Published: 10 Jun 2021

THE HOME COMING

Sydney docks were a welcome sight after a rough passage up from Melbourne. There had been a late season storm as their ship turned for its northern run around Cape Howe, causing the small craft to take shelter for more than a day at Eden. Most on board had become violently ill from the tossing, including the boys but Gilbert appeared fine and wished to remain on deck for the entire trip to experience the storm. At times he became so excited with the elements he could be heard laughing and howling like a wolf into the gale, while his face and clothing became washed by salt spray from the heaving sea.

As arranged Edward came down from the farm and was waiting with a cart when they disembarked and after shopping for supplies they quickly departed. By late afternoon they had reached Emu Plains on the Nepean River and rested for the night before attempting the arduous climb into the mountains and Katoomba.

It was late afternoon of the following day while nearing Katoomba when Edward made a diversion. “I want to show you something,” he said as he brought the cart to stop some distance off the road.

“What would that be?” Logan asked.

“Do you remember Uncle Edward’s journal and maps he kept while finding passage across the mountains?”

Logan admitted so.

“I found the cairn and exactly at the spot he had marked.”

“How about that,” Logan said as they climbed down to survey the pile of rocks.”

“There is supposed to be a bottle holding a message somewhere inside, do you think we should retrieve it?” Edward suggested.

“No it would destroy the cairn besides I think he would have left it for posterity and not for us.”

As they had arrived at the cairn late in the afternoon it was decided to camp close by for the night and although the boys had often done the trip across the mountains, they still sat with the setting sun to gaze in awe across the vast dust hazed interior.

It was Gilbert who held the greatest wonder as he had never seen such majestic mountains before and it was near impossible to prevent him from approaching the escarpment’s edge to lean into the almost vertical drop but most of all it was the Three Sisters monoliths that held his strongest fascination.

“Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo,” Chance said.

Gilbert quizzically questioned Chance.

“That is their names?”

“Whose names?” Gilbert questioned.

“The three sister monoliths, they are part of the Katoomba dreaming.”

Gilbert remained none the wiser.

“Ask Logan, he’s the history professor, he’ll gladly tell you the story.”

“Don’t start him,” Edward complained.

“It’s a little long another time,” Logan promised.

Two more dusty days and at last home. As Elsie Downs came into sight Logan perceived a change. Above the entrance was erected the property’s title, etched deeply into a slab of red-gum and painted in striking contrast.

“That’s new,” Logan admitted.

“It was Hamish’s idea, done just before the accident.”

“I like it,”

Edward paused at the gate, “why don’t you two go on in while I deliver Chance home.”

Logan gave Chance a meaningful nod as he and Gilbert got down from the buggy, Logan pausing for a moment as visions like regimented soldiers past across his memory. He turned to Chance, “I’ll come over in a couple of days.” Chance nodded in agreement as Edward moved on towards town.

“Home,” Logan expired in a long breath, his eyes about searching for change. There was little, a new shearing shed and the big house had been painted in a shade of brown resembling mustard, otherwise as when he departed for his adventure.

“There it is Gilbert what do you think of Elsie Downs?”

“How big is the farm?” Gilbert asked.

“It’s beyond being a farm and some European Principalities are not as extensive. Come on let’s go on in and see what’s new.”

“Does you family own it all?”

“Most but a part to the west is crown land with a ninety-nine year lease to it. Even so the most is freehold,” Logan pointed to the west and along the river; “the freehold boundary is a good thirty miles in that direction following the river and equal down to the south, in total around six hundred thousand acres. What do you think of that?”

Gilbert’s mathematical skills couldn’t imagine so many acres but the figure gave him belief the property was large, “I wouldn’t like to walk it,” he simply answered.

“Well enough said,”

As Logan spoke he had a visitor, it was Scatter and looking quite worn out and his once dark face had turned to grey. At first the dog gave a warning bark then appeared to recognise Logan and slowly came to his side showing as much excitement as his old legs could, while rolling to his back and wetting his belly with delight.

“Scatter!” Logan greeted.

