And Those Who Trespass Against Us (16 page)

"Are you sure she wasn't merely confused? After all, you must admit she wouldn't have been exposed to too much body contact behind convent walls. Did she discuss it with you at all?"

"No, she hasn't, but her actions toward me didn't change after the incident. There was another thing. I don't know if you heard, but I was somewhat cross with her after the business with the bushrangers."

Susan guffawed. "Is that what you call it? It's not what I heard. From what Mr. Connor said, Katherine was lucky she didn't end up over your knee for a good spanking."

Catriona blushed. "I wasn't
that
angry," she muttered.

Susan reached across the table and patted Catriona's hand. "You must be careful. It'll do you no good to be seen arguing with her--and in front of so many of the men. When will you learn to curb your temper?"

"Maybe my actions were a bit rash. But I was worried sick with her disappearance. Anyway, we had words in the study after the men were gone, and I impulsively grabbed her hand. Susan, I felt her react to the touch, I'm sure of it."

Susan's brow creased. "Are you sure you're not looking for something which isn't there? If so, anything you do to make your feelings obvious may be disastrous."

Catriona raised her face to the ceiling and released an exasperated breath. "I don't know what to do. I crave her company so badly it's like a continuing ache in the pit of my stomach, which is only made worse through knowing she's almost untouchable. I'm sure it would go away if she weren't at the property, but this would only be replaced by the pain of distance and longing to see her. And, let's face it, I couldn't see myself strolling up to the front door of the Greystone mausoleum, knocking on the door, and asking for the town's nun."

Susan made a face. "No, you couldn't do that. I'd like to say everything will be all right and she does or
will
grow to like you. In relationships like ours, romantic endings are what fairy tales are made of. I can't give you any quick solutions to this, for any resolution is just as likely to unravel. I caution you on pressing your hand. Take things slowly, for both yours and Katherine's sake."

Catriona failed to hide her disappointment.

"I know I've mentioned this to you previously, but have you given any further consideration to leaving town and moving to the city? At least there you've a greater sense of anonymity than you have here. I'm not saying it'll be easier for you to find anyone. But it's not as likely to raise as much attention."

Catriona vigorously shook her head. "I could no sooner leave here than have her move out of the house. Besides, Alexander would have to manage the farm alone and that's not fair. I hear what you're saying though and I'll tread carefully. You never know, things change. Maybe she will as well. I expect it's the only thing I can hope for." She fell silent, her face downcast and her hands flat on the table.

Susan took Catriona's hands in her own. "Remember, Miss Pelham, there's no need to keep this bottled up. As I've said many times--I'm here." She raised her brow. "I tell you what might be a good idea. Let's show Katherine another perspective of life. Take that horrified look off your face. What I mean is maybe you should have Me Lin and me out for dinner. This may serve to prompt her to ask questions about us." Susan smiled. "If there's one thing Katherine isn't lacking, it's forthrightness. If she does ask, then I'm happy for you to answer her questions or send her to me, whatever's most comfortable for you. Something tells me what's told to her in confidence will remain so."

"Thank you for listening. And I appreciate your suggestion about dinner. It's a good idea. I'm honoured and touched by your offer to allow me to talk to her about you and Me Lin. I expect you're aware of the risk you're taking." Catriona squeezed Susan's hand. "I may not have the wisdom in life you do, but should you ever wish to speak to me about anything then I'll be there for you."

Susan laughed. "Rest assured I will. I don't easily forget the person who extended a hand of friendship when I first arrived. You made my acceptance into this community easier than it might have been. But that's what friends are for, best you remember that." She placed the crockery in the washbasin. "If I'm to stay in business, I'd better reopen this store."

Catriona rose and followed Susan out to the main part of the mercantile. Only one customer made his way up the steps, but all the same he managed, through his sheer presence, to halt Catriona in her stride. Susan unlocked the door and stepped aside.

"Good afternoon and welcome back from your trip, Father Cleary," Susan said as the father strode through the door. "It's no doubt good to be back home again."

