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8/10/2019 The Haunt Of Fate by V. R. Wilson
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V. R. Wilson was brought up in North Wales. After
school, she read History at Aberystwyth University.
Further studies in different subjects followed later at
Leicester and Cardiff Universities. Her career was also
varied, careers advisory work, teaching, curriculumdevelopment.
The failing physical health of her parents brought her
back to North Wales. Sadly, her caring role continued
after their death as her husbands mobility deteriorated.
Membership of various public bodies has widened her
interests. Meetings continue to keep her busy so that she
does not have as much time for writing, started in 2011,
as she would like.
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T H E
H A U N T
O F
F A T E
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Dedication
In memory of my husband, and parents andTo loyal friends who mean so much.
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V R Wi lson
T H E
H A U N T
O F
F A T E
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Copyright V. R. Wilson
The right of V. R. Wilson to be identified as author of this work has
been asserted by her in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.
Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this
publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claimsfor damages.
A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British
Library.
All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any
resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
ISBN 978 184963 679 7
www.austinmacauley.com
First Published (2014)
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.25 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5LB
Printed and bound in Great Britain
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Acknowledgments
To those whose friendly smile and encouraging wordshave cheered, and especially those who have helped me
by their deeds.
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Greek cheese puffs. The latter was to be Estelles offering, the
loaf Keiths who, unlike his wife, had been far from pleased to
be going.
Ill let you determine the reason, he had whispered to
Estelle becoming a little brighter just before it was time to set
off. By then, he had devised, quietly and cunningly, a ploy to
arrive late and depart early to which a wink had given Estelle a
clue. Neighbours had arrived claiming a long promised favour
of a lift to, and from, some function, which Keith hurried to
fulfil, leaving Estelle to explain his disappearance. As a result,
to arrive in due time with her tasty culinary contributions for
Heidis soiree, Babs had needed to use her own car much to herdismay.
About six of the final number of thirty had arrived before
them, the tall, attractive, blonde hostess being somewhat
disconcerted that the increasing wind was blowing all the
lanterns, floating on the swimming pool, to one corner. In
greeting Babs she had been effusive, announcing to those
present that the arrival of her great friend, to join her adored
Angela, meant that her party would now be in good hands andits success ensured!
Turning to Estelle, she had said, So youre my gate crasher.
Only teasing! Look everybody, my sweet darling has brought
me a card and my favourite pink champagne. This makes you
very welcome.
During this greeting, Estelle had been aware that Heidi had
been scanning her from head to toe. As a consequence, she hadasked, Will I pass?
The arrival of some eight others in close succession
prevented her hostess from answering which might have been a
lucky break for she did hear Heidi tell someone that she was not
a fan of the colour of her guests outfit which was white and did
not flatter the wearer. Anyway, very quickly a tall gentleman,
Angelas husband, had taken her away from Heidis group,
advising her to skip the welcoming drink the hostess wasoffering to the others. His reason was that Heidis offering was
flat and he was about to open a bottle of far better vintage.
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From Tony Estelle gathered that, without the generous
contributions of her multi-national guests, Heidis fare would
consist of potato chips and her over-rated welcoming glass of
pink fizz. Yet, because she seemed to know everybody who
mattered, through her art and craft exhibitions, invitations were
sought after. She provided the venue for useful, chance
encounters, if Estelle got his drift, and many led to unexpected
deals.
In the meantime, Babs and Angela had been joined by
Yoko, a Japanese translator, and Maria, a young Columbian, to
lay out what had become an extensive, ethnically varied buffet.
It did not include any potato chips which Estelle had assumedhad been consumed already if everyone had tasted a couple with
their welcoming drink. From the many bottles guests had
brought, it became clear glasses would not run dry. Most of the
men seemed to have taken turns to be the wine waiter.
Browsing through Heidis adjoining studio and gallery had
been interesting. There was no denying that their hostess was
multi-talented. All her paintings were seascapes or of
underwater marine life; her wooden sculptures had a religioustheme from many credos; her pottery figures pertained to
Spanish America, while her painting on silk was influenced by
China. The kaftan style dress of purple silk, which she had been
wearing, was decorated with a lotus bloom motif, all her own
work.
Her style of hosting was to hold court from her well-placed
throne, expecting everyone in turn to come and enjoy ameasure of her time and conversation. When the audience was
over, she directed people towards those it might be useful for
them to chat to next. Waiting her turn, Estelle had feared that
the attention she was getting might have annoyed her hostess
but it seemed not. The interest, according to Heidi, stemmed
from the fact that she was the first British guest to attend one of
her parties, either at home or to launch an exhibition.
A privilege indeed to be the first had been her response, andlater, before leaving she had added, quite sincerely, that it would
be an evening she would remember. In no way, except through
her friends, could she have expected to be part of such an
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enjoyable and interesting gathering. Conversations had ranged
from the light-hearted to the serious. One got so profound, it had
led her to cite one of Pauls sayings when he thought talk at a
dinner party, or some social event, was getting too heavy for the
occasion:
Read any good books lately?
