the haunt of fate by v. r. wilson

8/10/2019 The Haunt Of Fate by V. R. Wilson

1/40

V. R. Wilson was brought up in North Wales. After

school, she read History at Aberystwyth University.

Further studies in different subjects followed later at

Leicester and Cardiff Universities. Her career was also

varied, careers advisory work, teaching, curriculumdevelopment.

The failing physical health of her parents brought her

back to North Wales. Sadly, her caring role continued

after their death as her husbands mobility deteriorated.

Membership of various public bodies has widened her

interests. Meetings continue to keep her busy so that she

does not have as much time for writing, started in 2011,

as she would like.


2/40


3/40

T H E

H A U N T

O F

F A T E


4/40


5/40

Dedication

In memory of my husband, and parents andTo loyal friends who mean so much.


6/40


7/40

V R Wi lson

T H E

H A U N T

O F

F A T E


8/40

Copyright V. R. Wilson

The right of V. R. Wilson to be identified as author of this work has

been asserted by her in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the

Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,

stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any

means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or

otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this

publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claimsfor damages.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British

Library.

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any

resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

ISBN 978 184963 679 7

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published (2014)

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.25 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5LB

Printed and bound in Great Britain


9/40

Acknowledgments

To those whose friendly smile and encouraging wordshave cheered, and especially those who have helped me

by their deeds.


10/40


11/40


12/40

Greek cheese puffs. The latter was to be Estelles offering, the

loaf Keiths who, unlike his wife, had been far from pleased to

be going.

Ill let you determine the reason, he had whispered to

Estelle becoming a little brighter just before it was time to set

off. By then, he had devised, quietly and cunningly, a ploy to

arrive late and depart early to which a wink had given Estelle a

clue. Neighbours had arrived claiming a long promised favour

of a lift to, and from, some function, which Keith hurried to

fulfil, leaving Estelle to explain his disappearance. As a result,

to arrive in due time with her tasty culinary contributions for

Heidis soiree, Babs had needed to use her own car much to herdismay.

About six of the final number of thirty had arrived before

them, the tall, attractive, blonde hostess being somewhat

disconcerted that the increasing wind was blowing all the

lanterns, floating on the swimming pool, to one corner. In

greeting Babs she had been effusive, announcing to those

present that the arrival of her great friend, to join her adored

Angela, meant that her party would now be in good hands andits success ensured!

Turning to Estelle, she had said, So youre my gate crasher.

Only teasing! Look everybody, my sweet darling has brought

me a card and my favourite pink champagne. This makes you

very welcome.

During this greeting, Estelle had been aware that Heidi had

been scanning her from head to toe. As a consequence, she hadasked, Will I pass?

The arrival of some eight others in close succession

prevented her hostess from answering which might have been a

lucky break for she did hear Heidi tell someone that she was not

a fan of the colour of her guests outfit which was white and did

not flatter the wearer. Anyway, very quickly a tall gentleman,

Angelas husband, had taken her away from Heidis group,

advising her to skip the welcoming drink the hostess wasoffering to the others. His reason was that Heidis offering was

flat and he was about to open a bottle of far better vintage.


13/40

From Tony Estelle gathered that, without the generous

contributions of her multi-national guests, Heidis fare would

consist of potato chips and her over-rated welcoming glass of

pink fizz. Yet, because she seemed to know everybody who

mattered, through her art and craft exhibitions, invitations were

sought after. She provided the venue for useful, chance

encounters, if Estelle got his drift, and many led to unexpected

deals.

In the meantime, Babs and Angela had been joined by

Yoko, a Japanese translator, and Maria, a young Columbian, to

lay out what had become an extensive, ethnically varied buffet.

It did not include any potato chips which Estelle had assumedhad been consumed already if everyone had tasted a couple with

their welcoming drink. From the many bottles guests had

brought, it became clear glasses would not run dry. Most of the

men seemed to have taken turns to be the wine waiter.