Wow, wow wow; Scatter lifted to his legs and the tail wagged the dog.

“You remember me old fella’?”

Scatter licked the back of Logan’s hand as he bent to make better acquaintance with an old friend.

“Scatter?” Gilbert questioned but the dog ignored him, “Why scatter?”

“As a pup he was all but useless droving sheep, he would scatter them any which way.”

“Scatter looks old.”

“Close on eleven I should say and beyond life’s expectancy for his breed.”

Edward returned from delivering Chance and after stabling the cart horse found Logan visiting their family cemetery.

Edward approached.

“I haven’t given Hamish a head stone as yet.”

“It was a shock, how did it happen?” Logan asked.

“A stroke of bad luck, he noticed a problem with the axel and got under to have a better look. There was a cracking like splintering timber and he was gone.”

“Then it was quick?” Logan hoped.

“Very much so I’m afraid,”

“Where are Audrey and the baby?” Logan asked.

“Audrey went back to her parents as she never liked living here,” Edward released an ironical tut, “truthfully I don’t think she much liked Hamish either, she thought him too surly.”

“How have you been managing?” Logan asked.

“I haven’t that is why I wish to sell,”

As they turned from the graves Gilbert commenced towards them.

“Who is the kid?” Edward asked.

“He was orphaned when his father was killed in a mining accident.”

“What’s he doing here?” Edward’s attitude had change, gone the carefree manner of the past to be replaced with disinterest and an obvious urgency to be away.

“He had to go somewhere.”

“So you thought you would bring him here.”

“I did, do you disapprove?”

“Not at all but what of the property, what are your intentions?” Edward’s impatience was obvious as he wished to be gone as soon as possible.

“We’ll discuss it later; I’m a little tired now, besides I would like Chance present when we do so.”

Gilbert came to them as they neared the house, “did you have a look inside?” Logan asked.

“I did – it’s big,”

“A little too big if you ask me,” Edward criticized.

“Who owns the second house?”

“It is also the property of Elsie Downs, there was quite a crowd in the old days, almost a village in its own right.”

“I like the bed on the verandah.” Gilbert hopefully said.

“That was our Uncle Edward’s favourite,” Edward quickly dissuaded.

Logan noted his brother’s discomfort, “we’ll soon find a room for you,” he offered Gilbert.

“Can I ride a horse?” Gilbert asked.

“You can have your own if you like, but I think you are getting a little ahead of it all.”

Two days had passed and still nothing was spoken or decided about the future of Elsie Downs. Gilbert surprisingly settled into routine and appeared to get along with Edward but in private admitted Edward was as grumpy as Logan could be. Logan accepted the comparison in good humour, explaining Edward had gone through much tribulation of recent, therefore a little understanding was necessary.

During the twilight of the third day Logan suggested he and Edward should take a stroll in the cool air to the river. On reaching the grassy slope towards the water Logan noticed the lack of native activity on the far side. He skipped a stone across the water. It failed with a plop. Logan laughed, “at one time I could skip a stone almost to the far bank,” he admitted.

“We were both a lot younger then and easy entertained.”

“True and we had Hamish to run the farm. What happened to the natives?” Logan asked.

“Many were butchered during an attack on a camp west of here,” Edward explained.

“Who did that?”

“Cattlemen to the north, they said the natives were spearing cattle.”

“Were they?”

“Who knows, besides they had lost their hunting grounds and their game was driven away, so you can’t blame them for taking a bullock now and then.”

“I don’t agree with that behaviour against the natives,” Logan protested.

“Nor do I but the cattlemen appear to have sway, although the wool clip brings good money to the government, cattle appear more fashionable.” Edward moved along the river and pointed towards the washout where their father and Uncle Edward, along with Piers had made a small fortune before they were born, “did you find much gold?” he asked.

“Myself; not an ounce but Chance kicked up a large nugget during our last week, it was over three hundred ounces; we called it Chance’s Chance.”

“Chance’s Chance,” Edward repeated.

“It is traditional to name large nuggets.”

