The question surprised Faith in how it mirrored her own earlier thoughts. “No, but I was considering it.”
“I’ll have to do some research,” Amy said. “Lara mentioned you’re taking our float?”
She nodded. “Darcy didn’t like the state of the pony club trailer.” Together they moved over to investigate it.
“It looks like it will rattle apart,” Amy agreed. “Is he going to fix it for you?”
“That’s what he said, but the pony club doesn’t have many funds.”
“We’ve got spare wood and metal around the place,” Amy said. “It shouldn’t cost much more than time, and Matt and Brandon will help.” She pointed to the shed across the yard. “Can you back it in there? Our horse float is around the side.”
“Sure. Thank you.”
“Lara, can you put the kettle on while I help Faith with the trailers?”
“I was going to help her.”
“All right, but put the kettle on first.” When Lara was out of earshot, Amy asked, “How bad were the sheep?” The concern on her face mirrored Darcy’s.
The question took Faith by surprise. “I’m no expert, but it didn’t look good.” Perhaps Amy would have some answers. “They called the police, but who would do something like that? I thought everyone supported each other out here.”
“The locals do.”
Lara returned. “Kettle is on,” she announced.
Amy smiled. “Thanks, La La. Come inside when you’re done, and I’ll make you a drink.”
Faith would have to get her answers later.
Faith finished taking care of Spirit and left her tied in the shade while she moved the float trailers around. She’d load her horse just before she left. Then she and Lara headed inside the farmhouse via the kitchen door.
Cool comfort. Faith lifted her face to the refreshing breeze wafting from the air conditioning. The long wooden table in the centre of the room spoke of family dinners and community. The kitchen was homely, even if all the cupboards had dated wooden doors and a beige Laminex bench top.
“Amy!” Lara called. She opened the fridge door and asked, “Want a drink?”
“Cold water would be nice,” Faith answered.
Amy entered the kitchen. “How did you go?”
“The trailer’s hitched and ready to go. Lara was a great help in directing me.”
“La La’s a good worker,” Amy agreed, getting a tin out of the pantry. “Would you like a biscuit or a cuppa?”
The chunky choc chip biscuits looked too good to refuse. “Thanks.”
“Have a seat. It’s not often I have female company out here.”
“Hey!” Lara complained.
Amy laughed. “Sorry, I meant people my age.”
Faith sat. “You’re the only woman out here with Brandon and Darcy?”
“And Matt. He lives in the shearers’ quarters. Georgie visits when she can but since Beth died, it’s been me and Lara keeping the men in line.”
She was curious about this woman who seemed at home here. “You’re engaged to Brandon?”
“Yeah.” She twisted a simple ring around her left ring finger. “We’re getting married next month.”