Browsing through Heidis adjoining studio and gallery had

been interesting. There was no denying that their hostess was

multi-talented. All her paintings were seascapes or of

underwater marine life; her wooden sculptures had a religioustheme from many credos; her pottery figures pertained to

Spanish America, while her painting on silk was influenced by

China. The kaftan style dress of purple silk, which she had been

wearing, was decorated with a lotus bloom motif, all her own

work.

Her style of hosting was to hold court from her well-placed

throne, expecting everyone in turn to come and enjoy ameasure of her time and conversation. When the audience was

over, she directed people towards those it might be useful for

them to chat to next. Waiting her turn, Estelle had feared that

the attention she was getting might have annoyed her hostess

but it seemed not. The interest, according to Heidi, stemmed

from the fact that she was the first British guest to attend one of

her parties, either at home or to launch an exhibition.

A privilege indeed to be the first had been her response, andlater, before leaving she had added, quite sincerely, that it would

be an evening she would remember. In no way, except through

her friends, could she have expected to be part of such an


14/40

enjoyable and interesting gathering. Conversations had ranged

from the light-hearted to the serious. One got so profound, it had

led her to cite one of Pauls sayings when he thought talk at a

dinner party, or some social event, was getting too heavy for the

occasion:

Read any good books lately?

There were times someone would laughingly respond: As a

matter of fact I have and the title is

The very international buffet had offered Estelle the chance

as well to try things new to her palate. Thus, in no way, had the

evening been boring. Taking place so many miles from home

had given it all an air of unreality.


15/40

Chapter Two

Late into the evening, sitting down amongst a small group

which included Heidi, the conversation had turned to star signs.

Someone casually mentioned that January was the month in

which most people were born, with September the second. This

whole subject was of great interest to their hostess whoreminded those, who might need reminding, that as the day was

her birthday her star sign was Pisces. This explained her

fascination with the sea, marine life and coastal landscapes.

During her years in Hawaii, and then a keen diver,

underwater scenes had been a great inspiration. Certainly, Heidi

had been adamant that the sign of the zodiac under which a

person was born influenced traits and characteristics as well as

interests. This was challenged by one of the men who put

forward the view that the environment of Hawaii, and the

opportunities it offered for aquatic activity, was probably a

stronger influence. To this, she had a ready response that, if she

had been an earth sign, then the volcanic scenery would have

been the main attraction and not the sea.

Heidis accent was very American and generally, it had

been presumed that she had been born in Hawaii, Americasfiftieth state. Her looks, however, indicated an ethnic origin

other than the Pacific Islands, but it was clear there had been no

speculation as to what part of the U.S., or even Europe, her

family had hailed from originally. When Heidi asked for

guesses as to where she was born, there had been a kind of

stunned reaction. If not Hawaii, choosing one of the other forty-

nine states would be pot luck. Some three possibles were

voiced, with little expectation of being right: California? NewYork? Florida?


16/40

Then the very polished voice of Yoko was heard. Her

excellent English, she had told Estelle, was due to three years

studying at Cambridge.

I sound English but my looks show that I am not, by ethnic

origins anyway. You sound American but I would suggest you

were born somewhere other than America or Canada.

Maybe it was the fact that this forthright statement had been

made by such a petite, fragile looking person as Yoko which

surprised and silenced the group, at least for a moment until

someone said: Europe, then?

No, no! Yoko firmly asserted, her gaze fixed directly at

Heidi. I say South America.Bravo! Can you go further? Heidi urged.

The tiny Yoko had become embarrassed, and ill at ease,

having drawn all eyes upon her by her positive declaration.

Please, I have been playing a game and my guesses were

lucky.

Her discomfort appreciated, one of the women impatiently

implored, Come on, Heidi, put us out of our misery. Peru?

Argentina? Venezuela? Where? Playing games like this is notyour style.

Its my party, Heidi retorted peevishly, then immediately

returning to her mask of charm to purr the words:

I thought you would all like to learn more about your

Heidi. Not all that you shall hear will be included in the

biographical details of my soon-to-be released book on my lifes

work.At this stage, Babs and Angela, having finished their task of

quietly clearing debris and tidying up, joined the group, with

Babs closing the terrace door before sitting down.