There were times someone would laughingly respond: As a
matter of fact I have and the title is
The very international buffet had offered Estelle the chance
as well to try things new to her palate. Thus, in no way, had the
evening been boring. Taking place so many miles from home
had given it all an air of unreality.
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Chapter Two
Late into the evening, sitting down amongst a small group
which included Heidi, the conversation had turned to star signs.
Someone casually mentioned that January was the month in
which most people were born, with September the second. This
whole subject was of great interest to their hostess whoreminded those, who might need reminding, that as the day was
her birthday her star sign was Pisces. This explained her
fascination with the sea, marine life and coastal landscapes.
During her years in Hawaii, and then a keen diver,
underwater scenes had been a great inspiration. Certainly, Heidi
had been adamant that the sign of the zodiac under which a
person was born influenced traits and characteristics as well as
interests. This was challenged by one of the men who put
forward the view that the environment of Hawaii, and the
opportunities it offered for aquatic activity, was probably a
stronger influence. To this, she had a ready response that, if she
had been an earth sign, then the volcanic scenery would have
been the main attraction and not the sea.
Heidis accent was very American and generally, it had
been presumed that she had been born in Hawaii, Americasfiftieth state. Her looks, however, indicated an ethnic origin
other than the Pacific Islands, but it was clear there had been no
speculation as to what part of the U.S., or even Europe, her
family had hailed from originally. When Heidi asked for
guesses as to where she was born, there had been a kind of
stunned reaction. If not Hawaii, choosing one of the other forty-
nine states would be pot luck. Some three possibles were
voiced, with little expectation of being right: California? NewYork? Florida?
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Then the very polished voice of Yoko was heard. Her
excellent English, she had told Estelle, was due to three years
studying at Cambridge.
I sound English but my looks show that I am not, by ethnic
origins anyway. You sound American but I would suggest you
were born somewhere other than America or Canada.
Maybe it was the fact that this forthright statement had been
made by such a petite, fragile looking person as Yoko which
surprised and silenced the group, at least for a moment until
someone said: Europe, then?
No, no! Yoko firmly asserted, her gaze fixed directly at
Heidi. I say South America.Bravo! Can you go further? Heidi urged.
The tiny Yoko had become embarrassed, and ill at ease,
having drawn all eyes upon her by her positive declaration.
Please, I have been playing a game and my guesses were
lucky.
Her discomfort appreciated, one of the women impatiently
implored, Come on, Heidi, put us out of our misery. Peru?
Argentina? Venezuela? Where? Playing games like this is notyour style.
Its my party, Heidi retorted peevishly, then immediately
returning to her mask of charm to purr the words:
I thought you would all like to learn more about your
Heidi. Not all that you shall hear will be included in the
biographical details of my soon-to-be released book on my lifes
work.At this stage, Babs and Angela, having finished their task of
quietly clearing debris and tidying up, joined the group, with
Babs closing the terrace door before sitting down.
We dont want the chat of those outside to disturb, she
explained, smiling at Heidi, whispering in an aside to Estelle:
Our Ms Ingres seems very mellow after the champagne!
Meanwhile, an agog silence of anticipation descended.
You know that I make a great deal of being a Piscean whoneeds to be by water, she began, but I was born in a place well
inlandHesitating dramatically, she glanced at each person in
turn, yet not really expecting, or wanting, anyone to venture a
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pondered but never asked. Her looks would have aroused male
interest, on that there was agreement. Most, in their speculation,
had opted for lovers and not a husband.
It was what might be described as an arranged marriage, an
alliance of families which was not unusual. Chile was old-
fashioned, religious and very proprietary. It was a way the social
elite got their power, especially important at the time when the
traditionalists, the great landowners, were being threatened.
Remember, Eduardo Frei began some land reforms in the 1960s
and then Allende came in the 1970s hoping to increase the pace
of reformbut enough of politics.
The approach of the Ingres family, regarded almost asroyalty, had been considered by her mother and stepfather as an
honour. Heidi and Ramon knew one another, their interests in
the arts had drawn them into a circle of like-minded people.
Even this happened only occasionally, but enough to promote an
idea that the partnership was ideal, that they were kindred
spirits. I was young, naive and blindly flattered and he was an
Adonis. Tall, very good looking, charming and rich all points
which I did not ignore. Nevertheless, what swayed me was hislove for the arts and his natural talents which he underrated.
Ramon was more than a passable painter, and an excellent
pianist; but his passion was the theatre and acting, the latter
frowned upon by his family.
