The Forgotten Pearl by Belinda Murrell Read Free Book Online Page B

and asked me about Charlie and his father. I told her the story of being a drover’s boy for all those years, and she wrote a letter to Charlie senior, telling him about his baby boy. Then when Charlie up and left Never-Never Downs, Missus Trehearne asked me if I’d like to go back to the station, stay with the missionaries or come here to Darwin to work for her, with baby Charlie.’
    Poppy smiled at Daisy. ‘Of course Daisy-dear decided she’d much rather live with us.’
    Daisy flashed Poppy a smile of affection.
    â€˜Poppy!’ cried Charlie, blowing a bubble kiss at the girl.
    â€˜No, Charlie-boy decided he’d much rather live with you.’
    Maude rolled the last few balls and added them to the tray. ‘It’s rather sad, that story,’ she confessed.
    â€˜But it has a happy ending,’ insisted Poppy. ‘Daisy and Charlie live with us.’
    Maude frowned. ‘But Daisy, have you ever heard from Charlie’s father?’
    â€˜No,’ admitted Daisy. ‘But I can’t weep over him forever. I have Charlie and Miss Poppy and her sisters and brother. We all have to make the best life we can with what we have.’
    â€˜You’re very brave, Daisy,’ Maude said.
    â€˜Let’s get those biscuits in the oven. I have to mash the potato.’
    Charlie toddled over to Maude and raised his arms to her. ‘Up. Up,’ he ordered.
    Maude obliged, sweeping him into her lap and kissing his cheek.

    On Saturday night, Cecilia asked Bryony’s swain, George, over for a family dinner, before joining them at the open-air cinema.
    George arrived carrying a spray of orchids for Cecilia and a bouquet for Bryony. George wore his khaki army uniform, his hair slicked back with oil. Bryony had spent all afternoon curling her hair into graceful waves that fell to her shoulder. She wore her best floral dress, high heels and a slick of red lipstick.
    â€˜Mama, this is my friend, George Payne.’ Bryony clutched onto George’s arm, gazing up into his face.
    â€˜Good evening, Mrs Trehearne,’ greeted George. ‘I can see where Bryony gets her beautiful looks.’
    Bryony blushed and became very interested in the pattern on the floor rug.
    â€˜Thank you, Mr Payne.’ Cecilia repressed a smile. ‘And thank you for the orchids. Would you like to take a seat? My husband will just be a moment.’
    â€˜Lovely, and this must be Bryony’s baby sister, Poppy? I brought you a present, too.’
    George handed Poppy a small parcel wrapped in brownpaper and string, which she tugged open with delight. Inside was a small rag doll. A doll! thought Poppy. How old does he think I am? Bryony’s ‘baby sister’ indeed.
    Poppy scowled. Cecilia glared at Poppy warningly, so she sighed and pasted on a bright, fake smile.
    â€˜Thank you, Mr Payne. I just love dolls.’
    â€˜Splendid.’ George grinned broadly. ‘When you smile, I think one day you might even be nearly as pretty as your sister.’
    Poppy raised her eyebrows at her sister and rolled her eyes.
    Dr Trehearne came in and shook hands with the young soldier, leading him into the sitting room where they all sat sipping on ice-cold soda water with lemon.
    â€˜How do you like Darwin?’ asked Mark. ‘Are they keeping you busy?’
    â€˜So far, it’s been great. Some of the men find it boring and are disappointed to be missing out on the action, but I’ve enjoyed it.
    â€˜Of course we’ve been training, but there have also been excursions out to the Dripstone Caves, picnics and swimming at Rapid Creek, games of football and cricket, fishing for barramundi. I know I’d rather be here than hiding in a rat hole in the desert.’
    â€˜Sounds like quite a picnic,’ replied Mark.
    George flushed. ‘Of course, sir, we’re not here for a picnic,’ George assured him. ‘We’re here as the front-line in