We dont want the chat of those outside to disturb, she

explained, smiling at Heidi, whispering in an aside to Estelle:

Our Ms Ingres seems very mellow after the champagne!

Meanwhile, an agog silence of anticipation descended.

You know that I make a great deal of being a Piscean whoneeds to be by water, she began, but I was born in a place well

inlandHesitating dramatically, she glanced at each person in

turn, yet not really expecting, or wanting, anyone to venture a


17/40


18/40

pondered but never asked. Her looks would have aroused male

interest, on that there was agreement. Most, in their speculation,

had opted for lovers and not a husband.

It was what might be described as an arranged marriage, an

alliance of families which was not unusual. Chile was old-

fashioned, religious and very proprietary. It was a way the social

elite got their power, especially important at the time when the

traditionalists, the great landowners, were being threatened.

Remember, Eduardo Frei began some land reforms in the 1960s

and then Allende came in the 1970s hoping to increase the pace

of reformbut enough of politics.

The approach of the Ingres family, regarded almost asroyalty, had been considered by her mother and stepfather as an

honour. Heidi and Ramon knew one another, their interests in

the arts had drawn them into a circle of like-minded people.

Even this happened only occasionally, but enough to promote an

idea that the partnership was ideal, that they were kindred

spirits. I was young, naive and blindly flattered and he was an

Adonis. Tall, very good looking, charming and rich all points

which I did not ignore. Nevertheless, what swayed me was hislove for the arts and his natural talents which he underrated.

Ramon was more than a passable painter, and an excellent

pianist; but his passion was the theatre and acting, the latter

frowned upon by his family.

For a moment, it had been easy to imagine that she was

glimpsing scenes from those euphoric days in her fairy tale

bubble. In proceeding with her tale, Estelle had the impressionthat Heidi still wondered why she had allowed herself to be

manipulated. There was no real courtship, she added, the

three months between engagement and wedding passed in a

whirl and my voices of doubt were overcome by family and

friends stressing I could exploit my artistic talents to my hearts

content with the wealth of the Ingres family behind me and a

husband who understood the artistic muse! All so poetic! she

exclaimed mockingly.No comments were offered during Heidis narrative

although there were some puzzled looks showing that people

were uncertain about what would follow. It is doubtful anyone


19/40

would have predicted correctly the next chapter, or how it would

end. The disdain, the anger remaining despite the intervening

years had been noticeable to all when she told the group that

Ramon had told her, on the first night of the honeymoon, that he

was passionately in love with someone else. Rich men, she

knew, had mistresses whom the dictate of society prevented

them from marrying. Thus, although not pleased at the news,

she had felt some respect for his honesty. What he added next

crucified her.

Ramon told me the marriage could be in name only

because of his great love for Eduardo Perez. I knew him to be a

friend, who bred horses, from whom Ramon had bought hisfavourite thoroughbred, but little more.

No one had known quite what to say that was appropriate,

anything said might have been offensive to someone who

knew? Anyway having been reassured by Ramon that no one

had any suspicion of the clandestine association, an

accommodating agreement had been reached. Thus the couples

sham marriage had lasted two years whilst details of an

elaborate plan was worked out. To carry it out, they hadannounced they were moving to California so that Heidi could

do some further studying at UCLA, while Ramon sought

recognition for his good looks and acting talent in the mecca of

the film.

The real intention was different. Once in Los Angeles,

Ramon and Eduardo had set about acquiring suitable new

identities and papers, not hard when the price could be afforded.This done, the couple set on a romantic trip to Acapulco in

Mexico. Alas, when there, it was announced Ramon had met

with an unfortunate and tragic accident, falling overboard when

out at sea on a fishing trip, the sharks making the mishap fatal!

Before this, a suitable body had been acquired by Eduardo

which she had identified as her husband. To family back home,

it had been said that the state of the body had been such that it

needed immediate burial in Mexico.Everything had depended on trust, especially as Ramons

not insignificant fortune in his own right became hers as his

widow. However, she had wanted none of the money, not all


20/40


21/40

This acted as a cue for all to agree it was time to end the

evening, someone had laughingly stated that the predetermined

way home awaited, a remark Estelle had felt had a more

mocking than humorous edge to it. It was a topic Estelle was

sensitive about in view of what had happened and consequently

she was glad there had been no time for general discussion, or to

address, individually, Angelas specific question. Babs,

seemingly, had sensed her relief.

