A Full Plate
“Auntie Win I waited as long as I could I hope I haven’t awakened you?”
“Oh good heavens no child I’ve been up for hours.”
“I’m afraid I’ve some news me Mum’s coming.”
“Bess…here, whatever for?”
“The shooting, it made the local paper. She called earlier and I told her you were resting she’s on her way I’ve just had another call. She’ll be here in three hours Auntie whatever am I to do about Johnny?”
“Johnny? Oh dear well I shall pick her up at the airport and bring her here to the boarding house, she can room with me or get her own.”
“Oh no I couldn’t put that on you not after what you’ve been through. I told Johnny about her coming and he’s agreed to move out for the duration.”
“Nonsense, there’s no need for Johnny to move anywhere. She’s my sister Amanda I will take care of it. Besides, I’m well, no after effects at all.
“She’s expecting to stay with me in my cottage.”
“Ha well she won’t will she. No doubt she will want to see it Amanda you can’t blame her for that but I shall accompany her. My goodness child you’re past twenty-one she can’t very well put you in the cupboard under the stairs.”
“I know but it’s all the bother it will cause.”
“Three hours you say?”
“Yes her plane will arrive in Coffs at 2:20.”
“Right, I’ll meet her do you want to come?”
“I probably should, I’ll pick you up Auntie.”
Miss Peeg hung up the phone. Bess of all people to show up now oh well she would handle her. She picked up the phone and returned her messages from the day before.
“Sarah is that you?”
“Winnie, my heavens I thought you might be incarcerated, you aren’t are you?”
“Oh no wasn’t my shot after all that killed the man. It was quite an experience Sarah and one I don’t plan ever to have again.”
“Are you all right?”
“Yes, yes I’m right as rain, now then I had a message that you called.”
“Well yes I did but that was before I knew what was going on with you. It was about Mr. Jessup. He stopped me in the Tavern when I’d come looking for you yesterday and Amanda and Johnny were having lunch, she hadn’t seen you, oh but Mr. Jessup says you’re to be his bride Winnie.”
“What!”
“Oh yes, he’s picked you out, has a nice bit of jewelry for you dear.”
“Oh my, whatever gave him the idea, oh dear this is too, too. I’ve never been anything but pleasant to the man.”
Sarah laughed, “That was evidently all it took Winnie dear, and he seems quite smitten.”
“Well I shall set him straight, I see I have a message from him as well. Thank you for telling me Sarah, one would rather know these things beforehand.”
“I thought you might. You’re sure you’re all right…nothing I can do for you?”
“Not a thing, however my plate seems to be filling up, my sister is coming today.”
“That’s nice a family visit?”
“Not exactly, well she’s seen the papers and is coming I’m sure to argue the benefits of living Adelaide as opposed to the back of beyond. No doubt she will want us to tear off with her.”
“Amanda as well, oh my.”
“I hate to break off Sarah dear but I need to get a bite of lunch before leaving for the airport. I’ll call you later.”
“Try and make the best of it Winnie, Bye.”
Miss Peeg stood up straightened her skirt and picked up her purse. A nice lunch would do her.