For a moment, it had been easy to imagine that she was
glimpsing scenes from those euphoric days in her fairy tale
bubble. In proceeding with her tale, Estelle had the impressionthat Heidi still wondered why she had allowed herself to be
manipulated. There was no real courtship, she added, the
three months between engagement and wedding passed in a
whirl and my voices of doubt were overcome by family and
friends stressing I could exploit my artistic talents to my hearts
content with the wealth of the Ingres family behind me and a
husband who understood the artistic muse! All so poetic! she
exclaimed mockingly.No comments were offered during Heidis narrative
although there were some puzzled looks showing that people
were uncertain about what would follow. It is doubtful anyone
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would have predicted correctly the next chapter, or how it would
end. The disdain, the anger remaining despite the intervening
years had been noticeable to all when she told the group that
Ramon had told her, on the first night of the honeymoon, that he
was passionately in love with someone else. Rich men, she
knew, had mistresses whom the dictate of society prevented
them from marrying. Thus, although not pleased at the news,
she had felt some respect for his honesty. What he added next
crucified her.
Ramon told me the marriage could be in name only
because of his great love for Eduardo Perez. I knew him to be a
friend, who bred horses, from whom Ramon had bought hisfavourite thoroughbred, but little more.
No one had known quite what to say that was appropriate,
anything said might have been offensive to someone who
knew? Anyway having been reassured by Ramon that no one
had any suspicion of the clandestine association, an
accommodating agreement had been reached. Thus the couples
sham marriage had lasted two years whilst details of an
elaborate plan was worked out. To carry it out, they hadannounced they were moving to California so that Heidi could
do some further studying at UCLA, while Ramon sought
recognition for his good looks and acting talent in the mecca of
the film.
The real intention was different. Once in Los Angeles,
Ramon and Eduardo had set about acquiring suitable new
identities and papers, not hard when the price could be afforded.This done, the couple set on a romantic trip to Acapulco in
Mexico. Alas, when there, it was announced Ramon had met
with an unfortunate and tragic accident, falling overboard when
out at sea on a fishing trip, the sharks making the mishap fatal!
Before this, a suitable body had been acquired by Eduardo
which she had identified as her husband. To family back home,
it had been said that the state of the body had been such that it
needed immediate burial in Mexico.Everything had depended on trust, especially as Ramons
not insignificant fortune in his own right became hers as his
widow. However, she had wanted none of the money, not all
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This acted as a cue for all to agree it was time to end the
evening, someone had laughingly stated that the predetermined
way home awaited, a remark Estelle had felt had a more
mocking than humorous edge to it. It was a topic Estelle was
sensitive about in view of what had happened and consequently
she was glad there had been no time for general discussion, or to
address, individually, Angelas specific question. Babs,
seemingly, had sensed her relief.
Neither Heidis revelation, nor the subject of fate, destiny,
or kismet, whatever one cared to call it, had been mentioned on
the drive back. Mostly the talk of been about the buffet, Babs
being pleased her offerings had been a hit once again. Her ownfavourite, however, had been Marias Columbian dish, the
recipe for which Maria had found time to scribble down for her.
When they arrived back at the house, they had found Keith
asleep on the sofa despite the television being on quite loud. He
had woken with a start only to be greeted by the question
whether it had been really necessary for him to leave so early?
On the journey back, Babs had given no indication of her inner
annoyance.You clearly missed me then, Keith responded trying to
make light of the situation but Babs was in no mood to be
humoured. Appreciating that a brief, but embarrassing, spat
might ensue, Estelle had decided retreat was in order, and it was
late. The couples daughter had mentioned that she carried a
small white flag to have ready to end silly rows about nothing of
any importance her parents were inclined to have. With no flagto hand, Estelle, as said, opted for retreat and hopefully some
pleasant dreams.
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Chapter Three
On becoming aware that both Babs and Keith were up and
about, Estelle made her way to the kitchen. As she entered she
feared another disagreement was about to start. Keith had found
that his favourite cereal had not been replaced, nor could he find
eggs or bacon to enjoy instead. Shopping in the household was abone of contention. It was supposed to be a duty which they
took turns to do as each had busy working lives, as well as other
commitments and involvements.
According to Babs, it had been Keiths turn, while he
countered that it was hers because her over full diary had thrown
the rota into disarray and she had catching up to do for the
times, six weeks in a row, he had shopped! Being a great
giggler, Estelle found it hard not to laugh as she made a pot of
tea, put bread in the toaster and a bowl of apples on the table,
seemingly invisible to the other two.
Breakfast, she declared as four nicely toasted pieces of
bread popped out of the toaster. Her version of the white flag
worked beautifully and all three burst into laughter when
Estelle, in putting more bread into the toaster said, Maybe
bread should be on that shopping list.With normal relations resumed, Babs was soon telling Keith
about Heidis personal narrative the previous evening. Youve
always said shes older than she looks. Sheis sixty.
If she admits to sixty, then I bet shes seventy, he said
provocatively, although Estelle had felt it may have stemmed
from his antipathy to the woman.
