Inherited: Twins. Jessica Hart

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      CHAPTER THREE

      IN THE event, it was Ross who flew Prue to Mack River the following Sunday.

      ‘He was going to Mathison anyway,’ Prue found herself explaining to Nat as together they watched Ross’s Cessna speed down the airstrip and lift up into the blue. He dipped his wings in farewell and headed off in the direction of the town, leaving the two of them alone together in the crushing silence of the bush.

      ‘It seemed silly for you to come all the way over to Cowen Creek when he could give me a lift here just as easily, but if you could fly me back that would be great.’

      She could hear herself babbling, but she was unaccountably shy now that she was suddenly face to face with Nat again. She had forgotten how still he was, how quietly assured, how self-conscious he made her feel.

      It was stupid to think that she needed to explain anything, anyway. Even if she hadn’t already outlined the situation when she’d phoned to say that Ross would bring her over to Mack River, Nat hadn’t said anything to indicate that he cared one way or another how she got there.

      His greeting had been quite impersonal, as if she were no more than a temporary nanny he was employing to look after his small niece and nephew—which was all she was, of course. There had been no reason for Prue’s heart to bump against her ribs when she caught sight of him through the plane window. He had been leaning against the ute in the shade, arms folded and long legs crossed at the ankle, his hat tilted down over his eyes as he waited for Ross to bring the plane to a halt.

      He had straightened as she approached, pushing his hat back and smiling that slow smile that she remembered with such unnerving clarity, and for some reason Prue had burst into speech. Now, she made herself shut up.

      ‘I thought you’d be glad of a chance to spend some time with Ross,’ Nat commented, holding open the door of the ute for her.

      ‘Yes,’ said Prue, hearing the slight doubt in her voice too late. She had been glad, of course, but her pleasure in the flight had been rather spoiled by her nervousness at seeing Nat again and broaching the idea that had come to her as she had driven back to Cowen Creek that day.

      Still, it had been a great flight. She thought about Ross, the magnetism of his presence, the flashing smile as they’d swooped down over the bush, his eyes as blue as the sky around them. Remembering, Prue felt better.

      ‘It was wonderful,’ she told Nat, as if he had doubted her.

      He got in beside her and switched on the engine. ‘How does Ross feel about you coming back?’

      ‘I think he’s pleased,’ said Prue cautiously.

      It was clear Ross had no intention of committing himself to anything, but she was sure that there had been a definite warming in his attitude towards her since she had told him about the job Nat had offered her.

      Of course, it might be wishful thinking, Prue reminded herself. It might just be that Ross was relieved to hear that she was really going and was only being so nice because he knew that she wouldn’t be around for much longer.

      She wished that she could have said that he was jealous of her spending a month in Nat’s company, but none of the Grangers seemed to think that there was any chance—any danger, Prue corrected herself hastily—of Nat treating her as anything other than a nanny. They were united in believing that Kathryn would marry him in the end and that temporary help with the children was all that Nat would need. It would certainly never occur to any of them that he could ever be interested in any other woman.

      ‘Nat’s a one-woman man,’ Ross had explained. ‘He’s adored Kathryn ever since they were kids. Everyone knew they would end up together eventually.’

      ‘What’s she like?’ Prue had been unable to resist asking.

      ‘Kathryn? She’s great. Beautiful girl.’ Ross narrowed his eyes appreciatively. ‘Red hair, green eyes, legs that go on for ever and a smile that makes the sun look dim! She’s bright too. She’s got some kind of fancy job down in Perth.’

      Prue didn’t think he had to sound quite so enthusiastic about her. ‘If she’s that amazing, what’s she doing with Nat?’ she asked a little too tartly. ‘I’d have thought he’d have been too down-to-earth for someone like Kathryn.’

      Ross shrugged, obviously not seeing anything odd in the relationship at all, and it was Joyce Granger who offered an answer when she was helping Prue to wash up.

      ‘Nat’s always been able to manage Kathryn,’ she said shrewdly. ‘He’s the only one who could. She was a very headstrong girl, but so pretty that her parents spoilt her rotten and let her do whatever she wanted. I think she needs Nat to keep her in line.’

      ‘But if she needs him so much, why would she break off their engagement?’

      ‘Kathryn’s used to Nat looking after her. I think she lost her nerve at the thought that she was going to have to take second place for a while and help him care for Ed’s children, but she’ll be back when she gets used to the idea,’ Joyce added comfortably.

      Prue scrubbed the bottom of a saucepan with unnecessary vigour. ‘What if Nat won’t take her back?’

      ‘Oh, Nat will take her back all right.’ Joyce finished drying a plate and put it on top of the pile. ‘He’ll never love anyone but Kathryn. Those two are meant for each other.’

      Prue was still thinking about this exchange now, as Nat drove along the bumpy track from the airstrip to the homestead. She slid a covert glance at him from under her lashes and had to admit that he didn’t look as if he were broken-hearted. Joyce Granger must be right. If he wasn’t miserable, it was because he was quite confident that Kathryn would come back to him.

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