Neither Heidis revelation, nor the subject of fate, destiny,

or kismet, whatever one cared to call it, had been mentioned on

the drive back. Mostly the talk of been about the buffet, Babs

being pleased her offerings had been a hit once again. Her ownfavourite, however, had been Marias Columbian dish, the

recipe for which Maria had found time to scribble down for her.

When they arrived back at the house, they had found Keith

asleep on the sofa despite the television being on quite loud. He

had woken with a start only to be greeted by the question

whether it had been really necessary for him to leave so early?

On the journey back, Babs had given no indication of her inner

annoyance.You clearly missed me then, Keith responded trying to

make light of the situation but Babs was in no mood to be

humoured. Appreciating that a brief, but embarrassing, spat

might ensue, Estelle had decided retreat was in order, and it was

late. The couples daughter had mentioned that she carried a

small white flag to have ready to end silly rows about nothing of

any importance her parents were inclined to have. With no flagto hand, Estelle, as said, opted for retreat and hopefully some

pleasant dreams.


22/40

Chapter Three

On becoming aware that both Babs and Keith were up and

about, Estelle made her way to the kitchen. As she entered she

feared another disagreement was about to start. Keith had found

that his favourite cereal had not been replaced, nor could he find

eggs or bacon to enjoy instead. Shopping in the household was abone of contention. It was supposed to be a duty which they

took turns to do as each had busy working lives, as well as other

commitments and involvements.

According to Babs, it had been Keiths turn, while he

countered that it was hers because her over full diary had thrown

the rota into disarray and she had catching up to do for the

times, six weeks in a row, he had shopped! Being a great

giggler, Estelle found it hard not to laugh as she made a pot of

tea, put bread in the toaster and a bowl of apples on the table,

seemingly invisible to the other two.

Breakfast, she declared as four nicely toasted pieces of

bread popped out of the toaster. Her version of the white flag

worked beautifully and all three burst into laughter when

Estelle, in putting more bread into the toaster said, Maybe

bread should be on that shopping list.With normal relations resumed, Babs was soon telling Keith

about Heidis personal narrative the previous evening. Youve

always said shes older than she looks. Sheis sixty.

If she admits to sixty, then I bet shes seventy, he said

provocatively, although Estelle had felt it may have stemmed

from his antipathy to the woman.

Just shows how wrong you can be, Babs retorted

gleefully. If you had been there, she stressed, and heard herstory, then you would know youre wrong. I dont know why

you dont like her. Now listen to what we were told, not all of

which will be in her book.


23/40

And she actually said all of that? Keith remarked in sheer

disbelief.

Estelle, too, had been uncertain about the latter part of

Heidis confession, but then her acquaintance with her had been

fleeting. Nevertheless, the impression she had gained from the

evening had been that the lady knew how to charm, tantalise

even, to get her own way. Also that she could be manipulative,

self-obsessed and determined, not someone she would like to

cross. Without asking, Estelle knew that Keith would describe

Ms Ingres similarly. She and Keith shared the same birthday,

obviously, therefore they would share the same viewpoint!

What Keith went on to say in support of his scepticism wasthat he believed that it had been made up for effect, being a

more romantic reason for the disappearance of a husband than

divorce, than that the man just walked out. Now to Keith, the

latter was a real possibility. No man could live with that

woman!

In Estelles opinion this was somewhat harsh as

circumstances, what life throws ones way, can influence what

one becomes.Not wanting any difference of opinion about Heidi to spark

a new argument, Estelle had jumped in to ask Keith if he would

take her to Parc Menai so she could take some photographs. The

nearby supermarket would also allow the opportunity to get a

couple of items. In particular, she wanted six bottles of Wolf

Blass Chardonnay, the couples favourite: as they would say not

cheap but worth the expense! For Jack and Sally, she wouldlook for a Hunter Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

In Parc Menai, she wanted to take snaps of a Cromlech of

blue Penrhyn slate from North Wales which a great friend from

university days, had been instrumental in getting there in 1995.