Just shows how wrong you can be, Babs retorted
gleefully. If you had been there, she stressed, and heard herstory, then you would know youre wrong. I dont know why
you dont like her. Now listen to what we were told, not all of
which will be in her book.
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And she actually said all of that? Keith remarked in sheer
disbelief.
Estelle, too, had been uncertain about the latter part of
Heidis confession, but then her acquaintance with her had been
fleeting. Nevertheless, the impression she had gained from the
evening had been that the lady knew how to charm, tantalise
even, to get her own way. Also that she could be manipulative,
self-obsessed and determined, not someone she would like to
cross. Without asking, Estelle knew that Keith would describe
Ms Ingres similarly. She and Keith shared the same birthday,
obviously, therefore they would share the same viewpoint!
What Keith went on to say in support of his scepticism wasthat he believed that it had been made up for effect, being a
more romantic reason for the disappearance of a husband than
divorce, than that the man just walked out. Now to Keith, the
latter was a real possibility. No man could live with that
woman!
In Estelles opinion this was somewhat harsh as
circumstances, what life throws ones way, can influence what
one becomes.Not wanting any difference of opinion about Heidi to spark
a new argument, Estelle had jumped in to ask Keith if he would
take her to Parc Menai so she could take some photographs. The
nearby supermarket would also allow the opportunity to get a
couple of items. In particular, she wanted six bottles of Wolf
Blass Chardonnay, the couples favourite: as they would say not
cheap but worth the expense! For Jack and Sally, she wouldlook for a Hunter Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
In Parc Menai, she wanted to take snaps of a Cromlech of
blue Penrhyn slate from North Wales which a great friend from
university days, had been instrumental in getting there in 1995.
Her friend had also sent a variety of stones for a Celtic mosaic
which been constructed close by and had arranged for a
thousand King Alfred daffodil bulbs which a nursery in the
State of Victoria had supplied, to be planted all around. Ofcourse, Catrin could not have accomplished all this without the
generosity of the Welsh slate company, and their agents in
Australia. Even so, it was no mean feat for which Estelle was
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full of admiration, especially knowing how quiet, shy and
unassuming her friend Catrin was. With an absolute phobia
about flying, she had never ventured out to see the results of her
efforts, which was a pity.
If I win the lottery, I shall cruise there, she would say. In
the meantime, she was quite content for Estelle to be her proxy
and report back to her with photographs, as she had done on two
previous occasions.
Anyway, the suggestion which Estelle had made had
successfully diverted the conversation from Heidi, particularly
as Babs had realised that it would allow Keith to do some
essential shopping for her, a quickly scribbled but lengthy list,being soon produced. This had been in Estelles mind when
putting forward her request to Keith: it would put the shopping
rota back on track, hopefully, without any loss of face.
Wanting to do other chores while the two were away Babs
could not be persuaded to join the short excursion. Before they
left, however, she had stressed that they had to be back in good
time to get to Oyster Bay by 1.30 where a table was booked for
lunch at a pub/restaurant renowned for its oysters and seafood.Each, in turn, had been keen to emphasise that oysters from
Georges River and Botany Bay were the best in the world! The
name Woolooware they had told her was an Aborigine word
for muddy flat, an ideal environment for those sea creatures.
All of this was repeated later when they were nearing the
restaurant.
Once in the car, Keith had been eager to ask Estelle whatshe really thought of Heidi and if she had enjoyed the evening
amidst strangers. What riled him was the use made of Angela
and Babs, and the others, to make the party a success, while she
made no effort whatsoever. There was never anything to fall
back on if contributions were disappointing, lacked variety, or
quantity was lacking which luckily for Heidi had never
happened. Estelle had to admit that she was envious of Heidis
ability to host, at little effort or no cost. In fact, she had mademoney, one of the guests had said he wanted to purchase a
particular seascape canvas, when finished.
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Keith had wanted the Chardonnay placed in his trolley. Politely,
but firmly, Estelle had told him to concentrate on the list and, of
course, his guess could well be wrong for all might be intended
for Jack and Sally. Jokingly she referred to her movement
between the two couples as passing the parcel. The way she
got to know them had been so unexpected, so unpredictable.
The friendship had come about through Catrins Cromlech, a
most happy chance, whether preordained or not.
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Chapter Four
Shopping over and in Parc Menai taking photographs of the
slate Cromlech, Estelle and Keith got talking to a group of six
from South Africa who were staying for a month in Manley on
an exchange of property arrangement. They had stopped at the
supermarket remembering the need to buy coffee and haddecided to have a look around the park. Without any destination
in mind, it had seemed a good idea an opportunity to get a feel
for the area, the townships and suburbs around Sydney, in
reality a mystery tour.
