‘Really? In that case I’m gonna be begging her to stay for a year.’

Tilly pulled the sink plug. ‘Don’t get your hopes up. First I have to convince her to come at all.’

Graeme left the following day. Sophie, who saw him off, returned from the airstrip without the cocky chicks, the pilot having agreed to take them.

‘So what do you think?’ Tilly asked. ‘Do you reckon the WPA’ll go for the plan?’ She hadn’t passed on Connor’s news about the suspected poachers’ boat, reasoning that there was nothing Sophie could do by knowing. Somewhat guiltily, she acknowledged that keeping silent also helped prevent Matt from learning that his part in it had been uncovered.

Sophie shook her hair back, her plain, suntanned face thoughtful. ‘Realistically? I think we’ve a good chance of getting the go-ahead. Outback tourism is growing every year, and the public is more aware these days of what’s been lost, so they’re interested in seeing what we’re managing to save. Which means there’s a good return for expended dollars. The WPA might mainly be about the environment, but the board are business people too. So it’s obvious to Graeme what a drawcard the springs could be. He agreed with me that the place would pack people in.’ Sophie spread her hands. ‘He seemed genuine enough, Tilly, didn’t you think? I doubt he would have said that unless he favoured the development.’

‘I liked him too.’ Tilly nodded. ‘I suppose it’s a matter of wait and see. Incidentally, Jane will be flying in next week. And I wondered, Soph, what do you think about me seeing if Mum could come up?’ She went on to outline her plan, not neglecting to slip in the bit about getting Elaine to cook for them, adding, ‘Mind you, I doubt I’ll manage to persuade her, but I think it’s worth a try.’

‘Of course it is,’ Sophie said energetically. ‘It’d be good for you both. Respite care is there to be used, and so I’ll tell her. You write, then I’ll give it a week and ring her, just to help make up her mind.’

‘Bless you, Soph!’ Tilly gave her cousin a hug. ‘I really hope she’ll come. I’ve been thinking back, and I don’t believe I’ve seen her more than three or four times since my wedding – and not too often before, either.’

‘It’ll be good for you both,’ Sophie declared. ‘Heaven knows Elaine must need a break. Her life can’t be easy.’