Mary's Guardian by Carol Preston

Author:Carol Preston [Preston, Carol]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: cookie429, Kat, Extratorrents
Publisher: Wombat Books
Published: 2012-02-01T14:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

In May the rains started. It seemed the perfect timing as William had just put in a large patch of corn and a small field of maize. They stood in the first of the showers, marvelling at the small green shoots that lit up across the deep soil, as they soaked up the goodness falling from the heavens.

‘This will really get the crops started, love,’ William sighed happily. ‘And that second field’s all seeded. Come spring we’ll be surrounded by our own produce.’

‘And some for the Governor?’

‘That’s the plan. They’re looking for us to have something to send to Sydney before year’s end. With the seed they’ve supplied we should make a reasonable fist of it.’

‘I’m very proud of you, Will.’ Mary’s eyes filled as they ducked back into their hut. The rain was really coming down now, belting into the windows and blowing sideways with the squalling winds. ‘I hope it won’t be stormy like it was in Rose Hill that bad day.’ She stoked the coals in their small stove and rubbed her hands together.

‘Whatever the weather, we’ll deal with it, love. We’ve no control over it and God knows what’s needed.’

***

William’s trust in the Almighty’s provision was sorely tested over the following three weeks as the rain continued relentlessly and he realised that the river was beginning to rise.

‘I think it’s going to come over the banks,’ he said as he pushed his way back into the hut one morning, dragging his dripping coat from his shoulders.

‘You mean flood our crops?’ Mary was horrified.

‘Some, yes, I’m afraid. I think we’ve planted too close to the bank of the river. James Ruse did say to be careful of that but I’m thinking now I didn’t heed him well enough.’

‘Oh, no, Will. That can’t be. We can’t lose what we’ve planted! Not already.’

‘Now calm yourself. We’ll learn what’s best as we go along. If we’ve made a mistake then we’ll do better next time.’ He pushed his hands through his hair and dropped into a chair at the table, inwardly cursing himself. He should have known better. ‘How’s Jimmy?’ He turned his attention to his son.

‘He’s still got that snuffling,’ Mary said, moving to the baby’s basket and pulling back the rug a little from his face. ‘He’s asleep now, but he had a restless night. I don’t think he can breathe so well. His head’s quite full of it, I’m afraid.’ She looked back at William, her brow creasing. She couldn’t bear to think that their baby was really sick and each time she checked him she tried to convince herself that he was better, but now her attempts at optimism were fading fast. ‘I’m worried, Will, truth be known. I’m really worried.’

William joined her beside the baby’s basket. ‘He does look quite flushed. Should I go for someone? There’s no doctor in these parts, but maybe Ellen will know what to do for him.’ William’s mind began to race. He’d been so preoccupied with watching the rain these past few days that he hadn’t paid enough attention to Jimmy’s health.

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