At last she said, ‘Mr McKenzie is a Presbyterian. We go to church, inside sometimes if they let me and Mrs McKenzie in, otherwise we listen from outside. Mr McKenzie has explained forgiveness to me. It is a strange idea, forgiving. Laws are laws. But I think I can forgive if you promise you will never make a girl or man a slave again.’

‘Yes. I give you my word — I will never again enslave anyone.’ He meant it amid the growing horror of what he had done so unthinkingly.

Had his whole life been lived not seeing what he had done? He had to change . . .

‘Then, yes, if I understand it right, I forgive you.’

‘Thank you,’ he said humbly.

Suddenly her hand was in his, a firm hand, with calluses from riding. ‘Come on. Mrs McKenzie doesn’t like her dinner spoiled. She has made hearth cakes for dessert. We picked wild cherries for them and a little river mint.’

‘She’s taught you to cook?’

Rose laughed. ‘No. I can’t even make a pancake that doesn’t stick to the pan. But I can ride now.’

‘You rode that horse away, when no man could get on his back.’

‘He took himself away. I just managed to hang on.’ McKenzie and Tiger moved to one side to make room for them as they joined the companionship of the fire.

McKenzie gazed up at him. ‘You still comin’ with us?’

‘If I may,’ said Clancy.

‘Goodo,’ said McKenzie. He added, ‘Lay one hand on young Joe here or the wife, and I’ll pin your hide to the next tree we pass. And if you’re really lucky, maybe the wife will shoot you first afore I do.’

Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Chocolate Rum Cheesecake

Mix 240g crushed biscuits with 125g butter. Press into a pie dish.

Melt 200g dark chocolate in the microwave. Beat in 500g cream cheese, 115g caster sugar, 1tbsp rum or a few drops rum essence, or vanilla essence, and two eggs. Scrape onto the base. Bake at 200°C for 35 minutes or till the centre is almost set. Refrigerate till cold.

GIBBER’S CREEK, 1983

JED

‘Any letters from Scarlett?’ asked Nancy, leaning back in the armchair with enjoyment. She and her family were still moving the sheep from place to place — ‘Until the land recovers,’ Nancy said, despite the lush green of the grass. The life on the long paddock suited her, thought Jed. Every inch of her showed deep contentment. But she obviously enjoyed the comforts of her days back home too.

‘Got a letter yesterday. Tea or coffee?’

‘Could you make it iced coffee? Lots of milk and about half ice cream,’ said Nancy with deep indulgence.

‘I can manage that. Tomato and bacon quiche and salad, then cheesecake?’