Published: 5 Feb 2018

It was well past three in the afternoon and already the sun was dipping into the forest tree tops when as predicted, Harry Larkin, his wife Roslyn and daughter Elizabeth arrived in the family’s newly purchased surrey, pulled by what could only be described as something sired by a shire horse. With its large hair fetlocks and oversized head, the animal appeared most comical pulling such an elegant mode of transport.

Beside the scruffy Harry still wearing his paddock clothes, Roslyn sat clad in a flowing floral dress with matching picture hat and parasol, while their daughter sat behind, wearing her Sunday best and Monday’s face while not once lifting her head to admire or discredit the McBride mansion. As the surrey approached the house Roslyn turned and spoke to her daughter, who shook her head disapprovingly and shrunk deeper into her displeasure.

McBride met the family at the drive way and after a short conversation with Harry had Lachlan attend to their horse, while the Larkin’s were shown onto the verandah to the scattering of cane furniture and a spread of fine pumpkin scones, tea and cool beer for the men. Lachlan returned to join the group.

“Boy you sit there,” McBride demanded of his son, with finger pointing towards the chair closest to Elizabeth. Lachlan obliged as Elizabeth insolently turned her head away towards the cane fields.

Once seated Polly served afternoon tea and waited on the gathering’s needs then like a good wife should, Martha withdrew from the veranda calling Polly to join her. As she departed, Martha placed a hand on Lachlan’s shoulder giving him a gentle knowing and sympathetic squeeze.

“How long have you had the black girl?” Harry Larkin asked as Polly left their company.

“She belongs to the wife.” McBride answered gruffly.

“I tried getting a black servant for Roslyn but they are a lazy lot, so much so you ended up doing all the work yourself and thieve anything the can get hold of.” Larkin admitted freely, his wife nodded in agreement.

“For two pins I’d give you Polly but I guess the wife wouldn’t hear of it.” McBride laughed and turned his attention towards Lachlan. “Hey boy, you two know each other don’t you?” He loudly asked, waving his arm towards them. Lachlan admitted he did and Elizabeth shyly lowered her head, causing a ripple of folds to appear across her neck, while her ample breasts quivered beneath her high reaching dress as she took short nervous breaths. She did have big breasts, voluminous and hardly retained within the thin summer dress, catching the greedy eye of McBride but totally unnoticed by his somewhat nervous son.

“What do you think Harry they cut a handsome couple?” McBride suggested.

“They do at that Jock.”

“Go on boy, show Elizabeth the farm and be nice to her, Harry and I have business to discuss.”

As the old man spoke, Roslyn Larkin excused herself and joined Martha in the kitchen.

“I believe you have an anniversary coming up?” Larkin suggested.

“So I believe Harry.”

“How many years have you been married?”

“Too bloody many Harry, too many.”

“I’ll show you around.” Lachlan inertly offered while leading towards the stairs. Elizabeth shyly followed.

Once the couple were beyond the stairs McBride spoke. “What do you think Harry, a New Year’s wedding.”

“That’s fine by me Jock.”

“I guess it should be a small affair.” McBride suggested thinking monetary.”

“I have three daughters so that would be well appreciated Jock.” Harry Larkin agreed, “Would you wish to hold the ceremony here?” He hopefully suggested.

“I guess so, only family mind you, nothing to grand.”

“Lachlan’s a fine lad, strong and good natured.” Larkin complemented but McBride refrained from answering.

Firstly Lachlan showed Elizabeth the farming equipment shed, then the cane fields and when she displayed absolutely no interest, he took her to the stables. Here Elizabeth did show some pleasure, admitting she loved horses, while stroking a bay gelding’s muzzle. As she did so anxiety dissolved from her face, she paused her stroking and hugged her cheek against the horse’s muzzle.

“So soft it’s like velvet.” She said. Her tone was calm and soothing.

“I love the smell of horses.” She declared and smiled, showing a measure of gentleness towards animals unexpected by the lad.

“I do as well.”

At least the two had something in common but not enough to build a life relationship upon. Besides she was older that Lachlan and appeared more worldly.

“You know what our fathers have designed for us?” She asked and removed her face from that of the gelding, giving it a light kiss on the muzzle.

“Yes.”

“Well Lachlan, I’m sure you are a very nice boy but I don’t wish to marry you.” At this she commenced to cry with Lachlan comforting her as best his experience knew how. Then he laughed.

“You know something Elizabeth; I don’t want to marry you either.” To which they both broke into laughter but realised they still had the problem of their father’s wishes, both being men of strong will who didn’t appreciate having their decision challenged.

“What are we going to do about it?” Lachlan asked.

“Do you know Charles Digby?” Her mentioning of Digby’s name perked Elizabeth out of her sullen disposition.

