Chapter 8

CHAPTER

8

A couple of minutes after he opened the office, Matt’s phone rang. He checked the number and grinned. Exactly what he needed to start his day.

‘Hello, Bree. How was your first night in the new place?’

‘Not quite as I had hoped.’ She sounded tired and her voice had none of the happiness he’d hoped for.

‘What’s wrong?’

‘There’s no power here. Made the night a bit rougher than I expected.’

‘Oh, no. Did you spend the night there without power?’

‘Yep.’

His brain began painting pictures for him. No water, not even for the toilet. No lights. No dinner. No hot coffee. And last night had been pretty cold. ‘You should have called me. Or come in to the pub. They’ve always got a spare room.’

‘I haven’t come this far to give up so easily. Although I did think about the pub once or twice. That would have been more comfortable. But …’

‘It wouldn’t have been your place.’ He knew exactly how she felt.

‘No, it wouldn’t. One thing for sure, I’ll always remember my first night here.’ She laughed.

Matt was impressed. Bree was a city girl. He suspected she was pretty well off and used to a bit of luxury, so it can’t have been an easy night for her, although … This time the picture in his head was flickering firelight and Bree curled up with a glass of wine and a satisfied smile on her face. It was a nice picture and, he suspected, not all that far from the truth.

‘I’ve spoken to the power company,’ she continued. ‘They swear it’s been restored. I guess there must be some circuit breaker or fuse somewhere I need to know about. I’ve looked in all the sensible places, but nothing. Have you got any ideas?’

‘I don’t know anything about a circuit breaker. I’ll have a look through the paperwork I have here and call the previous owner if I can and get back to you.’

‘Thanks.’

Matt thought about the frost cracking under his feet as he and Vicki had walked to school that morning. ‘Are you all right?’

‘Yeah. I’ve got the fire going and managed to make coffee. I’d love a hot shower, but I guess that’s going to have to wait.’

‘I’ll be back in touch shortly.’

A quick check of his files revealed nothing useful and the call to the former owners went to voicemail. His next step was to call Jake Barnes.

‘Did you ever do any work out there?’ he asked Jake. ‘Any thoughts?’

‘I did do some work on the shed and stables. I don’t know about a circuit breaker, but I’m free now. I could go out and have a look.’

‘Thanks, Jake. I’ll see you there.’

There was no need for Matt to go to The Gums. He would be of no help. But he didn’t even think twice before putting the closed sign on his door. He told himself it was just part of the job and nothing to do with the way Bree had impulsively wrapped her arms around him yesterday, infusing him with some of her joy. Late last night he’d realised how rare it was for him to have that sort of casual and joyful physical contact now that Kim was gone. He hugged Vicki, but hugging his daughter was about her, not him. He’d never realised how much he missed casual human touch.

Bree met him at the door of her house wearing the same blue jeans and colourful jumper she’d been wearing the day before. Her wild hair was even more wild and those odd-coloured eyes had lost a little of their glow. Yesterday, she had hugged him out of sheer joy. Today he wanted to hug her with sympathy and apology and simply to make her warm. He suspected that would make him feel better too. Because right now, guilt was sitting very heavily on his shoulders.

‘I am so sorry,’ he said as he came through the door. ‘I should have helped you check all this before you moved in.’

‘It’s fine. I thought I had it under control.’ Her voice was tinged with frustration and a hint of anger, which he knew was not directed at him.

‘I couldn’t find anything in the paperwork and the former owners didn’t pick up. I really can’t apologise enough for all this.’

‘There’s no need to apologise. Really. It was a bit different from my Sydney flat, but I was fine.’ This time, the tone of her voice had a spark of humour that told him she meant it.

‘I don’t know how much help I can be, but I’ve rung Jake and he’s on his way.’

‘Do you want some coffee while you wait? It’s not very good, but it is warm.’

Matt notice the pot on top of the wood burner. There was an empty mug on the floor next to an air mattress and some blankets.

‘You really did rough it last night.’

‘I was prepared for a night without furniture, not so much for a night without electricity.’ Bree laughed, a self-deprecating chortle that chased away the last of his guilt. ‘I do hope we can get the power on before the truck arrives. If I can’t give the removalists a hot coffee, it’s highly possible a box or two might get dropped.’

This time they both laughed.

Another car pulled up outside the house—Jake. He came inside and stood looking around him, his forehead creased in a frown. ‘I did some work here, but never on the electrics. I’ll see what I can do. Where’s the fuse box?’

‘In the pantry.’

While Jake took a look, Bree hoisted herself up to sit on the kitchen bench. She swung her legs, looking a bit like a child. A pretty tough child, Matt thought, considering the way she had spent the previous night.

‘I have an idea,’ Jake said. ‘I need to go look at the wiring in the shed and stables.’

Bree slid down from the bench to go with him.

‘It’s fine,’ Jake said, stopping her. ‘I know the way—I built some of those stables. Stay here where it’s warm.’

‘I’ll boil more water for coffee, if you’re happy with what comes out of the tap on the tank.’