Her friend had also sent a variety of stones for a Celtic mosaic

which been constructed close by and had arranged for a

thousand King Alfred daffodil bulbs which a nursery in the

State of Victoria had supplied, to be planted all around. Ofcourse, Catrin could not have accomplished all this without the

generosity of the Welsh slate company, and their agents in

Australia. Even so, it was no mean feat for which Estelle was


24/40

full of admiration, especially knowing how quiet, shy and

unassuming her friend Catrin was. With an absolute phobia

about flying, she had never ventured out to see the results of her

efforts, which was a pity.

If I win the lottery, I shall cruise there, she would say. In

the meantime, she was quite content for Estelle to be her proxy

and report back to her with photographs, as she had done on two

previous occasions.

Anyway, the suggestion which Estelle had made had

successfully diverted the conversation from Heidi, particularly

as Babs had realised that it would allow Keith to do some

essential shopping for her, a quickly scribbled but lengthy list,being soon produced. This had been in Estelles mind when

putting forward her request to Keith: it would put the shopping

rota back on track, hopefully, without any loss of face.

Wanting to do other chores while the two were away Babs

could not be persuaded to join the short excursion. Before they

left, however, she had stressed that they had to be back in good

time to get to Oyster Bay by 1.30 where a table was booked for

lunch at a pub/restaurant renowned for its oysters and seafood.Each, in turn, had been keen to emphasise that oysters from

Georges River and Botany Bay were the best in the world! The

name Woolooware they had told her was an Aborigine word

for muddy flat, an ideal environment for those sea creatures.

All of this was repeated later when they were nearing the

restaurant.

Once in the car, Keith had been eager to ask Estelle whatshe really thought of Heidi and if she had enjoyed the evening

amidst strangers. What riled him was the use made of Angela

and Babs, and the others, to make the party a success, while she

made no effort whatsoever. There was never anything to fall

back on if contributions were disappointing, lacked variety, or

quantity was lacking which luckily for Heidi had never

happened. Estelle had to admit that she was envious of Heidis

ability to host, at little effort or no cost. In fact, she had mademoney, one of the guests had said he wanted to purchase a

particular seascape canvas, when finished.


25/40


26/40

Keith had wanted the Chardonnay placed in his trolley. Politely,

but firmly, Estelle had told him to concentrate on the list and, of

course, his guess could well be wrong for all might be intended

for Jack and Sally. Jokingly she referred to her movement

between the two couples as passing the parcel. The way she

got to know them had been so unexpected, so unpredictable.

The friendship had come about through Catrins Cromlech, a

most happy chance, whether preordained or not.


27/40

Chapter Four

Shopping over and in Parc Menai taking photographs of the

slate Cromlech, Estelle and Keith got talking to a group of six

from South Africa who were staying for a month in Manley on

an exchange of property arrangement. They had stopped at the

supermarket remembering the need to buy coffee and haddecided to have a look around the park. Without any destination

in mind, it had seemed a good idea an opportunity to get a feel

for the area, the townships and suburbs around Sydney, in

reality a mystery tour.

To meet up with Estelle and Keith, who could tell them all

about the structure and its journey to the park (by road from

North Wales to Tilbury, six weeks at sea and then by road from

the docks in Sydney to the park) greatly delighted and

astounded them. In answer to well why? they were told that

the name of Menai and Bangor had been given to the

settlements in the area by an Owen Jones from Bangor in North

Wales as the nearby Georges River had reminded him of his

homeland and the Menai Straits. Estelle had added that she was

uncertain about the similarity, but then places changed over

time, especially with development. Keith went on to mentionthat the said gentleman, and other congregationalists, had come

to the place as rents were cheaper than in Sydney. What they

produced could be sold in the city by travelling overnight to the

markets.