“I only know him in passing, come let’s walk down towards the creek, I see Daniel coming our way and he does interfere somewhat.”

As they walked Lachlan’s mare noticed his presence and was quickly behind him, butting him in the back with her head. He turned and gave a hug to her neck.

“She is beautiful.” Elizabeth commented and patted the animal softly on the rump.

“Yes I have had her since she was a foal, we are inseparable.”

“I don’t have a horse papa doesn’t believe in girls riding but when I visit Charles lets me ride his.”

“I don’t know your father well but I think it is a grand thing for a girl to ride; for anyone to ride; there is such freedom in doing so and at a gallop to feel such power beneath you.” Lachlan paused as his thoughts cantered across the paddocks.

“I’ve only sat in the saddle with Charles leading it around their stable yard.” She admitted.

“I guess which ever way life progresses you will have the chance.”

“Papa has many old fashioned ways, he was betrothed to mother while only a boy and the choice was his father’s, now he expects his girls to marry for his benefit.”

“That sounds like my father.” Lachlan concurred.

Elizabeth drew a deep breath and sat by the shallow creek, watching as the swiftly flowing water babbled over its rocky bed. She wished she could flow with the water to anywhere but all she could suppose was her father’s wishes and a future in a loveless union. Lachlan sat at distance, not wishing to appear encouraging towards such a union but in mind they were one and something needed to be done. He was developing a plan.

“It’s lovely here, we only have the Tully River as a boundary and it’s supposed to be filled with crocodiles.”

“Believe me it is. I wouldn’t go swimming there.” Lachlan warned.

“Papa doesn’t believe in girls swimming and especially with boys.” She laughed and continued, “Papa said if girls swim in the same water as boys, they became pregnant.”

“Do you believe that?” Lachlan asked his tone curious and a little condescending.

“Of course I don’t.” She answered somewhat curt to think Lachlan would have such a low opinion of her understanding.

“It appears we also have overbearing father’s in common, now what about this Digby fellow.

“We have known each other since we were children and intended to marry but Papa and Mr. Digby had a falling out over some failed deal and I have been forbidden to see him.”

“I’m beginning to dislike your father.” Lachlan admitted.

“Oh Lachlan what can I do?”

“You and Digby could leave, pack your belongings and catch the next coach out of here.” Lachlan suggested. To him it appeared simple and if it were not for his mother, would have done so long ago. Besides there was Robert he had done so, even if only into town.

Elizabeth released an ironic huff, “We had planned to do so but don’t have any money, Papa doesn’t allow us any and Charles’ parents have a small holding, hardly enough to sustain his large family.”

It appeared that Charles had a cousin on the Atherton Tableland, close to the town of Priors Creek, who offered work and Charles and Elizabeth had considered eloping but neither had money to do so.

“How much would you need?” Lachlan asked.

“Five pounds, or there about but it may as well be a thousand.” She admitted.

“What does Digby think of our father’s decision about us?”

“I haven’t told him.”

“Do you love him?”

With this question Elizabeth once again brought forth the tears, which turned into constant sobbing.

“Maybe I can help you.” Lachlan offered.

Elizabeth was silent but her eyes asked how.

“I can give you the money so you and your Digby can elope.”

“You would do that?” Her sobbing subsided.

“It would be helping both of us. I’ll tell you what, you arrange everything with your Charles and I will meet you in town Wednesday week when I collect the supplies from the general store.”

“Will your dad give you money?”

“He wouldn’t give me the time of day, we work for him for our keep and little else but I have my horses and make a good profit from them.”

“You are a kind man Lachlan McBride, are you sure you are your father’s son?”

Lachlan laughed. “Oddly you are not the first person to ask that question, nah I’m a throwback on my mother’s side but father believes I’m the result of a cuckoo.”

“What is a cuckoo?” Elizabeth asked.

“It’s a bird but more about its habit, doesn’t matter too long a story, remember be at the store Wednesday week.”

Once back at the house the two had to contend with the satisfaction of their fathers, who looked upon them as one would a bitch that had been put with the sire dog that was about to do its duty. Both men gazed upon the couple with expectations. For McBride it was to seal a deal and Larkin to marry away an otherwise potential wallflower who may remain a burden on his pocket for many years, if not a life time.

Roslyn returned with Martha from the kitchen bringing with her a basket of freshly made pumpkin scones.

“What have you there my dear?” Larkin asked.

“Scones and Martha has been kind enough to give us some and her recipe.”

Larkin nodded his appreciation, “come on Liz my girl we have to hit the road.” Larkin declared as he collected his hat and headed towards the buggy.

“Outside the store about one in the afternoon Wednesday week – ok?” Lachlan whispered as he helped Elizabeth into the buggy.