Edward broke from the conversation, “Logan what is bothering you; it is if something is sitting right on top of your brain and trying to escape.”

“Not bothering as such but there is something I need to explain.” At last an opportunity to come out to his brother about his relationship with Chance.

“Is it about why you left?”

“Not in total but partly.”

“If it is about you being like Uncle Edward we always knew it to be so.”

“You did, what about Hamish?”

“All you’re sneaking around with Chance was quite obvious; you couldn’t be parted for half a day without pining for each other.”

“Were we that obvious?”

“You were,”

“Did it concern you?”

“Not me but Hamish tried to separate you both as much as possible. He loved Uncle Edward and James but never really understood how two men could love like a man and a woman.”

“What of you Edward, can you accept Chance as my life’s partner?”

“If it didn’t concern me in the past, it wouldn’t in the future. What of Gilbert where does he fit into all this?”

“Only as a friend, more like a younger brother. What of Piers, does he expect anything about Chance?”

“He doesn’t have to, Hamish told him and Piers said he always thought so, as hanging about Uncle Edward, Sam and James for all those years gave him a nose for such things.”

“What of his opinion?”

“He has already accepted the fact – now what about the property?”

“Could we leave off until Chance comes over, I think whatever the decision he should be part of it.”

“I suppose a few more days would be tolerable.”

Sam wasn’t pleased with Chance’s return as he had taken over the running of the hotel and didn’t wish to share it with his brother. As for Piers he had become much weaker over the previous weeks and was more than pleased to leave the running of the business to Sam.

Chance had been home three days, all without contact with Logan and was becoming concerned what was being designed towards Edward’s wish to place the property on the market. Since Chance’s arrival his brother had in the most avoided him and when they did converse Sam had no interest in his experiences on the goldfields.

That third night after their meal Chance found time to privately approach his father. Piers felt a little stronger, wishing to be rested on the back verandah where he could smell the river and witness the sunset. Also from there he could hear the play and laughter of the native children. They had been there but a matter of minutes before Sam approached.

“He’s not wearing you out father?” Sam said as he cleared away a number of plates from a previous meal.

“No not at all; please come and sit with us.”

“Some people have to work, Sam roughly answered and departed.

“Don’t mind Sam, he has a lot to contend with now,” Piers begged.

“Sam doesn’t bother me father.”

“I hope you don’t mind, I am leaving the hotel to Sam,” Piers quietly related.

“As Sam is the oldest it is expected, besides I think I’ve had enough of hotel work for this lifetime.”

“What about you Chance, what are your aspirations?”

“You know Edward wants out of Elsie Downs?”

Piers gave nodded acknowledgement.

“Logan has asked me to partner him.”

“Could the two of you afford such an enterprise?”

“I think so as there was the money from the sale of our hotel in Ballarat, also what I got from my lucky strike.”

“Then I think you should,” Piers patted the back of Chances hand and repeated; “you should as you couldn’t do better than Logan he’s honest and loyal.”

“There is something else I should explain.” Chance’s voice was almost at a whisper as Sam passed close by as if straining to apprehend the topic of conversation.

Piers gave a smile, “I already know Hamish told me besides it has been obvious since you and Logan were but young boys.”

“It doesn’t bother you?” Chance nervously asked.

“I saw the good in Uncle Edward and but for Sam Wilcox who took me in I would not be here today – no it doesn’t bother me, besides your sister has made me a grandpa and there is still hopes with Sam.”

Chance expressed a breath of relief.

“I will say one thing don’t come out to Sam he isn’t as sympathetic and although he expects and has suggested, he wouldn’t wish to hear it.”

“Why would Sam be concerned?” Chance asked.

“Fear,” Piers simply answered.

“What do you mean by fear?”

“From what I can perceive the fear that he may also be inclined but I assure you he isn’t, if anything he lacks sexual expectation in any direction.”

“What I remember of Sam, he issued his favours around quiet freely with the girls,” Chance recollected.

“Having sex isn’t sexuality it is but frustrated relief.” As Piers spoke Sam returned to the verandah.