To meet up with Estelle and Keith, who could tell them all
about the structure and its journey to the park (by road from
North Wales to Tilbury, six weeks at sea and then by road from
the docks in Sydney to the park) greatly delighted and
astounded them. In answer to well why? they were told that
the name of Menai and Bangor had been given to the
settlements in the area by an Owen Jones from Bangor in North
Wales as the nearby Georges River had reminded him of his
homeland and the Menai Straits. Estelle had added that she was
uncertain about the similarity, but then places changed over
time, especially with development. Keith went on to mentionthat the said gentleman, and other congregationalists, had come
to the place as rents were cheaper than in Sydney. What they
produced could be sold in the city by travelling overnight to the
markets.
Told that the park, since erection of the Cromlech and
mosaic, had been the venue for successful Celtic festivals
increased further the interest of one of the women. This was
because she hailed originally from Dundee in Scotland. It wasmeeting her husband, a doctor, which had taken her out to the
Western Cape. All of them lived in Worcester, a place no great
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distance from Cape Town. Suddenly they began to try to recall
just why the place was so named.
More likely after someone who was Governor of the
Cape, one of the men had ventured casually.
Certainly not one of the governors, said another. I think
it was after one of the relations of the Governor. Either of you
two know?
Please say yes, the woman from Dundee hadpleaded, her
Scottish accent suddenly becoming more pronounced,
otherwise it will haunt us all day, unless we phone home.
Not especially for that we wont, came a deep bass voice,
unexpected as its owner was the rather short and slight man inthe group.
While Keith had indicated that he had no idea, he had been
happy to suggest Estelle might know. As she quickly sought,
from the depths of her mind a suitable suggestion to offer, he
had joked that she was usually more speedy giving answers.
Thank you so much for that, she had retorted before
offering a possibility to follow. Marques of Worcester is a title
owned by a noble English family with the surname Somerset. Itrust thats of some help.
When just a short distance from the group Estelle and Keith
heard a sudden gleeful hurray. They turned and it was clear the
puzzle have been resolved.
Lord Charles Somerset, was shouted, followed by,
brother. A thumbs up from Keith had indicated the message
had been understood, Lord Charles had been the governor whohad named the town, Worcester, in honour of his older brothers
title. Getting into the car, Keith had remarked that he was
pleased they had made the group happy, and he trusted that
Babs would be satisfied with the shopping they had done and in
getting back in plenty of time. With the engine started, he went
on to say, Just like me, you have a brain for incidental
information and trivia. This makes a good conversationalist,
always with something to say to people.Was he thinking, she wondered, that the similarities
between them were all due to their star signs? At the same time,
it irked her that the thought had been implanted by Heidi in
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discussing the issue the previous evening. The question of how
much fate played a part in peoples lives also haunted her.
When they arrived back, Babs had been in a very good
mood and it improved further when the shopping was unpacked
and stored, each helping to quicken this task. Keith, at Estelles
urging, had been prompted to think of items which might well
be needed but had not been on the list.
Telepathy, Babs had declared on finding all the things she
had remembered after they had left but had not had the chance
to ring Keithsmobile to update him.
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Chapter Five
The drive to the restaurant in Oyster Bay had been in Keiths
vintage Jaguar, his pride and joy. He had bought the car some
five years before. The cars previous owner had lived in Hong
Kong. In consequence, he always told admirers, the car could
have some interesting stories to tell if only He extolled tothe people, who had stopped to comment on the vehicle on this
particular Sunday, that it had purred beautifully on its journey
there.
According to Babs, the timing was perfect. Lunching late
meant most diners had eaten, leaving an uncrowded venue for
the more discerning. A remark which she made not totally
tongue-in-cheek. Anyway, everything lived up to the great
build-up the place had been given. Not a fan of raw oysters,
whether they were best in the world or not, Estelle had opted to
start with the Tuna Carpaccio, followed by Ocean Trout in vine
leaves with a lentil salad and braised fennel.
By this time, such had been the harmony between her
friends, the mornings good deed of shopping having erased
earlier discord, that both chose oysters with a green onion
dressing, with lobster with flavoured butter and lemongrassmash to follow.
Fish, all good for the brain power! Estelle had uttered in a
throwaway remark about the trios choices. The throwaway
remark proved to be just that for it gained no reaction. In any
case, at the time minds had been concentrating on a choice of
dessert, all ending up in agreement: lemon curd tart with a
macadamia nut crust and raspberries to garnish.
The whole meal had been a superb dining experience, madeeven more delightful by the fact that Estelle had been
outmanoeuvred by Keith foiling her intention to pay the bill.
Her plan was to excuse herself to visit the powder room just
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before coffee in order to go and pay except that instructions had
been given to refuse her payment!
Damn it, she had said quietly, wondering if it was that
birth sign business again putting them on the same wavelength?