‘That’s fine by me.’ He vanished out the back door.

‘So, tell me more about your plans for this place,’ Matt said as Bree tossed more wood on the burner.

She talked about alpacas and wool. About making yarn and knitting groups. About breeding and walking the alpacas.

‘Walking them?’

‘It’s very popular. People pay to come up to the property and walk with alpacas. I’ve already got permission to use the hills behind this place. We take a picnic and make a day of it.’

‘Like trekking the Inca trail or some such?’

‘That’s it. I’m going to start small, initially. Small parties. But maybe the Hunter Valley tourist operators might include us on their schedules.’

‘That sounds like a lot of work.’

‘It is, but it’s my idea of heaven.’

He liked the way her face glowed as she spoke. She seemed to wrap him in her enthusiasm. It was infectious, and he didn’t for one moment doubt she would succeed. He was looking forward to seeing her become part of the small town’s community. He hadn’t felt this optimistic in a long time.

‘When Jake gets this sorted, do you want to come to the pub with me? We can resume our interrupted lunch from the other day.’ The words were out before he’d even had a chance to think.

‘That’s really nice, Matt. But the removalists are coming any minute with all my stuff. I have to be here for that.’

‘Sure. Sure. Of course you do.’ What had he been thinking?

He was saved from further embarrassment by Jake’s return. ‘It should be fine now. The stables are on the same power supply and blew some fuses when it came back on. That must have blown the house circuits as well. Give me a second.’ He disappeared back into the pantry, and before Bree could finish pouring the coffee, the kitchen light came on. A few seconds later, a hum from outside the window suggested the water pump had started.

‘Thank you!’

‘You’re welcome.’ Jake emerged from the pantry. ‘It should all be fine. But I’d run all the taps for a few minutes to clear them. They haven’t been used in a while. And don’t forget to give the hot water some time before you try the shower.’

‘I will.’ Bree handed him the coffee, which he wrapped his fingers around.

He glanced out the window. ‘The lights in the shed and stables work too. I left one on as a test and I’ll turn it off on my way out.’

‘Thanks.’

Jake looked at his watch, and took a long drink from his mug. ‘I’d better run. Thanks for the coffee.’

‘How much do I owe you?’ Bree asked.

Jake shook his head. ‘Nothing. Consider it a welcome gift.’

‘Are you sure? That’s good of you.’

‘Welcome to Wagtail Ridge.’ Jake held the coffee cup up as if making a toast, then drank the rest of the contents.

Bree took the empty mug. ‘Before you go, there’s a bit of work needed around here. Once I’ve had a chance to look around and make a list, can I call you? Will you have time?’

‘I’ll find time. I had a bit of a look while I was down there. It wouldn’t take much work to get everything ready for your animals.’

‘Thanks.’

‘I’ll follow you out,’ Matt said.

The three of them stepped onto the veranda just as a removalist’s truck appeared in the drive.

‘We’d best move our cars so he can get close to the house,’ Jake said. ‘If there’s anything else, don’t hesitate to give me a ring.’

Bree nodded. ‘I won’t. And thanks again for everything. You too, Matt.’

For a moment, he thought she would hug him again like she had yesterday in his office, but she didn’t. He was disappointed when she turned her attention towards the van. That hug had been nice.

He got in his car and followed Jake down the driveway.

***

When Bree set her mind to getting a job done, it got done. That rule applied as much to setting up her new home as it had to her legal cases. The contents of a two-bedroom city flat didn’t fill a three-bedroom country house, but it was all she needed right now. The kitchen was well stocked with everything from a dustpan to an expensive coffee maker; some things she was not prepared to give up. The second biggest bedroom held her bed and her clothes. The big built-in wardrobe was half empty. Bree’s extensive collection of what she called her lawyer suits along with the much hated high-heeled shoes were carefully tucked away in the spare bedroom. She hoped never to wear them again, but she couldn’t simply throw them away. That would be a shocking waste. They could hang in the spare bedroom until she decided what to do with them. She shut the wardrobe door, ignoring the tiny voice in her head telling her that if this venture failed, she would need those clothes to resume her old life.

By late afternoon, she had set up her living and dining spaces. Not all her books were unpacked yet, and the kitchen needed more work, but tonight was going to be a far more comfortable night than the previous. Or it would be, if she had something to eat. Bree glanced at her watch. It was almost five o’clock. This wasn’t Sydney and she didn’t know what time the town’s only grocery store closed, and she had eaten most of the supplies she’d brought from Sydney.

The store was still open when she arrived. Bree wasn’t the only customer—she caught a glimpse of neon orange hair moving along one of the aisles. The shop was pretty small. Bree guessed she’d be talking to the woman from the pub encounter again before this visit was done.

It didn’t take long to fill a basket with essentials for the next few days. All except one. She was still staring at the coffee selection when the orange hair materialised in her peripheral vision.

‘Hello, Miss Johnston. You must remember me. I’m Val Colvin, from the post office. We met at the pub.’

