Chapter 28

The late-afternoon light slanted across the paddocks as they turned off the highway. Long shadows stretched from the shelter belts, and the crisp bite of a (hopefully) early Spring was in the air. Matt slowed, letting Pauline follow him up the familiar gravel drive. The crunch of tyres and the startled lift of a few sparrows announced their arrival.

Geordie was already outside, leaning on the gate. He waved both arms in mock semaphore. “At last! We thought you’d got lost.”

Rachel laughed as Matt pulled in. Pauline’s car pulled to a stop behind them. By the time Rachel had her wheelchair unloaded, Caroline was hurrying out of the house, apron still on, brushing flour from her hands.

“Welcome, welcome!” she called, enfolding Rachel in a hug first, then greeting Pauline with equal warmth. “You must be Pauline. I’ve heard so much about you. Come in, you’ll be wanting a cup of tea after the drive.”

Pauline returned the hug politely but without quite matching Caroline’s exuberance. “Thank you, yes, that would be lovely.” Her eyes darted briefly over the farmyard — the sheds, the horses in the far paddock, the clutter of gumboots by the porch — as if she were taking stock.

Geordie strode up to shake Matt’s hand, then offered his to Pauline. “Good to have you here. Caroline’s been talking about this visit all week.”

Inside, the house was warm with the smell of baking — scones cooling on a rack, and the promise of a roast drifting from the oven. Matt slipped the wine and cake onto the kitchen counter while Caroline busied herself with teapots and mugs.

Rachel made introductions with a gentle pride, as if weaving two halves of her life together. “Mum, this is Caroline and Geordie, and, of course, you’ve already met Matt properly. And everyone, this is my mother, Pauline.”

Polite murmurs followed, but beneath them Rachel felt a curious undercurrent — her mother’s reserve meeting Caroline’s ready warmth, like two fabrics brushing together but not yet blending.

She caught Matt’s eye and her gave her a fleeting smile that said, It’s fine. We’ll get there.

Caroline poured the tea. “We’re eating in about an hour and a half, so you’ll have time to stretch your legs and settle in first. Pauline, I’ve put you in the guest room at the front — lovely view across the orchard.”

“Thank you,” Pauline said, her tone measured, but she accepted the teacup with a nod.

“And Geordie’s keen to show you a little outside, particularly our horses,” Caroline continued. “Rachel’s made quite a conquest there, and I know she’ll want to introduce you to her.”

“Mum, she’s the sweetest thing,” Rachel chimed in. “As soon as you’ve finished your tea, I’ll take you over.”

“You don’t need to rush your mother,” Caroline laughed. “Give her a minute to catch her breath.”

Forcing herself to relax, Rachel let the pleasantries of the others flow over her. Her eyes were constantly drawn to her mother, but she found it difficult to read what she saw. Eventually, there was sufficient lull in the conversation for Geordie to gently suggest that they adjourn outside while there was sufficient light. Caroline stayed behind to attend to the dinner.

Reaching the near paddock where the horses were quietly foraging, Geordie let them inside the rails. Rachel grabbed her mother’s hand.