Told that the park, since erection of the Cromlech and

mosaic, had been the venue for successful Celtic festivals

increased further the interest of one of the women. This was

because she hailed originally from Dundee in Scotland. It wasmeeting her husband, a doctor, which had taken her out to the

Western Cape. All of them lived in Worcester, a place no great


28/40

distance from Cape Town. Suddenly they began to try to recall

just why the place was so named.

More likely after someone who was Governor of the

Cape, one of the men had ventured casually.

Certainly not one of the governors, said another. I think

it was after one of the relations of the Governor. Either of you

two know?

Please say yes, the woman from Dundee hadpleaded, her

Scottish accent suddenly becoming more pronounced,

otherwise it will haunt us all day, unless we phone home.

Not especially for that we wont, came a deep bass voice,

unexpected as its owner was the rather short and slight man inthe group.

While Keith had indicated that he had no idea, he had been

happy to suggest Estelle might know. As she quickly sought,

from the depths of her mind a suitable suggestion to offer, he

had joked that she was usually more speedy giving answers.

Thank you so much for that, she had retorted before

offering a possibility to follow. Marques of Worcester is a title

owned by a noble English family with the surname Somerset. Itrust thats of some help.

When just a short distance from the group Estelle and Keith

heard a sudden gleeful hurray. They turned and it was clear the

puzzle have been resolved.

Lord Charles Somerset, was shouted, followed by,

brother. A thumbs up from Keith had indicated the message

had been understood, Lord Charles had been the governor whohad named the town, Worcester, in honour of his older brothers

title. Getting into the car, Keith had remarked that he was

pleased they had made the group happy, and he trusted that

Babs would be satisfied with the shopping they had done and in

getting back in plenty of time. With the engine started, he went

on to say, Just like me, you have a brain for incidental

information and trivia. This makes a good conversationalist,

always with something to say to people.Was he thinking, she wondered, that the similarities

between them were all due to their star signs? At the same time,

it irked her that the thought had been implanted by Heidi in


29/40

discussing the issue the previous evening. The question of how

much fate played a part in peoples lives also haunted her.

When they arrived back, Babs had been in a very good

mood and it improved further when the shopping was unpacked

and stored, each helping to quicken this task. Keith, at Estelles

urging, had been prompted to think of items which might well

be needed but had not been on the list.

Telepathy, Babs had declared on finding all the things she

had remembered after they had left but had not had the chance

to ring Keithsmobile to update him.


30/40

Chapter Five

The drive to the restaurant in Oyster Bay had been in Keiths

vintage Jaguar, his pride and joy. He had bought the car some

five years before. The cars previous owner had lived in Hong

Kong. In consequence, he always told admirers, the car could

have some interesting stories to tell if only He extolled tothe people, who had stopped to comment on the vehicle on this

particular Sunday, that it had purred beautifully on its journey

there.

According to Babs, the timing was perfect. Lunching late

meant most diners had eaten, leaving an uncrowded venue for

the more discerning. A remark which she made not totally

tongue-in-cheek. Anyway, everything lived up to the great

build-up the place had been given. Not a fan of raw oysters,

whether they were best in the world or not, Estelle had opted to

start with the Tuna Carpaccio, followed by Ocean Trout in vine

leaves with a lentil salad and braised fennel.

By this time, such had been the harmony between her

friends, the mornings good deed of shopping having erased

earlier discord, that both chose oysters with a green onion

dressing, with lobster with flavoured butter and lemongrassmash to follow.

Fish, all good for the brain power! Estelle had uttered in a

throwaway remark about the trios choices. The throwaway

remark proved to be just that for it gained no reaction. In any

case, at the time minds had been concentrating on a choice of

dessert, all ending up in agreement: lemon curd tart with a

macadamia nut crust and raspberries to garnish.

The whole meal had been a superb dining experience, madeeven more delightful by the fact that Estelle had been

outmanoeuvred by Keith foiling her intention to pay the bill.

Her plan was to excuse herself to visit the powder room just


31/40

before coffee in order to go and pay except that instructions had

been given to refuse her payment!

Damn it, she had said quietly, wondering if it was that

birth sign business again putting them on the same wavelength?

