Frontier Wife (8 page)

Adam picked up Jamie and sat him on his shoulders, and with Touser trotting along beside them they made their way to where they left the horses. Tommy’s arms ached so much she let Adam lift her into the saddle. Did his hands linger on her waist for a little longer than necessary? She stared deep into his eyes. Blood rushed to her head, pounding in her ears like a platoon of drummers.

“I’ll take Jamie up with me.” He broke the fraught silence between them.

“Thank you.” What a relief, knowing she wouldn’t have to hold him. It took all her strength just to stay mounted.

It was dark by the time they arrived home. David rushed out to greet them, and she let Adam tell him the story. Adam carried Jamie into the homestead, while David helped her inside.

“You pair aren't safe to let loose, but thank God you’re all right.” He gave her arm a reassuring squeeze. “I've got the kettle on so I can make you a cup of tea, that's about the best I can offer, Munro. Thanks for what you did.”

“Forget it. Your sister showed great fortitude. A lot of men couldn't have done what she did today.”

Tommy, although slumped in a chair, made to rise. “I'll make the tea.”

“No need, sis. I can make a brew, and fried eggs on toast, but that's about the extent of my culinary expertise, I'm afraid. Like some, Munro?”

“I couldn't eat anything.” She pushed the strands of loosened hair behind her ears. “But a cup of tea would be a life saver.”

“Just tea for me, too, thank you, then I'll be off.”

Jamie came up to Adam and leaned against his knee. “You could stay the night if you're too tired to ride home.”

“I'm all right, boy.” The child’s concern touched him, soothed the empty ache in his heart. Except for his mother, he couldn’t remember anyone ever worrying about his welfare.

As soon as he drained his cup, Adam left with a brief goodbye. Tommy heard him talking to David out on the verandah. When her brother returned his cheeks were flushed.

“Did you have words with Adam?”

“Yes, he told me to keep better control over my family.”

“What did you say?”

“What could I say? You'll be the death of me one of these days, I swear.”

She laughed. “You know, I don't think my arms will ever be the same again, they feel about six inches longer than before. I need a bath and so does Jamie, but I'm just too weary to bother tonight.”

“Yes go to bed, you’re exhausted. I'm proud of what you did today. I'll help Jamie clean himself up.”

Tommy wearily made her way to bed. She couldn’t remember ever feeling so exhausted. Every bone in her body ached, her arms throbbed and she felt as if her feet were encased in lead boots. Jamie was safe and Adam… She cherished the fleeting tenderness that had softened his eyes to a gentle dove gray as he lifted her on to her horse. Had he been concerned for her well-being? Or was he thinking of Sophia?

Chapter Four

The day of the steeplechase arrived.

Whew it was hot. Tommy already felt like a wrung out rag. She heard David whistling and breaking out into song every now and again. He had trained Warrior night and morning; he even took him over the course on several occasions.

She started slicing bread and paused midway through cutting the loaf. Two miles in extreme heat over hurdles. Could David and Warrior possibly endure it?

What other alternative did they have? David’s hopes and aspirations depended on this race. If Warrior won, people would disregard Adam Munro’s edict and bring their mares over. If he didn’t win, they might be forced to pack up and leave. It was as simple as that.

After they finished their midday meal, David left her to do the cleaning up while he went out to check on the stallion. Like a broody hen with one chick. The thought made her smile. It didn’t take much to make him happy.

To beat the worst of the heat, the main event had been scheduled for half past four, which suited them, even though it would have been fun to enjoy the other race day festivities. David worried about going over early in case prolonged exposure to loud noise made the stallion nervous. Everything depended on Warrior winning this coveted event.

“Tommy, Tommy.” Jamie rushed inside.

“What is it?”

“David got hurt, the wagon fell on him.”

She dashed outside to find him leaning against the wagon, holding his arm and groaning.

“What happened?”

“I hurt my wrist. I was fixing the wheel when the stump slipped.” His face was white, his upper lip beaded with perspiration.

“Can you make it inside?”

“Yes, of all the fool things.” He muttered several swear words. “It's starting to swell already. Hurry, get some cold compresses. I won't be able to ride if it's too swollen.”

In the kitchen, she applied a damp cloth to the swelling.

“I don't think it's broken, but it hurts like the dickens. I have to ride in that race, it's our last chance.”

“You won't be able to ride. Warrior's hard enough to hold at the best of times, but with only one hand…”

“I have to race, I know he can win. I'll never be able to start up a stud without a few decent mares. Once everyone realizes what a champion Warrior is they’ll all want to use him.”

For half an hour they worked on the hand, all to no avail, it still remained swollen and painful.

“I'll have a go, even if I ride with one hand.”

“You can't, it's too dangerous.”

