A Settlers Love (settlers series book 3)

Falling

Falling

“Morning Father” I said, gently touching him on the shoulder on my way to the dining table. His favourite seat was by the window where the warm morning sun streamed in, reading his paper. “What news is there today?” I asked him. Eliza was already at the table, eating. “Morning, Eliza.” I greeted before sliding into my own chair across from her.

I was never one to eat a heavy morning meal. Opting for a slice of soft, fresh bread, and fruit when it was available. Otherwise, a hot cup of tea always satisfied. Mother said my small meals were how I kept my slim physique. But in truth, I always felt weighed down and quite sick if I ate too much at the start of the day.

“Thank you Enid. I will help you in the kitchen today. There must be a lot to clean and put away from yesterday.” I said taking a plate of bread from her. She wasn’t much for talking yet. As far as we knew, she hadn’t been harmed while at the factory, not like Eliza was. But I learned, no-one could come out unscathed, physically, or emotionally from a place such as the womans factory.

“There has been another unrest at the prison.” Father said, not looking up from his paper. It was common news of late. The first time father mentioned unrest at the prison I was worried. I still was. But we hadn’t seen any trouble this far from Hobart Town. We were doing all we could to protect ourselves if something were to happen.

“That is too bad.” I said. The aroma of freshly steeped tea taking over my senses, left me without anything else to say, as I brought the dainty cup, filled with my favourite beverage to my lips.

“It scares me.” Eliza said from across the table.

“It will be alright.” I said.

“You don’t know that, Ashleigh.” Eliza said. Her knife clanking against her plate tore my gaze away from my tea, to her. She was good at masking her fear.

She was also right. I didn’t know, but what else could I say? As far as I knew, father has done everything in his power to make things safe around here. As much as I didn’t favour being escorted everywhere, I knew it was necessary. So yes, in my opinion things would be alright. But Eliza has seen, and overcome too much to be convince otherwise. With news of the unrest months ago, she stayed either in the house or very close near it if outside. The wedding yesterday was an exception on her behalf, and the odd trips int town. She insists that she has everything she needs right here.

Reaching for the butter, I asked her “what are you doing today?” Changing the course of conversation.

“I am not sure. William mentioned something about going to see the house, but I have sewing to do. This babe will be here sooner than we all know. Also, I have to put some finishing touches on the quilt we made for Payton.” Eliza answered.

“Ah yes. I can help you with that when I finish with, Enid. I plan to visit Payton again at some stage in the afternoon.” Eliza nodded and smiled.

“She is close. I wouldn’t be surprised if Walter rode up at any moment to tell us the baby is coming.” We smiled excitedly . We hadn’t had a baby to hold since Peter was born.