This continuing thought had annoyed her, and again she blamed

Heidi for planting the idea. However, moved almost to tears by

the generosity of friends, this thought did not linger. Their

kindness during her stay, like that of Jack and Sally would be

something she could never repay. Fortunately the distraction of

a birthday cake being presented to one of the late diners had

diverted her thoughts and stopped the tears, but not the deep

appreciation of the value of true friends, especially at a time ofadversity.


32/40

Chapter Six

A stroll to stretch the legs and help the digestion had followed

on leaving the restaurant. During this time, Keith mentioned that

his first ancestor in Australia had been involved in the

development of oyster farming, one of the earliest industries in

the area. This was something Estelle recalled he had spokenabout on another occasion. Likewise Babs had reminded her that

one of her predecessors had been amongst the first convicts

transported to the country. The poor young woman had taken

lace worth the princely sum of six old pence. This was in 1787

and her punishment had been to be sent to the penal colony

about to be set up in Botany Bay, Australia. The ship, on which

the prisoner had sailed, was called The Scarborough and the

voyage had taken eight months.

Not for the first time, Estelle conjured up in her mind the

sound of the wooden ship creaking through the waves, with the

wind causing the noisy flapping of sails. Day after day, on

meagre rations, going to a land that was quite unknown and not

from choice. It needed inner courage to endure all the

privations. The Scarborough was one of the fleet of eleven ships

which lost very few passengers on the voyage. Each whosurvived and stayed in the colony, whether a convict, marine or

free person, played a part in the establishment of modern

Australia. Thus, Estelle appreciated that Babs had every right to

be proud of this ancestor and the physical, and mental, stamina

she had needed to survive.

Returning to the car, which again had attracted

complimentary comments, Keith revealed something he had not

disclosed before, namely that his fathers foremost wish hadbeen to own such a vehicle. Therefore, he truly hoped that his

dad journeyed with him, in spirit, each time it was used. Even

Babs was taken aback by the depth of the sentiment expressed.


33/40

Never quite appreciated just how much it meant to you.

Youre a real softy at heart which is what I love about you. She

gave her husband an understanding squeeze of the hand, and a

kiss on the cheek. Estelle so wished she could magic herself

away, not just because of the yearning it stirred but so that her

friends could enjoy the cosy closeness, the opportunity for

which busy lives gives little time. Taking time off, as they had

for her, she believed had been good for them.

The first weekend of her Australian stay, they had taken her

to Canberra on the Friday, on from there to Batemans Bay on

Saturday where they had stayed at the holiday bungalow owned

by friends, who produced a great barbecue in the evening. Onthe drive to Canberra, and then on to the bay, it had amused

Estelle to see the signs, similar to those indicating the way to

some small settlement, which said Grate. When she had seen

the first, she almost remarked that it was a strange name for a

place! Fortunately, she appreciated in time it indicated that there

was a built barbee nearby for travellers to use for their picnics.

This was a way of trying to ensure that fires were not started

accidentally when the countryside was tinder dry. Alas though,the danger of fires started through carelessness, or deliberately,

was a hazard Australians had to face regularly, and stoically.

The road from Batesmans Bay to Sydney follows the coast

and their stop, for an early evening meal, had been at a

restaurant at Stanwell Top, giving a great view over

Wollongong, the third largest city in New South Wales. As a

result, it had been late that Sunday evening when the parcelhad been returned to Sally and Jack.

It seemed that her friends had been reading her thoughts

being themselves astounded that it was two weeks since that

first weekend together, and a week since she had joined them

and other friends of the Maritime Museum for a Sunday aboard

the Lady Wakenhurst for a ferry race in Sydneys astounding

bay. The craft had enjoyed an interesting history since it was

built in 1972, from being used in Tasmania when a bridge wasdestroyed, to being a VIP venue for race watchers in New

Zealand during one of the Americas Cup Yacht Races. It had

been exciting to watch the winning ferries in various categories,


34/40

being greeted to victory by the hoses of the sea faring fire

tenders. Another experience she would not have enjoyed but for

her friends.