“Is Chance wearing you out father?”

“Not at all, I was explaining that you will inherit the hotel.”

“What of you brother?”

“Sheep Sam, I’m going into partnership with Logan.”

Sam displayed disinterest, “It’s getting chilly I think it time you went in.”

“I will in a while,” Piers answered as Sam again departed; this time appearing satisfied that Piers had explained his inheritance of the hotel.

“Don’t mind your brother, he means well.”

The following day Logan arrived with an invite for Chance to meet with him and Edward. It would be for dinner that night and afterwards the long awaited discussion on the future of Elsie Downs.

On arrival Logan firstly met with Sam who was carting barrels to the cellar from a brewery dray.

“Would you like a hand there Sam?” Logan offered.

“Do you reckon you have the strength Logan?”

Without answering Logan helped with the final barrel, once placed Sam spoke, “Chance is down by the river talking to the blacks.”

“What’s it like being back from Sydney?” Logan asked.

“No work down there, only pickpockets, pimpers and sodomites,” there was a purposeful sting in Sam’s remark.

“It is said in London’s Punch, that New South Wales is a country populated by sodomites,” Logan facetiously mentioned.

“Huh, speak for yourself, I’ve work to do so go along and play with your little friend.” Sam brushed off Logan’s remark and returned to attend to the delivery man.

Chance was located seated on the bank near the brewery hole watching the young native boys at play, “join me for a while,” he offered as Logan approached.

“Full circle,” Logan said and sat close by.

“A half circle I should think. It’s funny ‘tho, now here everything appears different, as if I am between neither here or there and unsure of place but don’t concern as it is but the hurley burley of it all. I will settle.”

“Are you missing Ballarat?” Logan asked.

“No not at all, how about you?”

“Not missing but pleased to have had the experience. I think it has placed me in good stead to run Elsie Downs.”

“Then it is still your desire?”

“Come to dinner tonight, I’ve arranged to discuss Elsie Downs with Edward.”

“What’s Ned’s thought on it?”

“He still wants out and as soon as possible,”

“What of Audrey, she is entitled being Hamish’s wife.”

“Edward said she isn’t interest, besides being the only child she would inherit her family property and is young enough to remarry.”

“Yet she should be included if for no other reason other than young Hamish,” Chance enforced.

“True but let us get Edward satisfied first.” Logan pointed across to the small group of native boys, “they have grown up since we left but I notice a number are missing and I haven’t seen Mowan since returning.”

“There are more mixed race kids since we were gone.”

“I hear the church is trying to put them in care and knock religion into them,” Logan said.

“Poor little buggers, now about tonight what does Edward think of me buying into Elsie Downs?”

“I’ve said little on the subject but enough to suggest, I thought it best for you to be there.”

“What are Edward’s intentions when he moves on?” Chance asked.

“I think he has raising a family in mind and living in Sydney. Another thing I believe Piers knew about us.”

“He was told by Hamish,” Chance admitted.

“That is what Edward said, I guess Hamish has done us both a favour. What about Sam, does he know?”

“Not directly although by his continuous ribbing he must.”

Chance appeared interested in a half-cast boy playing with his friends on the side of the river. He pointed; “see that kid to the right?

“The one trailing the stick in the water?”

“Yes that one,”

“What about him?” Logan asked.

“He would be about ten now,”

“About that I would think. If put in white society he would never be considered to be half-cast.” Logan admitted.

“I should think that’s because of the Wilcox blood.”

“What is he Sam’s kid?” Logan gasped in surprise.

“No not Sam, he’s my half brother, he is dad’s kid.”

“What! Since when?”

“Since birth I guess but if we take over Elsie Downs I have a favour to ask.”

Logan waited for Chance to continue without comment.

“When he’s old enough I would like you to give him work, possibly give him a go in life.”

“How long have you known about him?” Logan asked.

“Since before we went away but mother and Sam don’t know, so don’t say anything, I only found out by talking with the natives and dad sort of admitted it.”

