‘It’s a species of broom bush. I’m not quite sure of the variety though. Have to look it up.’

‘It’s a lot to remember, all those names. I suppose you know the Latin ones too?’

‘Oh, he does,’ Tilly said dryly. ‘Tell her the name of the big shade tree back at the house, Connor.’

He complied and Elaine laughed. ‘Sounds like a gastric problem. Well, since you know them all, what’s that dusty-looking bush over there?’

They arrived back at the homestead a little before dark, when the light was fading on the river and the flying fox colony there had begun to stir.

‘Just in time for the evening feeds,’ Tilly said. ‘Well, Mum, you can’t say you haven’t seen a different slice of the Top End.’

‘I had a lovely day. Tiring, but it was really interesting.’ Still clutching the wilting broom sprig, Elaine climbed from the vehicle and stretched. Her face and arms had pinkened from the sun, and wattle pollen dusted her hair and shoulders.

‘Thank you, Connor. And now I’m going to shower and lie down for a bit to settle my back.’

‘No, I want to thank you, Elaine, for your company and the delicious lunch,’ he responded, but found he was talking to her back as she made for the steps. Low-voiced, he added, ‘Well, that was quick. I haven’t offended her, have I?’

Tilly giggled. ‘Don’t be dense. She probably wants the loo. And she’s giving you the chance to kiss me goodbye.’

He grinned. ‘I don’t need telling twice.’ He swept her into his arms and complied. ‘She’s all right, your mum. Okay, my sweet, I’ll be back tomorrow. I need to report to my lot, and if I can phone from here, it’ll save me the drive to Spadgers Creek. What will you be doing?’

‘I should be working. But sometime this week we’re taking Mum out to Sandstone. It’ll depend on Luke’s schedule. Oh my God! We’re doing an extra slide night tonight and I’m supposed to help. I have to go.’ She snatched another brief kiss and fled up the verandah steps, turning at the top to wave goodbye before vanishing indoors.

The following few days fled by. Tilly spent them cooking, sightseeing with Elaine, stealing interludes with Connor, and doing brief stints of labour with Luke. Gordon Chant, the contractor, submitted his quote, along with an initial list of materials the job would require, then departed. He was gone when they took Elaine out to the springs, where a forest of ribboned stakes outlined the position of the proposed boardwalk.