Page 35 of The Pearl Sister
He appeared amused at the question. ‘Well, I hope I do, yes.’
‘Then I will tell Mrs Mercer that she has a visitor when she returns.’
‘Mrs Mercer isn’t at home at present?’
‘I am assured that she will return soon,’ Kitty replied, realising her mistake. ‘But there are many servants in the house.’
‘Then I shall go and speak with them about my business,’ he stated, striding towards the rear entrance that led to the kitchen. ‘Good day to you.’
After hurrying inside and climbing the stairs up to her room, then walking out onto her terrace, she saw a horse and cart clopping out of the back gates a few minutes later. Relieved that the servants must have seen him off, she collapsed onto her bed, fanning herself violently.
* * *
That evening, Kitty readied herself to go down for dinner. She still marvelled at the fact that on the other side of the world in a land of heathen natives, there was electric lightanda bathtub that could be filled any day she chose. Kitty took a long refreshing dip, pinned up her hair, cursed her freckles, then walked down the elegant curved staircase. She came to an abrupt halt, for below her was the most exquisite and unexpected sight: a Christmas tree bedecked with tiny glistening ornaments that glimmered in the soft light of the chandelier overhead. The familiar scent of pine reminded her so much of Christmas Eve with her family, it brought a tear to her eye.
‘God bless you all,’ she whispered, as she continued downwards, comforting herself that this time next year, she’d be back at home. As she reached the bottom of the stairs she saw a man, dressed formally for dinner, hanging the last bauble on the tree.
‘Good evening,’ said the man, emerging from the branches.
‘Good evening.’ As she stared at him, Kitty realised there was something familiar about the timbre of his voice.
‘Do you like the tree?’ he asked, walking towards her, his arms crossed as he looked up at his handiwork.
‘It’s beautiful.’
‘It’s a present for my . . . Mrs Mercer.’
‘Is it? How kind.’
‘Yes.’
Kitty looked at him again, his dark hair gleaming under the light and . . .
‘I believe we have met already, Miss . . . ?’
‘McBride,’ Kitty managed, realising exactly who he was and why she recognised him.
‘I am Drummond Mercer, Mrs Mercer’s son. Or at least, her number two son,’ he added.
‘But . . .’
‘Yes?’
‘You . . .’
Kitty watched his eyes fill with amusement and felt her face flush with embarrassment.
‘I’m so sorry. I thought—’
‘That I was an itinerant, come to rob the house?’
‘Yes. Please do accept my apologies.’
‘And you must accept mine for not introducing myself earlier. I came overland from Alice Springs by camel, which is why I looked so . . .deshabille.’
‘You came by camel?’
‘Yes, camel. We have thousands of them here in Australia, and contrary to what people may tell you, they are the most reliable form of transport across our treacherous terrain.’