“Thank you.” She softly answered.

“What do you think of young Lachlan?” Larkin asked of his daughter as they reached the main road. Elizabeth refrained from answering, “The wedding is arranged for the new year.” He told his wife, who was equally unresponsive. Larkin turned to his daughter, “just think one day you may inherit part of this.” Larkin waved a hand across the extensive cane fields as they passed.

“Yes Papa – maybe.”

Jock McBride appeared most pleased with himself as the departed buggy’s dust finally settled. Returning to the house he gathered his hat and once again descended the stairs to speak with his son. “What do you think of that eh boy?” He roughly asked.

“About what father?”

“The filly, is she to your liking?”

“Elizabeth appears to be a fine woman.” Lachlan chose his words.

“I guess it doesn’t matter much what you think boy?” McBride soon lost interest in the coming union and mounting his horse, rode away towards the top field, where William and Cameron were channelling irrigation water into the rows of cane.

“So you are to marry Elizabeth Larkin?” Daniel teased, feeling most pleased their father’s attention was on Lachlan and not on him.

“It’s only a suggestion, knowing father, by Christmas he will have changed his mind.” Lachlan felt the words vibrate inside his head, felt them on his lips but didn’t believe their meaning.

“According to father, it’s on and soon, possibly even before Christmas.” Daniel added, his voice mocking.

“If that is so maybe you will be next.” Lachlan warned.

“Oh I didn’t think of that.” Now Daniel showed concern but declared that Cameron and Robert would be first.

“I don’t think so Robert’s out of favour and dad has passed by Cameron as being almost as useless as I am, so brother it would have to be you.” With that thought the humour dissolved from Daniel’s face but as quickly he returned to the problem in hand.

“Where do you think you and Elizabeth will be living, it couldn’t be here as it is much too rundown for a woman, especially your new bride.”

“Again Daniel, I think you are far too advanced to even suggest such a thing.”

Lachlan wished to tell his brother his plan but could he be trusted? Many times in the past Daniel had played one brother against the other then stood by entertained as the dust stirred. His attitude was somewhat akin to one who walks into a crowded room, releases a fart, then departs, leaving others the displeasure of the stink.

“So my little brother is to marry.” Daniel paused, “hey I have a question bother. Who would you rather marry the rat or Toby?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I thought you may rather Henderson or Toby over sweet Elizabeth? Mind you Elizabeth’s got great tits, like watermelons.”

“What would you know about tits?” Lachlan snapped sharply at his brother.

“I know big ones from small ones and your Liz has big ones.” Daniel was continuing his banter and enjoying his brother’s discomfort.

“She is not my Liz and I don’t want to marry anyone.” Lachlan answered showing a deal of animosity, then calming he reverted the question back to Daniel, “What about yourself, there must be some unfortunate girl out there waiting for you to bed her?”

Daniel thought for a moment.

“You – If you weren’t my brother, you can cook.” Daniel laughed.

“Sometimes I think you’re not joking.”

“By the way I thought you were heading west to see how Henderson is going?”

“Yes but have something to attend to in town first and have to finish a job for father before asking him for a second break.”

“I don’t like your chances there brother.”

“I don’t need chances Daniel, the way I feel at present, if he said no I’d go anyway, besides I will most probably leave without asking for his permission at all.”

It was tea time and the lamps lit, still Daniel hung around. So did the aroma of Lachlan’s stew as it declared its readiness.

“What’s for tea?” Daniel invited himself.

“Isn’t mum cooking for you up at the house?”

“Tripe in white sauce,” he paused. “I hate tripe!”

“Do you want to stay for tea?” Lachlan sighed.

“I thought you would never ask.”

“I didn’t,”

“I love the smell of freshly baked bread.” Daniel admitted.

“It’s Toby’s recipe, he showed me before leaving.”

Two helpings of stew and a great deal of the fresh bread and Daniel was satisfied but still hung around. It appeared that night Jock had called a meeting with William and Cameron, being farm matters of the highest degree and seeing the triplets were of no importance they were not invited and Daniel didn’t wish to be around while their father was at the house.

“What are they meeting about?” Lachlan asked. Daniel usually had the answers for everything that was to do with the farm. He made it his business but this night he didn’t, only a conception and that was the old man intended to mortgage the property to buy another ship.

“Stupid old fool.” Lachlan mumbled.

“There will be nothing left for us to inherit at this rate.” Daniel complained.

“Don’t get too excited Daniel, William is to get the lot anyway.”

“What will the rest of us do?” Again something to concern Daniel but as usual it dissipated as quickly as it arose.

“Suppose you Cameron and possibly Robert will work for William, as for myself I have my horses and I may go into business with Stephen Henderson.”

