Page 19 of Andrew’s Outback Love

Marge stepped forward and grasped Linda’s hand but was focused on me when she asked, “Who is this stunning creature?”

Linda laughed. “I’m the new nurse, Linda Freemont.”

“Marge Saunders and this is my other half, Rex. Nice to meet you, honey.”

“You too, Mrs. Saunders.”

“Marge, honey. Mrs. Saunders was my mother in law.”

Linda laughed again and Marge turned back to me.

“I thought this was Ally’s final week? I had something for her and the baby.”

“She got sick.” Ruby huffed, it was something she did whenever she felt frustrated. “Damn woman. Been telling her for weeks to take it easy. Now, she’s got no choice.”

Marge gave me a puzzled look.

“I’ll explain later.”

She nodded. “Over lunch, your first patients are here.”

“Sounds good.” I swung around to speak to Linda and Ruby while Cam greeted our hosts. “I’ll leave you ladies to get started and I’ll bring in the gear from the car. We’ve got four cataract removals this morning.”

“We’ll catch you later, Marge,” Ruby said as she headed towards the building we used. Linda walked alongside her, listening as Ruby outlined the procedure.

“Girls, south pasture.”

“Why, dad?” Sandra asked.

“We were down there all day yesterday, Uncle Rex, why do you want us down there again?” Madison appeared as confused as Sandra.

“I flew over in the chopper about half an hour ago. There’s a break in the fence and the cattle are grazing on the bank. I’m worried some of the new calves will fall into the river and drown.”

“On it,” the girls said in unison before turning and running towards the stables to saddle their horses.

“I’d better get on it or I’ll be still going at midnight. Catch you at lunch.” While I started for the car to grab our equipment, Marge and Rex headed up to their house.

***

SURGERY PROGRESSED without incident and four children now had a future with excellent sight. Cam and I helped the ladies clean up before we strolled up to the house where Marge would have lunch ready. We found the owners in the rear enclosed verandah. Marge was finishing setting the table while Rex placed trays of cold meats and salad down the centre. There were pieces of roasted chicken, ham and roast beef. A large bowl of fresh garden salad and a bowl of king prawns. Platters of freshly cooked damper were on each end of the large table. It all looked mouth-wateringly good.

We all washed up at the butler sink and took a seat at the table. Marge set out two jugs of iced water, which had segments of lemon floating about, and joined us. For the next few minutes, food was passed around and plates loaded high. Once we all began eating, Marge asked about Ally.

Ruby shook her head and huffed as she informed Marge, Ally had fallen ill on Monday and been flown to Bourke Hospital.

“Poor darlin’,” Marge sympathised.

“No, Marge, that girl has had a fucking mountain to climb with this pregnancy and she should have been taking it easy.” Did I mention Ruby always spoke her mind?

“I know what you’re saying, Ruby, but sometimes it’s hard to admit to yourself that you’re not up to the challenge you’ve been given. Ally is the sort of woman who would feel a failure because of her inability to carry the baby without issues because of illness. Don’t be too hard on her.”

“I’m annoyed because she scared the fucking shit out of me. She’s my best friend, Marge and I want to protect her.”

“I know you do, but you need to support the decisions she makes, even if you don’t think they’re right.”

Ruby reluctantly nodded her acquiescence.

“So, Drew, tell me what happened?” Marge asked.