“Well what do you know; yes of course we should look after him as no one else will do so,” Logan promised.

The meal that night was simple and the conversation diluted with expectation, mostly from Edward who was somewhat concerned towards obtaining Logan’s decision to sell. Eventually it was time for business and it was Edward who opened the proceedings.

“Then Logan do you agree to sell Elsie Downs?” Edward was too the point as he had been frustrated since Hamish’s demise, realising he hadn’t the ability to run the property and had always been second fiddle to his older brother.

“Not sell Edward but Chance and I will buy you out.”

Edward wasn’t surprised at the suggestion, “can you afford to do so?”

“Yes, we have the money from the sale of our hotel and,” Logan glanced across to Chance. Chance gave a nod, “and there is the money Chance got through the sale of the gold nugget.”

“Do you want documents drawn up?”

“I’m sure we can all trust each other,” Logan disclaimed against the added burden of solicitor fees but what about Audrey?”

“As I said earlier, she didn’t want more to do with it as it is a continuous reminder of Hamish.”

“Even so,”

“No not even; it was her decision,” Edward quickly interrupted.

“At a thought, we could at least allow her Hamish’s share of profits,” Chance proposed.

“That appears somewhat untidy but it could be put to her,” Logan agreed.

“Then it is settled, you and Chance will buy me out what you do about Audrey is your own business.”

“Yes Edward but it would be preferred if you stayed, possibly as a silent partner.” Logan said.

“No I need a clean break, I’ve never been happy here and I don’t much like sheep, or mutton if it comes to truth.”

So it was agreed and all that remained was to set a price.

The papers were all but signed and Edward was arranging what he wished to take with him. Firstly he would visit Sydney and purchase a house and ascertain what he would do for leisure, as working wouldn’t be necessary. Edward was most capable with his hands and over the years had created skill in furniture making, believing it would be perfect to whittle away the hours while finding a bride to suit his temperament. As for the local women Edward believed they were too pastoral for his new beginning and he preferred the scent of lavender and soap other than sweat and lanolin.

After Hamish’s accident Audrey had been quick in departing and hadn’t been in contact. Once decision was made for Logan and Chance to take over the property, Logan wrote to Audrey expressing his commiseration but didn’t mention Chance’s suggestion to allow her a share of the profits, believing it best made verbally rather than in writing, as by law a letter would be binding. It was his father who had made that understood, along with keeping your intention quiet until ready to instigate.

It was early afternoon when a buggy was noticed approaching from the direction of town and on reaching the entrance of Elsie Downs, made its way towards the main house. Gilbert met the arrival. “Good afternoon,” Gilbert greeted the driver and gave the young woman beside his best smile.

“And who would you be?” the man abruptly questioned.

“I am Gilbert sir.”

“Then Gilbert would you tell Edward that Mr. Henry Pennyworth is here with Hamish’s wife to collect some effects she had left behind.”

Gilbert quickly found Edward and with Logan at his side they approached.

“Mr. Pennyworth, I haven’t had the pleasure since the funeral.” Edward turned to Audrey, “poor Hamish, it was a sad day for us all.” Edward felt his words were somewhat clumsy but his concentration was more on Pennyworth’s reason for the visit, as it couldn’t be for the few items Audrey had left behind.

Pennyworth nodded to Logan, “young fellow you would be Logan, I haven’t seen you since you were a boy.”

“Yes, good afternoon Mr. Pennyworth.”

“As I said Audrey has come to collect some of her belonging.”

“Anything, yes of course,” Edward agreed.

“Another thing, I believe you are selling the property.”

“Logan has bought my share,” Edward admitted.

“What of Hamish’s share?” Pennyworth sternly questioned while holding to his position in the buggy, obviously not wishing in making his visit a social affair.

“Being the oldest surviving brother it came to me and by our father’s and Edward’s will also partly to Logan.”

“That is yet to be tested,” Pennyworth quickly answered as Audrey was helped down by Logan.

“I think Mr. Pennyworth you will find the will is watertight and countersigned by the then governor himself.

