‘Sure, but I’m a doctor. You can tell me.’

She laughed, tempted to confide in him.

He pushed. ‘Think of me as someone to listen and not repeat. If it helps.’

‘I know. And thank you.’ She really wished she could share her worry with someone not related to her. And quite probably, Zac would be a good option. He’d be gone soon. Or he’d forget. No, she admonished. That is unfair. ‘Don’t tell Jock I told you.’

He made a show of crossing his heart.

This is a dumb idea, but here goes. ‘This drought is longer, harder, and we’d spent extra on infrastructure. I’m worried Jock will take it too hard if we do go broke. Blame himself for innovations we needed to have but he thinks now we could have waited for. I’m worried about him coping with the unfounded guilt that goes with responsibility. I know he’s seen the livestock perilously decline in condition as well, and that knocks you down.’ She thought of the baby. ‘Then there’s the usual stress any first-time dad has when his baby is coming soon and he’s the breadwinner.’

‘You’re worried he’s heading for depression?’

She didn’t know whether to nod, which felt disloyal to Jock, or shake her head and pretend she didn’t agree. ‘He’s not smiling as much as he used to. Hana tells me he’s even stopped working on my grandfather’s old gyrocopter, which I know he’s been rebuilding in secret. Granny Mim doesn’t know about that – she’d be horrified. It’s one of Jock’s dreams to be able to fly over the property and it always excited him. In the past, if he ever had any spare cash, he’d buy parts and spend a few hours tinkering and it always made him feel better. One day he wants to get his helicopter licence. Take an aerial view. But he’s stopped now, and won’t go near it. And Hana is worried.’

Zac drummed his fingers on the dashboard as he thought. ‘His wife shared her worries with you?’

‘Yes. So now I’m worried too. But maybe having you here, another man to talk to, will help as well. He’s outnumbered by all the women, although it’s much better since Poddy came to live here.’ She blew out a lungful. ‘But I’ve got it off my chest, so thank you. Enough is enough. Let’s talk about how a city boy like you won’t die of boredom while you’re here, instead.’

‘With all this going on? And Granny Mim slaughtering a beast?’ He gestured the way she had earlier. ‘Not going to happen. Besides, that would defeat the purpose.’

She frowned. ‘Meaning?’

‘I’m here to see and experience the outback. And find my memories.’