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that case I think it’s time I got to work. Why don’t you go back up to the house and attend to your paperwork? I have plenty to keep me occupied here. I’ll keep an eye on Fred and make sure he’s not slacking. Fix those doors for you and get myself acquainted with the place.’
    India held out her hand. ‘Then I take it you would like the job.’
    â€˜Indeed I would.’ He took her hand and shook it, trying not to contemplate her firm grip and the way her tiny hand sat so comfortably in his.

Six
    â€˜Makes a nice change to see you with a grin on your face.’
    India sank onto the kitchen chair and heaped sugar into the cup of tea Peggy dumped in front of her. ‘I’m thrilled and exhausted.’ She pulled off her hat and dropped it to the floor, wiping her damp forehead with the back of her hand. The decision to hire Jim was right.
    â€˜And you’ve got the dirtiest face I’ve seen in a long time.’
    â€˜I don’t care.’ She fingered the three-corner rip in her skirt where it had snagged on the broken hinge. ‘Do you think Jilly could fix this?’ She’d caught it as she climbed up to peer over the stall to see what Jim was up to. Her escapade hadn’t revealed much other than the fact he could use a hammer. She’d ended up in a heap in the pile of hay Fred had raked out of the stables.
    Peggy peered down at her skirt and wrinkled her nose. ‘And wash it as well.’
    Tomorrow she’d make sure she wore something more appropriate. ‘Have you had a look outside? Jim is a marvel. He’s fixed the doors, the water barrels are replaced, the stables mucked out properly for the first time in weeks. Fred has worked like a Trojan and all because Jim offered him a ride on his stallion. Why didn’t I think of that?’
    Peggy sniffed. ‘You can’t be expected to think of everything and besides, Jim has experience.’
    It appeared he did have experience and right now she couldn’t believe her luck. ‘Which is why I offered him the job. Do you still think it was a mistake?’
    â€˜I never said it was a mistake. Just so long as your plan to restart the stud doesn’t open old wounds.’
    The room resounded with the tick of the clock and memories better forgotten. Peering through the window she half expected to see Mama vault onto her handsome buckskin. Instead, Fred led Jefferson into the pristine stables.
    Ignoring Peggy’s disapproving glance India slurped down the last drops of her tea. ‘I’m going to get cleaned up before dinner and I’ll check on Mama.’ She stood, unable to control the sigh that always seemed to accompany thoughts of her mother.
    â€˜You’ve got about half an hour. Is that long enough or do you want me to stall dinner?’
    â€˜No, it’s plenty. I could eat a horse.’
    â€˜Probably not such a good idea, eating the profits. You’ll have to settle for corned beef.’
    â€˜Wonderful. It smells delicious and I don’t suppose there’s …’
    â€˜Jam roll and custard? Yes.’
    Smacking her lips India left, hurried along the covered walkway and through the back door to the main house. At the bottom of the stairs she paused and ran her hand over the smooth cedar banister. She inhaled the lingering scent of beeswax and lavender then trudged upwards, the pleasure of the day leaching away with every creak of the steps. Each afternoon she made the trip to her mother’s room hoping for a change, yet she always left disappointed.
    Knowing better than to enter the suite of rooms without permission she knocked and waited. The door opened a crack and Anya’s dark face peered around the corner.
    â€˜Good afternoon, Anya. I’ve come to see Mama and tell her about my day.’ India repeated the words like an incantation. The same words she’d spoken every day she’d been at home since that fateful evening