Keely wanted to step back to her verandah hideaway but he’d seen her. He studied her as he stopped, just a few feet away, and pushed back his hat. It was an old Akubra style, quite grey. She couldn’t tell if that was its original shade or if it had coloured that way from years of grime. His face had the weathered complexion of a man who’d spent many years outside. He looked to be at least eighty. The rest of his clothes were clean but well worn, from the checked shirt to the grey trousers and the heavy boots. She wondered about the twine tied around each trouser leg just below his knees. He didn’t look the type to be making a fashion statement.

“Jack Telford.” He smiled warmly and held out his hand over the fence. Keely took it and received a firm shake. “It’s a good day when I get an echo. I’m the whip cracker around these parts.” His arm did a wide sweep, giving her the impression he meant more than Levallier Dell.

“I’m Keely Mitchell.” She grinned and nodded towards the house. “I guess I’m the kitchen hand about these parts.”

“I’d heard the Levallier boys had a lady in the house.”

The smile dropped from Keely’s face.

“It’s about time they had the good sense to get themselves a housekeeper. I sometimes get a cuppa here but they’re not the most reliable hosts.”

Despite the reminder that she was the source of local gossip, there was something about Jack’s kind face that made her warm to him. He’d make a good subject for a sketch. And apart from the Levallier boys, as Jack called them, she’d seen no one else for days. It would be nice to meet someone new.

“Would you like me to make you one? I’ve got some fresh cake.”

“Thanks, Keely. A cup of tea would hit the spot right now.” He reached down and patted the dog sitting patiently beside him. “Bob and I have been loading sheep.”

Keely nodded. She’d seen sheep grazing between the rows of vines and assumed they belonged there.

“Drop, Bob.” At Jack’s command the dog sunk to his stomach. “Stay.”

Jack let himself in through the gate. Keely headed towards the sliding door but Jack went in through the laundry door, came into the kitchen minus his boots, whip and hat, and sat at the table. He’d obviously been inside before.