Anne Whitfield Kitty McKenzie's Land (pdf)

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Within the hour, the boat was safely tied to a dock. Martin and Kitty
went in search of a warehouse to store her provisions. Walking into the
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Anne Whitfield
town center, they were surprised to see many large, ornate stone
buildings. Most of the area was cleared of trees and lay flat and parched,
burning in the hot sun.
Kitty took out a well-worn piece of newspaper from her reticule and
read aloud to Martin. Under thirty years old, Grafton grew primarily
because of the large population of cedar trees that had first drawn the
settlers. More industry came to the area. Sawmills, dairy farming,
shipbuilding and farming brought prosperity to the region. The populace,
grown over the years, swelled when gold was found in the eighteen-fifties
further up the river. Now, long, wide streets are lined with all manner of
shops and cottages. The town boasts a courthouse, police station and
even has a newspaper, the Daily Examiner. The houses are simply made,
mostly of timber, though some are of bricks, and all with the typical
small verandas at the front to shade the front rooms from the sun.
Remarkable.
Kitty talked to several shopkeepers and found them to be friendly and
helpful. Indeed, the town, shops, the little houses and its clear, wide
streets impressed her.
She was also keen to explore South Grafton, a smaller town settled
on the south side of the river. It would be from that side of the river they
would leave for her land.
We have to find a guide to take us to your holding, Kitty. Do you
have any idea where it is situated? Martin asked, as they walked back to
the boat after securing a place for her goods.
Southwest of Grafton, about thirty miles or so, I think. Kitty
winked. I was never taught to map read.
Martin shook his head, frowning. For Lord s sake, will you be
serious? This isn t a game. You need a guide.
Oh, Martin, calm down. I will acquire a guide and I do take this
seriously, but look at this place. She swept her arms wide. It is a
beautiful day and soon I will be walking on the land Ben left me. I want
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Kitty McKenzie s Land
to laugh and smile and, for a little while longer, not have any worries to
weigh me down. Can I have that, please?
I m sorry, but I don t think you know what you have involved
yourself in. This is the middle of nowhere.
She lifted her chin and tossed her head. Ben bought the land and
gave it to me.
As an investment. He bought it because it was going cheap. The
owner was walking away from it. Doesn t that tell you anything? He
would never have wanted you to come here.
I am not having this argument with you again. Kitty marched on
ahead, trying to cool her rising temper. How dare Martin? She was sure
Ben planned to move to the land and make it into a fine estate like his
family s one in York. Martin had no right to dismiss her dreams. Ben
gave her something of value, she was sure. He would simply not give her
a rundown piece of land for her wedding present. The groom s present
was something special, something to be treasured.
Well, you need to have it out with someone before you become more
involved. Martin stopped and put his hands on his hips. And what
about Mary? You have just left her behind. You didn t even try to look for
her.
Kitty spun to face him, still hurt by Mary s actions. Mary made her
choice. She is married. There is nothing I can do now. She is her
husband s responsibility now, they have both made that clear.
Martin sighed tiredly. I am going to find a load of cargo to take back
to Sydney. I have to make this boat earn the repayments I owe Dan.
Martin, I am as unhappy as you in regards to Mary. I have sent
Ascot all the money I can spare. I do not know what Mary told him to
make him think I was wealthier than I am, but I can do no more for now.
James Ascot sent a note before I left informing me that he d accept her
into his family. I have to make my own life as she is obviously doing. And
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Anne Whitfield
when I am settled, I will invite her to stay should she write me her
details.
Nodding, Martin stepped nearer and kissed her cheek. I know you
worry, it was wrong of me to imply anything different.
Remember, one day, we will all be together. Please keep thinking
that way.
If I ever get back into a cart again, I will make sure it has padded
seats. The jarring, bone-shaking ride had completely made Kitty s
posterior numb and she wondered if she had any teeth left, or had they
all been shaken out. The heat, which was intense, she could cope with,
but not the jaw-rattling journey. However, they were nearly there now, so
her guide told her. Her land lay roughly a mile away on the other side of
the creek in front of them.
Her guide, Jim, a leathery-skinned old man tanned the color of a
native from years in the sun, stood in the middle of the shallow creek.
With a stick, he gauged the depth of the water to find the best place to
ford it. With a nod swamped by the large, black felt hat he wore, he
indicated for Martin to bring the cart across. Jim walked in front,
directing him.
Kitty held on tightly as the horse crossed the water and then strained
to pull the cart up the dusty rocky bank.
Jim climbed onto the front seat beside Martin and signaled which
direction to steer the horses. A narrow traveling path had been hacked
out of the virgin bush at one time.
Kitty gazed around her and breathed in the warm scented air. Tall
eucalyptus trees, squat tea trees, thick native bushes and undergrowth
caused some trouble as it slowly reclaimed the track. In the distance to
the west, great mountains dominated the horizon.
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Kitty McKenzie s Land
Eh, miss, your border starts ere. Jim s deep, rumbling voice broke
into her reverie.
Martin stopped the cart and Jim climbed down and tied a red strip of
material around the tree trunk. Then, looking at the map in his hands,
he walked back to the cart.
Your land starts ere, see? He jabbed a dirty finger at a spot on the
map. Turning, he pointed over to the west. It goes for five hundred yards
to the west and seven hundred yards to the east. Then, it fans
southwards for about a mile or so, understand?
Yes. She studied the map and then peered into the dense bush
around her. Where is the hut? [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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