“Funny business.”

“No cattle business.” Lachlan corrected.

The thought of working for William was too much for Daniel so he changed the subject.

“Have you still got that stretcher here?” Daniel asked.

“I’ve returned it to the house.”

“Then it looks like I will have to bunk in with you.”

“You’ve a perfectly good bed up at the house.” Lachlan argued.

“Come on brother, with the old man staying the night and the mood he’s in, you wouldn’t expect me to go home?”

“Oh alright I suppose you can stay but I’m warning, keep to your side of the bed and weird stuff.”

Wednesday week came and found Lachlan in town at the store with his usual long supply list. It was almost one in the afternoon and his cart was already loaded. Once again he entered into the store to confirm the time and collect the last of his list.

Ten past one and he began to concern. Possibly Elizabeth couldn’t convince her Charles to agree, maybe her father had discovered their plan and she had been locked in her room, until the unhappy day of their union.

“You appear a little anxious young Lachlan?” Arthur Miller, the store’s proprietor questioned.

“Not at all Mr. Miller, I was supposed to meet someone at one.”

“It’s gone past now.” Miller informed while glancing at the large clock on the back wall behind a row of medicine bottles.

“Never mind, it doesn’t matter.” Lachlan sighed and collected the last of his stores, “Has father’s tobacco arrived as yet?” He asked, noting it had not been crossed of his list.

“Should be here Tuesday on the next packet;” Miller promised as Lachlan commenced to depart and Miller’s wife Ruth entered carrying their infant child. Lachlan looked deeply into the child’s fact for recognition, believing it to be the image of Arthur Miller, debunking Daniel’s belief their father had sired the child.

“He expected the tobacco last week.” Lachlan vaguely complained.

“I’m sorry but I can’t control shipping.”

“I guess not Mr. Miller; even father can not do that.” Lachlan cynically put forward.

Half an hour passed bringing belief Elizabeth wasn’t going to arrive, leaving Lachlan to scheme a secondary plan to avoid his father’s unwanted union. As despair commenced to etch away the lad’s confidence, Elizabeth with her Digby appeared at the end of the street. They spoke for a moment and Digby disappeared down the side lane at the end of the shops. Soon Elizabeth was at Lachlan’s side and showing a most nervous disposition. Her head bowed and her face flushed red. She remained silent.

“Have you spoken to Digby?” Lachlan asked.

Elizabeth paused then quietly spoke in almost a whisper. “Yes but he thinks he should be the one who supplied for us.”

“And so he will; as soon as you have established yourself.” Lachlan retrieved a crumpled envelope from his trousers pocket.

“I’ve put ten pounds in here for you, as you will need a little to get started.”

Lachlan offered handing the envelope to Elizabeth.

“No really I can’t.”

“You can and don’t forget it’s not only for you and Digby but for me as well; neither of us wishes to go through with this marriage and I can’t think of any other way to avoid it. If you wish, tell Digby it is a long term loan if that will make acceptance easier.”

Elizabeth burst into tears and quickly kissed Lachlan on the cheek. Now it was his turn to blush.

“What about your parents?” Elizabeth disquietly asked as she fumbled the envelope.

“Mother knows and thinks I’m doing the right thing. She said for two pins she would join you. As for dad, once he is over his anger I don’t think he will care less, only his pride will be hurt and he has plenty of that.”

Lachlan felt a warming towards Elizabeth. She and he had a lot in common with their dominating fathers and loving mothers, so he felt even more pleased in being able to help her.

“Go on then, your Charles is waiting up the corner, so you best be off before someone sees us and comes up with the right idea.”

“Thank you Lachlan, I will never forget you for this – thankyou.”

Lachlan watched with much pleasure in his rare show of defiance and deviance as Elizabeth scurried like a little girl back to where Charles Digby was once again patiently waiting, then after a short conversation they both turned and waved back to Lachlan and were gone.

At home nothing more was said about Lachlan’s marriage. It was heard Harry Larkin was furious, as was McBride but Jock only played at being so. He would still come out ahead even without the union, as he would hold Larkin to his promise, assuring his pride and good name had been damaged by the girl’s eloping. In truth it didn’t mater one way or the other, as long as he got what he wanted, besides now he still had the collateral in Lachlan, he could use the same ploy another time, even smiling at the idea believing it like selling the same item over and over and still holding the product at the end. It was like the magic pudding, the more you ate the more was left.

Larkin agreed to hold his side of the bargain and support McBride in council but eventually even with the man’s support they lost out and McBride found another way to circumnavigate the council and have his way.

Gary really wants to know if you are reading his story. You may let him know, by dropping an email to him: Gary dot Conder at CastleRoland dot Net.

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