Home Before Sundown by Barbara Hannay Read Free Book Online Page A

stubborn. He’s still in the Dark Ages. Mum, it’s ridiculous. I have to talk to him.’
    She finished the call and glared at Liz. ‘Dad’s rejected my offer. He wants to look for a proper manager for Mullinjim.’ She gave an exasperated eye roll. ‘A man.’
    Before Liz could summon an appropriately sympathetic response, Bella had thrust her feet into shoes and was heading for the door.

6.
    â€˜Dad.’ Bella once again tiptoed up to the hospital bed. Her father appeared to be asleep, but at the sound of her voice his eyes opened.
    â€˜Hey, Bella.’
    â€˜I know you’re supposed to be resting, but the nurse let me in. I won’t be long.’
    â€˜That’s okay. It’s always a tonic to see you, sweetheart.’
    He smiled fondly, the lovely smile he’d given her for as long as she could remember.
    Once upon a time, that smile would have been enough. Today she jumped straight to the point. ‘Mum said you don’t want me to look after Mullinjim.’ It was hard to keep the hurt out of her voice.
    Her father frowned. ‘I don’t want to drag you away from France, love.’
    â€˜But I’m already here,’ Bella responded, forcing a smile. ‘And I’d really like to help.’ Before her dad could protest, she rushed on. ‘I know exactly what has to be done.’ She shook her head at him as if to block his protests.
    â€˜But it’s tough work, Belle.’
    â€˜That won’t worry me. Please don’t treat me like a pampered Pony Club Princess. You know I’ve always helped with the cattle. I’d much rather be out in the yards than helping Mum in the kitchen. And I know as much about cattle as Luke does.’
    Even Bella was surprised by how fiercely important this suddenly felt. Her father was her hero and here he was fighting for his life, and she desperately wanted to show him he could rely on her. She wanted to make him proud.
    â€˜What about your French boyfriend?’
    She felt a guilty start. ‘He’s not as important as you,’ she said softly, knowing it was true.
    â€˜But you’d be working out there pretty much on your own. You’d be working cattle as well as doing your own cooking.’
    â€˜Liz would come, too.’
    There was no mistaking the flare of doubt in her father’s eyes. It was clear he couldn’t believe Liz would return to Mullinjim after having avoided the place for so long. ‘Have you asked her?’
    â€˜Didn’t have to. She’s already volunteered.’
    â€˜Jeez.’ Her dad looked stunned. ‘You must have more sway with my sister than I have.
    â€˜She doesn’t want you to have any reasons to worry,’ Bella said gently. ‘And neither do I.’
    A small silence ticked by.
    â€˜You’d keep in touch, wouldn’t you, Belle? To give me updates?’
    She grinned. ‘Sure. I’ll ring Mum or you every night to put your minds at rest.’
    Her dad nodded tiredly and, to her relief, he was smiling.
    Liz rang Michael from the motel.
    â€˜Darling, how are you? I’ve been so desperate to hear from you. How’s your brother?’
    â€˜He seems to be improving, thanks.’
    â€˜That’s wonderful. I’m so relieved for you. So . . . does that mean you’ll be back in London soon?’
    â€˜Not exactly. I’m going to stay on for a bit to help Bella run the family farm.’
    There was an audible gasp on other end of the line. ‘But that’s crazy,’ Michael blustered.
    â€˜I don’t think so.’
    â€˜It’s bloody ridiculous, Liz. You’re a concert pianist. You can’t work on a cattle property .’
    â€˜It’s not as if I’ll be mustering or branding or any of the rough stuff. We’ll mainly keep an eye on the place. It’s the calving season. And I’m not going to stay there forever.’
    Even as she explained