This continuing thought had annoyed her, and again she blamed
Heidi for planting the idea. However, moved almost to tears by
the generosity of friends, this thought did not linger. Their
kindness during her stay, like that of Jack and Sally would be
something she could never repay. Fortunately the distraction of
a birthday cake being presented to one of the late diners had
diverted her thoughts and stopped the tears, but not the deep
appreciation of the value of true friends, especially at a time ofadversity.
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Chapter Six
A stroll to stretch the legs and help the digestion had followed
on leaving the restaurant. During this time, Keith mentioned that
his first ancestor in Australia had been involved in the
development of oyster farming, one of the earliest industries in
the area. This was something Estelle recalled he had spokenabout on another occasion. Likewise Babs had reminded her that
one of her predecessors had been amongst the first convicts
transported to the country. The poor young woman had taken
lace worth the princely sum of six old pence. This was in 1787
and her punishment had been to be sent to the penal colony
about to be set up in Botany Bay, Australia. The ship, on which
the prisoner had sailed, was called The Scarborough and the
voyage had taken eight months.
Not for the first time, Estelle conjured up in her mind the
sound of the wooden ship creaking through the waves, with the
wind causing the noisy flapping of sails. Day after day, on
meagre rations, going to a land that was quite unknown and not
from choice. It needed inner courage to endure all the
privations. The Scarborough was one of the fleet of eleven ships
which lost very few passengers on the voyage. Each whosurvived and stayed in the colony, whether a convict, marine or
free person, played a part in the establishment of modern
Australia. Thus, Estelle appreciated that Babs had every right to
be proud of this ancestor and the physical, and mental, stamina
she had needed to survive.
Returning to the car, which again had attracted
complimentary comments, Keith revealed something he had not
disclosed before, namely that his fathers foremost wish hadbeen to own such a vehicle. Therefore, he truly hoped that his
dad journeyed with him, in spirit, each time it was used. Even
Babs was taken aback by the depth of the sentiment expressed.
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Never quite appreciated just how much it meant to you.
Youre a real softy at heart which is what I love about you. She
gave her husband an understanding squeeze of the hand, and a
kiss on the cheek. Estelle so wished she could magic herself
away, not just because of the yearning it stirred but so that her
friends could enjoy the cosy closeness, the opportunity for
which busy lives gives little time. Taking time off, as they had
for her, she believed had been good for them.
The first weekend of her Australian stay, they had taken her
to Canberra on the Friday, on from there to Batemans Bay on
Saturday where they had stayed at the holiday bungalow owned
by friends, who produced a great barbecue in the evening. Onthe drive to Canberra, and then on to the bay, it had amused
Estelle to see the signs, similar to those indicating the way to
some small settlement, which said Grate. When she had seen
the first, she almost remarked that it was a strange name for a
place! Fortunately, she appreciated in time it indicated that there
was a built barbee nearby for travellers to use for their picnics.
This was a way of trying to ensure that fires were not started
accidentally when the countryside was tinder dry. Alas though,the danger of fires started through carelessness, or deliberately,
was a hazard Australians had to face regularly, and stoically.
The road from Batesmans Bay to Sydney follows the coast
and their stop, for an early evening meal, had been at a
restaurant at Stanwell Top, giving a great view over
Wollongong, the third largest city in New South Wales. As a
result, it had been late that Sunday evening when the parcelhad been returned to Sally and Jack.
It seemed that her friends had been reading her thoughts
being themselves astounded that it was two weeks since that
first weekend together, and a week since she had joined them
and other friends of the Maritime Museum for a Sunday aboard
the Lady Wakenhurst for a ferry race in Sydneys astounding
bay. The craft had enjoyed an interesting history since it was
built in 1972, from being used in Tasmania when a bridge wasdestroyed, to being a VIP venue for race watchers in New
Zealand during one of the Americas Cup Yacht Races. It had
been exciting to watch the winning ferries in various categories,
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being greeted to victory by the hoses of the sea faring fire
tenders. Another experience she would not have enjoyed but for
her friends.
Following a brief session of reminiscing, Estelle silently
wishing Paul was alive and with her, the question was posed,
where to next? It was jokingly said it was tooearly to return
the parcel! Babs suggested they headed for Cronulla and from
near there, take a ferry to Bundeena and back. A great one for
catnaps, she thought this run would give her time to have a brief
siesta of ten or twenty minutes, and become revived again as a
result! This knack Estelle envied as she often found a good
nights sleep in her bed at night somewhat elusive.The sight of a pretty young woman of about twenty, dressed
to provoke, as Estelle put it, had revived Keith noticeably!
Luckily for him, Babs had fallen asleep. Down boy, Estelle
had teased as Keiths eyes followed the sexy wench in the
briefest of shorts, and wearing a bra and top to enhance her
bosom and cleavage, well knowing she would attract attention.
