rail and turned her towards him, arms wrapping around her trembling shoulders. ‘Hey, it’s okay. Whatever it is, it’ll be okay.’

She shook her head into his chest but didn’t reply. Not knowing what else to say, he held and comforted her as best he could, keeping her warm with his body.

Finally, she pulled away, wiping at her averted eyes. ‘God, you must think I’m pathetic.’

‘No.’ Pathetic was the last word he’d use to describe Brooke. Clever, gorgeous, brave and vulnerable, but never pathetic.

She shook her head, not believing him. ‘I’m so sick of crying on your shoulder.’

‘They’re big shoulders. They can take it.’ His hand curled with the urge to tuck his fingers under her chin and turn her face to him. ‘You want to talk?’

‘No point. Anyway, I feel a bit better now I’ve had a good cry.’ She reached out to stroke Poddy’s nose. In the moonlight, the horse’s sunken eye socket appeared dark and ghoulish, but Brooke didn’t seem to notice. All Lachie sensed was her profound love for the animal. ‘Thanks for looking after the horses.’

‘You’re welcome.’ He lowered his head to meet her eyes. Mascara smudged sooty circles under her lashes and tears made her eyes limpid, yet through the sadness he glimpsed an inner strength no sorrow could diminish. He smiled, trying to cheer her up. ‘Would you like to hear some good news?’

‘Please. After today I could do with it.

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