"Thank you, Mrs. Crosier. It is indeed good to be back." Father Cleary took off his hat. "I heard the town has suffered a great tragedy. I'm truly sorry I couldn't be here, but the news took some time to reach me. I understand many lives were lost, including Sister Coreen's. I can't express how much she will be missed. She was so very well liked within the district."

He turned to Catriona. "Hello, Miss Pelham. I believe Sister Coreen's replacement is currently residing at Gleneagle?" He leant closer so his next words weren't overheard. "Is Mr. Pelham aware of Sister Coreen's passing?"

"No, Father, he hasn't returned from his recent trip," Catriona quietly replied, despite the fact that, through her, Susan was well aware of Alexander and Coreen's relationship.

"No doubt he'll be returning home soon. If there's any assistance I can give you in this matter, please let me know." Raising his voice to its normal tone he added, "I expect I'd better meet the new sister, but not today. Can I call on you tomorrow? There are many things we need to discuss."

Catriona's throat was suddenly dry, and she swallowed nervously. "Of course Father, you're always welcome. Would eleven o'clock be suitable?"

"Lovely. It will give me a chance to pay a quick call on Mrs. Greystone and her ladies' committee. Eleven o'clock it is then." Father Cleary strode toward Susan to discuss purchases he wished to make.

Catriona and Susan exchanged a quick glance. Knowing she had no further reason for being in the store, Catriona nodded goodbye, walked down the steps, and mounted her horse.

THE TRIP HOME gave Catriona ample time to go over her discussion with Susan. Susan was right about Katherine and her. The only thing she could do was to wait. For all the waiting in the world though, there were no guarantees that Katherine's feelings would change. Catriona sighed. At least they shared a strong friendship. Maybe a dinner between the four women might help things along.

As for Father Cleary's return, Catriona wasn't sure what to expect. He had strong ties with the town's matriarchs, and this was understandable. Living in a country town wasn't easy and money wasn't readily parted with. He needed to maintain a financial patronage from the richer families. Without their monetary assistance, neither he nor the modest town church would survive. But did his ties go so far as sympathising with their attitudes? If that's the case, then she expected it wouldn't be long before Katherine was stuck with one of those families. She frowned, thinking maybe he wouldn't send her in to town. After all, despite his refusal to bless Alexander and Coreen's union, he didn't dismiss it out of hand.

Although this gave Catriona a glimmer of hope, there was a niggling thought at the back of her mind. Maybe he'd remember what happened to the last sister who resided at Gleneagle, and try to stop something similar occurring. The irony of the situation made Catriona ruefully grin. In essence, at least on her own behalf, what happened with Alexander and Coreen was
exactly
what was happening.

She had reached no greater resolve by the time she arrived home. The matter wasn't helped by Katherine's appearance while Catriona brushed down her horse. She masked her disquiet and greeted Katherine with a half-hearted hello resolving to tell her about Father Cleary later.

"You'll never believe it. I think I've mastered the art of making scones." Katherine attempted to dust the flour off the front of her habit. "Mind you, I did use a bit more flour than I thought I would in the process, so I may have to buy some more. You finish up and I'll pour us a cool drink, and you can tell me what you think. By the way, did you get everything done in town you wanted to? No need to answer now, there'll be plenty of time over that drink."

Catriona knew she was being distant and unrightly so. She resolved to be more approachable when she went inside. After locking the gate to the horse yard, she sighed in resignation and walked to the house.

KATHERINE CONTINUED TO dust the front of her habit and she turned toward the house. When she had approached Catriona, she'd sensed her preoccupation, knowing that when she was distant like this it was easier to give her some time--if she wanted to speak about what was on her mind, she would.

A few moments later, Catriona dusted off her shoes and entered through the back door. "Should I get the hammer and chisel for this batch or is dynamite more appropriate?" She sat at the table and smiled.

"Oh, ye of little faith. Never again will you use these as cannon balls. For I believe I've truly mastered the art of scone making." Katherine reverently held up one of the pastries. "Today scones, tomorrow sponges! Try one. How was your trip, is there any news to speak of?"