Does her mother know shes out dressed like that? Estelle
added, remembering, from a child, this remark uttered by anelderly aunt. They both laughed. Babs stirred, lost in her
dreams, as they headed for Cronulla. The ferry had left
Gunnamatta just seconds before they arrived.
Well,our ferry trip wasnt meant to be, Keith remarked,
actually with some relief. Probably, this was because he had not
wanted to park his lovely vehicle and it would be a long drive
round to meet Babs and herself at Bundeena.What he had said made Estelle think about how often the
sentiment of some kind of predetermination was expressed. In
most cases, a mere turn of phrase inherited from the past, while
to some, it had real significance.
Que Sera, Sera, what will be, will be, a philosophy in
which many believed.
Now you were deep in thought, Babs observed, awake
again. Anything youd care to share?Nothing worth repeating, she replied, suddenly aware of
how busy the area was. Not surprising as the wide curving
sweep of Bates Bay gave the place superb surfing beaches.
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What she saw, she preferred to Bondi but wondered if it would
be sacrilege to say so, especially as she was not a surfer. The
name Cronulla, she was told, stemmed from the native word
which meant place of the pink shells, but she had no
opportunity to discover if any could still be found.
With no space to park at Cronulla, there was discussion as
to whether or not to proceed to Kurnell, the place where Captain
Cook had landed and which, it was said, a writer in the 1970s
had described as a queer, haunting place. This was not because
the ghost of any of James Cooks crew still frequented place,
but because its original heart had been swamped by the oil
refinerys sprawling installations. Nevertheless, there was agood impression of the Sydney skyline to be got from the
vicinity. It was concluded therefore that it was worth driving in
that direction before making a journey back.
When they stopped to take in the view, the clouds indicated
there was a storm brewing, and quite storm it proved to be. It
circulated all around and seemed to come to a grand finale soon
after she returned to Sallys and Jacks. The fork lightning
provided quite a display and gave Estelle an experience shewould happily have passed on. She felt an inner tightness and
nervousness, but her unease she was happy to attribute to the
storm, phenomena she found disconcerting wherever they
occurred.
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Chapter Seven
From the start of the trip, Estelle had been pleased to note that
she had been sleeping quite well. Undoubtedly, this was due to
the fact that her days had been so busy, so full of activity. The
nights, dwelling on the cruel act of fate which had made her a
widow, had been fewer, the hours of wakefulness not so long.The days had been far busier than she had expected, or
hoped for, when journeying out. Then, her only firm wish had
been that the days before her departure for home gave her little
time to think about saying goodbye to her very good friends,
something she found difficult at the best of times. Bidding
farewell to friends residing overseas, always made her wonder
as to what the future might hold? Would they meet again? She
would be returning to the UK to face an unaccustomed
emptiness, along with the need to establish a new life and career
for herself. First though, she needed to resolve why Paul had
been unlawfully killed.
Still, she had got up feeling very positive, determined to
enjoy her outing, the day dawning pleasant and warm once more
after the storm. Both Jack and Sally had important matters to
attend to, pertaining to their own businesses, which could not bepostponed from the Monday. In view of this, it had been
arranged that Estelle would join a wine tour to the Hunter
Valley with a company which offered a more relaxed and
personal service to small groups of discerning travellers. The
pickup was in Sydney at 7:30 am to which Jack kindly
chauffeured her, insisting on waiting the ten minutes until the
minibus arrived.
Estelle was the last to be picked up, making the total aboard,including the driver, twelve in number. Travelling alone, Ted
suggested that she took the single seat across from his. Though
he had lived in Australia for twenty years, his accent was very
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recognisably English. After serving as a soldier, much of this
time in Germany, he was fluent in the language, and in French
as well. He made no secret of the fact that having an uncle who
was a brigadier had been a bonus to his military career.
Anyway, he was to prove an excellent driver, knowledgeable
and a good leader.
Being given what the others described as the VIP seat, the
badinage between members of the group began immediately and
set a happy tone which lasted the entire trip. One passenger,
however, could have blighted everyones cheeriness by her long
face, sulkiness and lack of participation. The person in question
was the Indonesian wife of the gentle, affable, German giantcalled Joachim, but named Joe by the American couple. It was a
trip that his wife, a nurse, clearly had not wanted to be on. Her
displeasure stayed visible on her face all day, without wavering.
At the coffee and comfort stop at Calga Springs Animal
Sanctuary, she stepped away from the group to have a cigarette
and, even in the ladies room, acted as if everyone was invisible.
To exit, she pushed past Estelle and the two young women from
Hong Kong, all quite unnecessarily. Dont mind us, Estellehad remarked, making the girls start giggling, especially when
they began to mimic the long face.
Besides those mentioned already, the group also consisted
of a Canadian couple and two New Zealanders. Over coffee,
there had been much light-hearted banter and laughter. The
hilarity had increased when an emu appeared, thereby offering
great opportunities for photographs, fooling everyone of its realpurpose. With peoples attention diverted, it grabbed a cake
from one of the plates and disappeared to enjoy.
