Sylvia looked like a rabbit in headlights and for once, was completely lost for words.
“And… since you started it,” Maggie was on a roll, “I will say this back to you. For your information, I have already seen how the Station could save perhaps thousands of pounds.”
Jack sat back up and looked at her in surprise as she pointed to the endless boundary fences.
“The fences keep out the dingoes, right? You could get rid of them all and just put up photographs of you… exactly the way you are looking at me at this very moment. That would be enough to deter them.”
Jack nearly choked on his tea and Sylvia looked completely stunned as she angrily threw her tea to the side and slammed the cup to the ground. She stormed off, mounted her horse and rode away.
“Sorry, Jack. I know she’s your sister, but she asked for it and when I am backed into a corner I tend to come out fighting,” Maggie said, shrugging her shoulders.
“I’ll remember that Maggie,” he smiled and held up his hands in mock surrender. He admired her spirit, it was very attractive. “Not many have had the balls to do what you just did and live to tell the tale,” he said. “She’ll come around eventually, but seriously in the meantime, watch your back. I know my sister, she won’t take that lightly. At least we’ll have a peaceful journey home. More tea?”
“I feel bad now. I shouldn’t have said that last bit. Yes, thank you,” she said, as she held out her cup.
“Don’t feel bad, she dished it out and she wrongly chose you as a target. The important thing Maggie is that you are very much welcome and wanted here and you already fit in perfectly. Remember that.”
“Thanks Jack, that means a lot.”
“One other thing,” he said, giving a sultry wink, “How much do photographers cost?”
They both fell about laughing.
Sylvia had galloped on ahead. How dare she? She couldn’t believe that little Miss England had the audacity to talk to her like that… although, if she was completely honest, it was quite a clever insult. Sylvia even managed a hint of a smile as Maggie’s sense of humour quite appealed to her.
Maggie was mentally and physically exhausted when they returned early in the evening. After taking care of the horses they headed up to the homestead. Maggie’s back was aching and her behind beyond numb. Serves me right for going on about Jack’s behind earlier, she thought. She felt too tired to eat but managed a sandwich and it took all her strength to have a quick bath before falling into bed where she was asleep before she hit the pillow.
The next morning Maggie was as stiff as a frozen rat up a drainpipe. She tried to walk as normally as possible when she entered the kitchen for breakfast where the looks, jeers and whistles from the stockmen told her otherwise.
“Glad you all think it’s funny,” she smiled.
“Not as fast as a bullet today!” teased Mellow.
“Good one, Mellow,” Maggie smiled then winced as she sat down gingerly.
“Discovered muscles you didn’t know you had Maggie?” joked Dusty.
“Just a few,” she replied, liking the banter.
“You’ll get used to it Maggie,” said Ted, “believe you are helping me in the stables today, up for it?”
“I’ll do my best, although I’ll be a little slower than usual. Could you do me a favour?”
“Sure, what’s that?”
She held up her boots. “Having a little trouble getting these on my feet this morning.”
Everyone laughed. When the kitchen cleared and just the women remained, Maggie asked, “How’s Emily this morning?”
“Just going to check on her, care to come along?” said Mrs Heppler.
“Yes, I’d like to. Thought she might be at the table this morning, is she okay?”
“She’s doing just grand, just felt more tired today that’s all. Come on.”
As they walked slowly down the corridor to Emily’s room, Maggie asked quietly, “Mrs Heppler?”
“Yes love.”
“Is there something I should know about Sylvia?”
Mrs Heppler raised her eyebrows.
“She wanted to give me Gravel when we went out yesterday.”
Mrs Heppler’s eyebrows rose some more in astonishment and Maggie wondered if they could go up any further.
“Gravel eh? Look, Maggie. Keep your wits about you. Sylvia is a strange one, but you’ll get used to her. She takes a little longer than most to accept someone new around here that’s all. But using Gravel is different.” She pondered a moment. “What did Jack say?”
“He said no straight away and said she should have Gravel and he gave me Dingo.” Then Maggie told Mrs Heppler what else was said and Mrs Heppler looked at Maggie in wonder.
“You said that to her?” she laughed, “that’s the spirit, feisty little thing, aren’t you? But I’m concerned regarding Gravel, that’s spiteful. Sylvia won’t take yesterday lightly, and you will need to watch your back…”
“Jack said that too. She means me harm, doesn’t she? What did I do in the first place to deserve that?”
“Simply that you are new, that’s all. I’ll keep an extra potato on her as well.”
“Potato?”
“Eye, love. Eye. You know? Potatoes have eyes? Come on keep up,” she said, as they arrived at Emily’s room. “Leave it with me Maggie, I’ll have a word.”
“Thank you, but I don’t wish you to fight my battles Mrs Heppler. On this occasion it may make things worse. I can sort this, was just asking for your advice.”
“I know you can look out for yourself Maggie, but sometimes things just need a small helping hand. Trust me, I know her.” And with that the women entered the room.
“You are looking much better.” Maggie smiled at Emily.
“Thanks Maggie, I feel that I am getting stronger by the day,” she said, smiling back.
“Is that down to good rest, good food or perhaps tea on the verandah with a certain big strong man?” joked Maggie and Emily blushed. “I knew it, I knew it,” she said excitedly. “Tell me everything,” she said, as she plonked herself on the edge of the bed then winced again when she remembered how stiff she was.
“Looks like you’re the invalid today,” teased Emily and with that Mrs Heppler said she’d leave them to their ‘young talk’. She briefly stopped outside the door enjoying hearing the laughter between them. It warmed her heart that they had found one another. Perhaps Emily would be prepared to stay after all?
She tried not to get her hopes up too much regarding Emily staying on at the Station. It was hard taking a step back, but there were occasions when all she had wanted to do was to press Emily for a decision. She had to bide her time and hope for the best.
Chapter Twelve
Maggie had a natural flair with people and during the next few days she spent time with each of the team who gladly showed her how to mend fences and tend to injured sheep and horses. She learned new skills and brushed up on her shooting and rope skills. She was an eager pupil and also a good teacher when the opportunity arose. She was pleased she was able to show Dusty how to repair a head gasket on one of the trucks and also pointed out a problem with the