"Please, one thing at a time. I must concentrate on the official tasting of this manna." Catriona took a bite. "I'm surprised. These are edible. They're not Town Fair standards by any means, but more than adequate for entertaining at home." She dodged a mock blow from Katherine. "And just in time too. Your use of flour was getting costly. Mind you, Susan's happy for the business," she added with a twinkle in her eye.

"Miss Pelham, you're a most ungracious host. How long has it been since you've made scones?" Katherine jokingly asked. "So, how was town, still there?

Catriona nodded. "I had lunch with Susan, and we spoke about some future issues which may need addressing. I've also invited her for dinner. She'll let me know when she and Me Lin can come out."

"Who is Me Lin? Is she new in town? I don't recall meeting her."

"Me Lin shares the store with Susan. She's the laundress and the lady who made your cotton habits. She's Chinese and keeps to herself, and that's why you mightn't have seen her. While her race bothers neither Susan nor me, the town isn't as accepting of her presence." Catriona's nostrils flared. "Mind you, they're happy for her to do their laundry and mend their clothes but not happy enough to invite her into their homes."

"I don't think I've ever met a Chinese person." Katherine was frustrated but not surprised by the prejudices of the town. "Where did Me Lin and Susan meet? Did she come from the gold fields?"

"Yes. Me Lin lost her husband during a riot by the white men who felt the Chinese were making more money than they were. Their response was to stop them any way they could. Such occurrences weren't unusual, and unfortunately the apathy and the lack of constabulary meant incidents like that went unpunished. After Me Lin's husband's death, Susan insisted that she and her husband employ Me Lin as a laundress and seamstress. If they hadn't then Me Lin's only other form of employment would've involved selling her body to the town drunks.

"When Susan's husband died, she left the gold fields and Me Lin went with her. She's maintained a low profile within the town. In doing so, the town has left her to her own devices." Catriona reached for another scone and the jam. "The arrangement is far from ideal, but suits both Susan and Me Lin."

"We must indeed have them out to dinner. I haven't been to a dinner party for such a long time. As a nun, I suppose I shouldn't say such things. But there
are
some elements of my previous life I miss. How will the two of us manage such an affair? I don't mean to be rude, Catriona, but your steak and eggs is hardly appropriate fare for a dinner party. And my scones certainly won't make a suitable dessert."

"Everything will be fine. When Alexander and I entertain, we usually call on the services of Mrs. Johnston. You must have met her by now."

Katherine nodded.

"She's more than happy to help us on such occasions, in exchange for the help Alexander and I give her family." She bit her bottom lip. "Enough of dinner parties. I ran into another person while I was in town. He's keen to see you and will be visiting tomorrow at eleven o'clock."

Katherine didn't need Catriona to spell out the name of her visitor for, as a nun, there could be only one man calling on her. A thousand questions rushed into her mind. "Father Cleary has returned? Did he say anything to you? Was he disturbed by my actions on my arrival? Is he happy with my work so far?"

"Hang on! I said I bumped into him. I didn't interrogate the man. He came into Susan's store when I was on my way out. He said not much more than how keen he is to meet the new sister. He also mentioned he'd be visiting the ladies' committee prior to his visit." Catriona softly grasped Katherine's forearm. "Don't worry. You've done nothing wrong. Why wouldn't he be satisfied with what you've done to date? If you start worrying now, you'll be a nervous wreck by the time he gets here tomorrow."

"I suppose you're right." Katherine nervously bit her nail. "I wish I knew what his visit with Mrs. Greystone and her committee will involve. You'll be here during his visit won't you?"

Catriona gulped. "I'm afraid I won't be. I've got work out at the Johnston farm. They're expecting me to help them with their muster. If I'm to convince Mrs Johnston to cook for us in the near future it's only right I be there tomorrow. You'll be fine. I'll be home in time for dinner. And if you're not here then I know the father has dragged you off to more appropriate lodgings."

Katherine's face drained of all colour.

Catriona held up her hands. "I was only joking. He's not likely to do that." She picked up her plate and glass and placed them in the big washbasin on the bench. "It might be a good idea if you turn your thoughts to something other than his visit. Why don't you help me in the yard? There's some hay I want to move, and I could do with the extra pair of hands. How about we clear this feast and make a move before it gets too dark."