On her previous visit to the area, Estelle remembered that
the turn off towards Mangrove Mountain had not been taken so
the locality around the Calga Sanctuary was new to her.
Afterwards, as they approach the area around the Hawkesbury
River, she had soon appreciated that she had forgotten how
scenic the area was. Lovely little bays with wooded sides andsmall coves housing fishing and sailing places like the small
town of Brooklyn. The Americans sure needed to take a snap
of the name. This reminded Estelle that the Hawkesbury, when
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it ceased to be tidal, became the Nepean, and that on the
outskirts of Ottawa, in Canada, there was a town of that name.
Both were so named after a man who carried out colonial duties
in both areas. The Canadians were keen to note this, while Ted
hadbeen surprised by Estelles knowledge.
Leaving the freeway, the minibus joined the roadway built
by convicts at a great cost of lives, to enable the coal found in
Newcastle, New South Wales, to be transported. There was a
stop at a tiny settlement of Wollombi, the purpose of which was
to enjoy a taste of Dr Jurds Jungle Juice. A widely known and
popular tipple, it tasted like a slightly sweet tawny port. Very
palatable, but to be drunk sparingly as it packed a punch!Additionally, there were further tasters to come in the Hunter
Valley, Ted who was well informed on the subject of wine but
was no wine snob, was keen to emphasise each should judge
according to ones tastes. Choosing his words carefully, he also
reminded the group that the aim was to enjoy the day, and the
tastings, but to stay sober and standing!
It was German Joe who got a little inebriated with everyone
agreeing that his wifes disapproving face was enough to sendany man to drink! At the tastings, he did not touch any of the
dessert, or fortified, wines but with other samples he drank his
own and that of his abstaining wife. Such was her disdain she
did not even partake in the lunch which was quite a feast: a
seafood opener of smoked salmon, mussels, baby squid and
some fish roe, followed by ham, salami, kangaroo meat in aspic,
emu in filo pastry, fresh salad and pickled vegetables, roastedyams and fresh bread, ending with a large cookie and coffee. A
small amount of four wines, two whites and two reds were
provided to accompany the meals courses which all bar one
enjoyed, the easy and interesting conversation amongst the
group adding to the pleasure.
Someone had joked that the only thing which had been
lacking was cheese to enjoy with the coffee. This prompted
Estelle to mention that at the next winery, there was a cheeseshop, or there had been when she had visited previously. Her
memory seemed to astound and it was when they got to the very
place that Joes very happy mood was noticed, being eager to
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buy each an ice cream, much more exciting than cheese. When
most of the group made use of his cheerless wife to take
photographs of Ted and his band of discerning travellers, Joe
was keen to whisper for no one to suggest that his wife be
included in any photo as her grim face would break all cameras.
I heard that, she declared, before uttering a spiel of
German.
Shes talking to me again, Joe happily responded, blowing
his wife a kiss.
Go on, give us a smile, force yourself, one of the men
ventured, but to no avail, with the rest shrugging acceptance,
there would be no thawing.At least it was known that she did speak, that she
understood English, and certainly that her German was fluent,
and according to a whispered aside to Estelle, by Ted, quite
colourful.
The American and Canadian couples joined Estelle for some
cheese tasting. Amongst other, things they wanted an
opportunity to express their opinion about the very rude and
uncalled for behaviour of Joes wife. Their sympathy for theGerman, who was such a gentle giant, was enormous. The
great wonder was that the said lady was a nurse, her nature
being such that they had great sympathy with any patients she
tended. It was only to be expected that members of the group
had comments to make about the inexcusable attitude displayed
whatever the reason for her displeasure with her husband, Joe.
Except for Estelle, the Canadian lady and, of course, Ted,sleep overtook everyone else during the whole of the journey
back to Sydney where they arrived at 6:30pm. First stop was to
drop Joe, and his wife, near Chinatown to which, by her
demeanour and the sudden spring in her step, she seemed
delighted to be heading. The consensus of opinion was that she
must be starving and only Chinese food whetted her palate.
Next, it was Estelles turn to be dropped off at the
mornings pick up point where Jack, and not Sally, awaited herwhich was the arrangement she expected. In fact, she had
argued that she could make her own way back by train but the
suggestion had been overruled.
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Innocently, one of the young women from Hong Kong said,
Your husband awaits, how lovely.
Estelles heart sank and she feared she would burst into
tears but she said goodbye to her fellow travellers as cheerily as
possible. Ted squeezed her hand tight as she shook his to give a
tip.
Take care. Keep smiling. Youll do all right, given time,
he told her quietly having stepped out of the vehicle, adding,
Ill tell the others.
He needed to say no more, she understood. In travelling
back with the sleeping company, she had told him that she had
been widowed through a cruel mishap.