Towards the house Logan spoke to Audrey, “I am truly sorry about Hamish, it must be difficult for you?”

“At first it was shock and disbelief but I have accepted now, besides I have young Hamish.”

“Hamish the third and still not a Scott,” Logan smiled broadly at the ancient ditty.

“I’m sorry, I don’t see the connection.”

“It is a very old family joke, coming from my father, young Hamish’s grandfather who although named Hamish hated being considered Scottish.”

“Oh,”

“You’re dad is somewhat upset about the will?”

“That is dad not me. I don’t want anything.”

As they reached the house Logan spoke, “I will be taking over the property with Chance Wilcox in partnership.”

“I know Chance,”

“Chance has made a suggestion that both Edward and I have agreed to and that is you should receive a share of the profits put aside in legacy for your son.”

“It isn’t necessary,” Audrey disagreed.

“We think it is the least we can do.”

“For young Hamish, that would be nice but I’ll be wishing for naught.”

With her collection made Audrey was once again seated beside her father. Pennyworth thanked Logan but disregarded Edward. Logan spoke, “don’t forget my suggestion,” he directed to Audrey.

“Thank you Logan it is a most kind thought.”

As the cart departed and neared the gate it was obvious Pennyworth was in heavy debate with his daughter, she spoke and Pennyworth turned back towards where the brothers were standing. Then he was gone.

“I should think that is the last we will hear of Henry Pennyworth.” Edward said.

“I told Audrey about her share of the profits as a legacy to her son.”

“What did she say?” Edward asked.

“I think she was quite surprised and acceptive.”

“You do realise there isn’t anything her old man can do about it?” Edward reassured.

“Yes I’ve read both father’s and Uncle Edward’s testaments.”

Three months had passed and not a word from Henry Pennyworth but there had been an apologetic letter from Audrey towards her father’s bluster, while again giving gratitude for the offer of setting up a legacy for the child, Logan reciprocated his offer in a letter and then it was binding.

During that shearing season Edward was absent while in Sydney arranging his new dwelling, which he found in Potts Point, on a rise with Sydney to the west and eastward to Double Bay, a single acre being most manageable after Elsie Downs. Edward had also met a young lady from Sydney’s social elite courting her with favours and promises of the good life.

It was some months before Edward made one final visit to Elsie Downs, declaring it would be the very last time he cross the mountain barrier, giving certainty he didn’t miss the open spaces or the smell of greasy wool. He had also arranged to marry in the following spring and came bearing an invitation to a high society wedding at Saint John’s Anglican Cathedral in Parramatta, as it was her family church.

At last it was time for Edward to return to his high society and the boys with Gilbert close behind walked with him to the property gate to await the coach service.

“Have you any regrets Edward,” Logan asked as the coach crossed the river before making its approach.

“None whatsoever but you all must come and visit once Veronica and I have settled and of course for the wedding.” Both boys promised to do so as Edward approached Gilbert, “you as well young man, you must come also.”

“I’ve never been to a wedding.” Gilbert admitted as the coach came to stop.

“One for Sydney.” The driver called down from his seat. Edward gave a nod and threw his bag up top.

“Well then, until the wedding.” Edward said, took each offered hand in turn and climbed into the cabin. “Will be seeing you.”

The boys watched for some time until the final dust thrown up by the departing coach settled. Logan turned for home with a gentle sigh. “It is the end of an epoch,” he said.

“And the start of another,” Chance proclaimed.

“Its now you and me Chance,” Logan said.

“What about me?” Gilbert protested.

“Yes and you Gilbert but you may not realise the fact, life has gone full circle to the beginning of Elsie Downs, even before, with Hamish, Uncle Edward and the others,” Logan paused and smiled towards Gilbert, “yes and you Gilbert being the incarnation of Chances father Piers.”

“Why so Piers?” Gilbert asked.

“That is a long, long story lad but a happy one.”

“I think I like that,” Gilbert admitted as the three walked the short distance back to the house, with old Scatter close at heel.

THE END

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