He looked so desperate her heart ached for him. His burning eyes provided the only color in his pale face. Bad enough riding with an injured leg, but with one hand practically useless it bordered on madness.

“I'll ride Warrior,” she said.

“What did you say?”

“You heard me, David, I'll ride him.”

“You can't. He's such a powerful horse you’d never be able to control him.”

“At least I have two good hands.”

“And two good legs.” He clenched his uninjured hand.

“I’m an expert rider. It's the only way. Warrior must have his chance.”

“They wouldn't let a woman ride, even if I’m crazy enough to agree.”

“You saw the rules. Anything about the race being only for men?”

“No.”

“If there’s nothing in the rules saying a woman can ride, there won’t be any saying she can't.”

“They wouldn't let you. Imagine Munro and the rest of the landed gentry entertaining such an idea. The moment they saw you wearing a skirt you'd be disqualified.”

“Listen. I’ll dress as a man. By the time they find out, it will be too late. Tell Adam you injured your hand and got someone else to ride at the last minute.”

“Father would turn over in his grave if I let you do something so dangerous. And wearing men’s clothing. My God.”

Knowing his desperation for the stallion to have his chance, she pressed home her advantage. “Father encouraged me to ride. Besides, while you were in South Africa I rode Warrior a number of times.” Please God, forgive all my lies. They’re for a good cause. On the only occasion she rode him, one of their friends caught her and there had been the devil to pay later.

“I don't know.” He tortured his lower lip with his teeth.

“Come on. Remember all the childhood adventures we used to have.”

“Adventures? Is that what you call them? Most of the time you instigated things, and I copped a thrashing when we got caught.”

“You used to call me Tommy the brave, remember? Come on,” she urged. “Just imagine the expression on Adam Munro's face, and those of his haughty friends if they got beaten by a woman. Think of the extra publicity for Warrior.”

He threw back his head and laughed. Heaven alone knew what repercussions would follow such a reckless act.

“What will you wear?” he asked.

“A pair of your breeches and that shirt with the flounces down the front.” Genteel young women did not wear men’s clothing. In England such rash behavior would have diabolical social consequences if she got caught. But this was frontier Australia. Exhilaration surged through her. She hadn't done anything so daring for ages.

“Footwear?”

She debated for a moment. “There’s a pair of knee length boots father brought back from Italy? They didn’t fit you, so I kept them in case Jamie might grow into them.”

“This is sheer lunacy, Tommy.”

“I know.”

After about twenty minutes she came out into the parlor to submit herself to David's scrutiny. “What do you think?” The fine cord breeches fitted snugly when tucked into the soft knee length boots, and the loose ruffled shirt hid the swell of her breasts.

“What about your hair?”

“Loan me your hat, Jamie.”

“You look good, Tommy. Are you going win the race on Warrior?”

“Yes, I am. You mustn't say anything to anyone, it's a secret.”

“I promise I won't tell, cross my heart.” He made the sign of the cross and she hugged him tight. With Jamie's help she hitched up the buggy, leaving David to deal with Warrior. In the end she helped him saddle the stallion as well.

“Pity we didn't have time to go over the course, but we'll be lucky to make it on time as it is.” He gave a concerned frown. “I wish I felt sure we were doing the right thing.”

“We are.”

He drove with one hand. Warrior was tethered to the back of the buggy, and she kept an anxious eye on the stallion as he tossed his head. The slow pace of the buggy didn’t suit him. He obviously sensed the tension surrounding them.

“Listen, Tommy, the race starts on the flat. For the first mile and a half you'll have no worries, try to let the others set the pace, but keep up with them. Over the last half mile, give Warrior his head, he's a splendid jumper, and the hurdles aren't too high. There are four in all but the last jump will cause the most trouble.”

As she listened to David’s instructions, her excitement was tempered with apprehension. There would be dire consequences if something went wrong. One tiny error of judgment could prove fatal. Visions of lying on the ground with a broken back rose up and almost plucked her eyes out. What if Warrior fell and injured himself? She started to feel sick with fear and dread. How could she have been foolish enough to suggest such a dangerous thing? Her escapades in the past were nothing compared to this madness.

“On the take off side there's a wide stretch of water with a five foot sod wall then another wide pool. He's been over the course several times and doesn’t have any problems with it. Remember, you need to be the first over the water jump, otherwise if horses go down, and they will, they could take you with them.”

She nodded her understanding of his instructions. Fear constricted her throat and she doubted her ability to speak at all.

Jamie grabbed hold of her hand and held it in a vice-like grip.

On arrival at the Munro property, they saw a mixture of smart carriages, wagons and buggies lined up along one side. Some of the single horses looked like stockmen's mounts, others, thoroughbreds belonging to the district's gentry. Refreshment booths set up at intervals added to the carnival atmosphere. Ladies were dressed in colorful gowns, some men wore formal attire, others working garb.