Free Dust on the Horizon by Tricia Stringer

her.
    â€œCan I take him?” Lizzie reached out her arms for Robert. Clara handed the grizzly baby over.
    â€œHello my fine young man.” Lizzie snuggled him into the crook of one arm and tickled his toes. “Haven’t you grown since I saw you last.”
    â€œGrandma, Grandma.” Esther raced through the door carrying a small calico bag.
    â€œYes, sweet Esther, I’m right here and I haven’t lost my hearing. You’ll be scaring your brother with all that shouting.”
    To Clara’s surprise Esther steadied to a walk and carefully held out the bag.
    â€œThat’s some soap for your mother.” Lizzie patted the little girl’s wayward hair.
    â€œThank you Mother Baker, you didn’t need to bring me anything.”
    â€œIt’s a gift for your birthday.”
    Clara didn’t want to be reminded of that horrible day. “Thank you.” She took the bag from Esther and breathed in the delicious scent of roses. She’d been alone on her birthday. Joseph had taken the oldest children with him on the trip to Hawker along with Binda and his children. Jundala had gone to visit her family. Clara had been alone with Robert. She’d been feeling unwell for days but was worse on that day. After an awful morning of trying to placate the baby and stop herself from being sick she’d realised what the date was and that had led her to discover why she felt so unwell.
    Violet and Thomas came inside with arm loads of bags and baskets. Clara shut the door behind them to keep out the heat and the little black flies that crawled over everything. She pulled her face into a smile. “Goodness, what’s all this?”
    Thomas put his load on the table then helped Violet with hers.
    â€œWe’ve come to help with the lambs. I thought I’d bring you some food. I’ve stitched some overalls for young Robert.” Lizzie lifted the baby into the air and kissed his red cheeks. “He looks like he’s teething. I’ve brought some of my mulberry jam, I’ve made a new nightdress each for the girls and there’s a pocketknife for William.”
    â€œShe didn’t make that.” Thomas chuckled as Lizzie drew breath.
    â€œWe’ve been into Hawker.” Lizzie kissed Robert’s fingers as he tried to grab the chain around her neck. “There’s a new shop there.”
    â€œA proper shop,” Violet said.
    â€œHave you been there?”
    â€œThe lady gave us sweets.” Violet’s big eyes were round with delight.
    â€œWe’re vagabongs,” Esther added proudly.
    â€œVagabonds.” Violet corrected softly which earned her a glare from Esther.
    â€œAre you indeed?” Thomas lifted the two little girls, one in each arm. “I thought you were young ladies. How about we go and see what’s happening with these sheep?”
    â€œYes.” Esther’s squeals of delight were as ear piercing as her cries of displeasure. “And toffee.”
    â€œI did promise.” Lizzie chuckled and dug in the corner of the big basket.
    â€œThank you Grandma,” Violet said ever so sweetly.
    Esther echoed her in a louder voice.
    â€œShoes on, girls.” Clara moved towards the kitchen door.
    â€œIt’s all right, Clara.” Thomas headed her off. “I can do it.”
    â€œAnd their hats,” Lizzie called after him. “That sun is ferocious on fair skin.”
    The sound of the little girls’ laughter echoed back at them.
    Lizzie turned back to Clara. “Now, my dear. How are you really? You look exhausted. I love all these beautiful grandchildren but they must tire you out.”
    Clara felt her lip tremble. She put a hand to her mouth, sank onto a chair and burst into tears.
    Joseph pulled off his boots and listened. The house was quiet. It was always a relief when all the children were in bed. His parents had retired to the hut that had been built for Binda and his family