‘Yes, of course.’

‘Welcome to our little town. I’ve already added you to our mailman’s route, unless you want to order a post box. It doesn’t matter. Whenever you’re ready, just pop by. If you have time, we could have a cup of tea and a chat. I’m sure you’re eager to hear all about the Ridge. And about poor Matt and Vicki. I’m sure everyone is looking forward to meeting you, and hearing all about the alpacas. When do they arrive? Perhaps you could talk to the schoolteachers. I’m sure the kids would love a visit.’

Bree had every intention of talking to the school about letting the kids meet her alpacas, but that wasn’t what bothered her. ‘How did you know I was planning to have alpacas?’

‘Aw. Sweet Vicki Ambrose has been telling everyone. She’s enormously excited. She’s been so very sad since her mother died. Having Lou resurrect the mobile library last year helped her, but she’s still a sad little girl. Her dad is sad too, of course. His wife Kim was such a beautiful girl.’

A woman stepped between Val and Bree. ‘Let me introduce myself. I’m Kelly Bridge. I own the store. It’s nice to meet you.’

‘And you too.’ Bree smothered a sigh of relief at this second rescue from Val’s unlooked-for company. Did everyone in the town have a Val radar?

‘Now, if there’s anything you want that we don’t stock, let me know. We can always get special orders in.’

‘Well, actually, I was wondering about coffee. I drink far too much of it, and I do need a brand I don’t see here for the fancy coffee maker that I can’t live without. I don’t drink tea.’ She did drink herbal tea, but hoped Val would recognise that the comment was aimed at her.

‘Sure! Come over to the counter if you’ve got everything and I can get details about your coffee and see what I can do. Excuse us, Val. I’ll be with you just as soon as I’ve seen to Miss Johnston.’

‘Please, call me Bree.’ Once they were far enough away from Val, she added a whispered, ‘Thank you.’

‘Val’s all right. She has a kind heart and she means well,’ Kelly said quietly. ‘But I can see how she’d be a bit much when you’re new to town. Now, tell me about the coffee you want.’

It didn’t take long, and a few minutes later, Bree’s basket of goods was paid for and ready to be carried to the car.

‘Thanks for shopping here and ordering the coffee when you could have done it in Scone or online,’ Kelly said. ‘I appreciate it. Without support from locals, shops like mine would soon vanish, and the town probably wouldn’t survive much longer.’

‘I understand.’ Bree hesitated. She was a long way from ready to talk about the business she was trying to establish. And Val’s outpourings didn’t encourage her to say anything. Except, if she was going to be part of this community, support them and expect them to support her, she should start now.

‘I’m hoping the alpacas might bring in some visitors. Around Sydney, days out walking the alpacas are popular. If I can combine that with a yarn shop and maybe even a knitting club …’ Her voice trailed off. Now she had said it out loud, it seemed ridiculous. A pipe dream that would never turn into a real business.

‘That sounds great,’ Kelly said, and grinned. ‘I used to knit, years ago. A knitting club could be fun. I’d be up for that. You could put a notice up here in the shop, if you like.’ She waved in the direction of a noticeboard near the front door.

‘And you could do the same on the official town noticeboard outside the post office.’ Val had obviously been hovering nearby. ‘I can spread the word for you.’

Bree didn’t care that Val had been listening to her conversation with Kelly. She was beginning to suspect that there would be no-one better than Val to spread the word—any word. The enthusiasm of both women was catching. ‘Thank you. That’s very kind, both of you.’

‘When are you thinking of starting the knitting club?’ Kelly asked.

‘To be honest, I have no idea. I need a room I can hire. And a big table or two.’

‘The hall might work to begin with,’ Val suggested. ‘Deb at the pub is chair of the hall committee. You should talk to her.’

‘Thanks. I will.’ Bree stopped. It felt like she’d suddenly broken into a sprint and she needed to catch her breath. ‘Thank you again. I’ll put you on my list as the first two members of the Wagtail Ridge Knitting Club.’

The women beamed.

Later that night, when she recounted the day’s events to Rose over the phone, Bree found herself smiling still.

‘You know, I’ve been dreaming about this and planning for such a long time,’ she said. ‘But today I really started to believe it was going to happen.’

‘I never doubted it for a second.’

‘Thanks, Nan. It’s still a little way off. I need some work done here before the alpacas can join me. And I’ve got a lot of yarn and stuff in storage in Sydney to be shipped up. And I can’t get the online sales and website going until the internet is working here. That should happen tomorrow. On Friday, Jake is starting work on the yards. I’ll use the spare bedroom as the yarn store as well as office for now. It’s not really big enough, but it’s a start.’

‘Have you seen Matt again?’

The question came from nowhere, causing Bree to frown. ‘Not since he came to help with the power. Why?’

‘Just wondering. He seemed so nice.’

‘Nan!’ Bree shook her head. ‘You, of all people?’

She heard Rose’s chuckle down the phone.

‘Just asking,’ was her grandmother’s innocent reply.