For the true purpose of this invitation was revealed in Margaret’s phrase in my condition my dear husband would be happier if I could employ the services of a competent midwife and doctor. Midwives there undoubtedly were in the gold-mining remnant township of Gibber’s Creek, only a half-day from Drinkwater. There was even a birthing clinic, but whether the nurse there was competent — or sober — Flora doubted.

‘Margaret has promised us the services of a nanny — the Winterbothams are spending a year in Europe and theirs did not accompany them. A most experienced woman, highly recommended. I will take Rose with us as nursery maid,’ she announced to Clancy as he did up the buttons of her dress the next morning. ‘She will be able to learn much more about how a well-run house operates. It will be good for Rose to see a city, and I have no doubt Margaret’s maid can teach her many things.’ She touched her braid ruefully. ‘Such as to dress hair in a more fashionable style.’

Ezekiel had made it clear that while he would give Flora a small allowance — enough for two new gowns, for tram rides or taxi cabs or tipping the servants — he was not prepared to pay the wages of a lady’s maid. A good one could command thirty pounds a year. Sarah had been paid fifty.

‘And she can lace your stays and do up your buttons until I come to visit.’ Clancy pressed a kiss onto the nape of her neck as he finished.

Flora endured the caress. ‘Yes,’ she agreed. ‘I would hate to have to ask Margaret’s maid or one of the household staff to help me. Do you know that Rose is reading quite fluently now? Maria has been teaching her numbers too.’

‘Really? I had no idea a native would be capable of reading,’ he said.

She looked at him indulgently. ‘You have lived in Australia all your life and you still have no idea what its natives might be capable of. The Ladies’ Guild in Sydney knew many natives with spotlessly clean cottages and the women able to read the Bible too.’

‘Goodness. Perhaps they might read Shakespeare next.’

She laughed. Somehow with the arrival of Margaret’s letter she had found her laughter again. ‘Which is more than you do, Horatio Clancy.’

They walked out to breakfast, arm in arm, just as Rose brought in the toast.

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Ant Eggs

Take ant eggs in the season when the two red stars sit next to each other at night. Place them in a coolamon of water. The dirt will sink to the bottom and the ant eggs will float. Scoop them and eat raw, or bake a paste of them on hot rocks for travel food or to take to elders who cannot journey to ant country.

OVERFLOW, 1877

ROSE