Following a brief session of reminiscing, Estelle silently

wishing Paul was alive and with her, the question was posed,

where to next? It was jokingly said it was tooearly to return

the parcel! Babs suggested they headed for Cronulla and from

near there, take a ferry to Bundeena and back. A great one for

catnaps, she thought this run would give her time to have a brief

siesta of ten or twenty minutes, and become revived again as a

result! This knack Estelle envied as she often found a good

nights sleep in her bed at night somewhat elusive.The sight of a pretty young woman of about twenty, dressed

to provoke, as Estelle put it, had revived Keith noticeably!

Luckily for him, Babs had fallen asleep. Down boy, Estelle

had teased as Keiths eyes followed the sexy wench in the

briefest of shorts, and wearing a bra and top to enhance her

bosom and cleavage, well knowing she would attract attention.

Does her mother know shes out dressed like that? Estelle

added, remembering, from a child, this remark uttered by anelderly aunt. They both laughed. Babs stirred, lost in her

dreams, as they headed for Cronulla. The ferry had left

Gunnamatta just seconds before they arrived.

Well,our ferry trip wasnt meant to be, Keith remarked,

actually with some relief. Probably, this was because he had not

wanted to park his lovely vehicle and it would be a long drive

round to meet Babs and herself at Bundeena.What he had said made Estelle think about how often the

sentiment of some kind of predetermination was expressed. In

most cases, a mere turn of phrase inherited from the past, while

to some, it had real significance.

Que Sera, Sera, what will be, will be, a philosophy in

which many believed.

Now you were deep in thought, Babs observed, awake

again. Anything youd care to share?Nothing worth repeating, she replied, suddenly aware of

how busy the area was. Not surprising as the wide curving

sweep of Bates Bay gave the place superb surfing beaches.


35/40

What she saw, she preferred to Bondi but wondered if it would

be sacrilege to say so, especially as she was not a surfer. The

name Cronulla, she was told, stemmed from the native word

which meant place of the pink shells, but she had no

opportunity to discover if any could still be found.

With no space to park at Cronulla, there was discussion as

to whether or not to proceed to Kurnell, the place where Captain

Cook had landed and which, it was said, a writer in the 1970s

had described as a queer, haunting place. This was not because

the ghost of any of James Cooks crew still frequented place,

but because its original heart had been swamped by the oil

refinerys sprawling installations. Nevertheless, there was agood impression of the Sydney skyline to be got from the

vicinity. It was concluded therefore that it was worth driving in

that direction before making a journey back.

When they stopped to take in the view, the clouds indicated

there was a storm brewing, and quite storm it proved to be. It

circulated all around and seemed to come to a grand finale soon

after she returned to Sallys and Jacks. The fork lightning

provided quite a display and gave Estelle an experience shewould happily have passed on. She felt an inner tightness and

nervousness, but her unease she was happy to attribute to the

storm, phenomena she found disconcerting wherever they

occurred.


36/40

Chapter Seven

From the start of the trip, Estelle had been pleased to note that

she had been sleeping quite well. Undoubtedly, this was due to

the fact that her days had been so busy, so full of activity. The

nights, dwelling on the cruel act of fate which had made her a

widow, had been fewer, the hours of wakefulness not so long.The days had been far busier than she had expected, or

hoped for, when journeying out. Then, her only firm wish had

been that the days before her departure for home gave her little

time to think about saying goodbye to her very good friends,

something she found difficult at the best of times. Bidding

farewell to friends residing overseas, always made her wonder

as to what the future might hold? Would they meet again? She

would be returning to the UK to face an unaccustomed

emptiness, along with the need to establish a new life and career

for herself. First though, she needed to resolve why Paul had

been unlawfully killed.

Still, she had got up feeling very positive, determined to

enjoy her outing, the day dawning pleasant and warm once more

after the storm. Both Jack and Sally had important matters to

attend to, pertaining to their own businesses, which could not bepostponed from the Monday. In view of this, it had been

arranged that Estelle would join a wine tour to the Hunter

Valley with a company which offered a more relaxed and

personal service to small groups of discerning travellers. The

pickup was in Sydney at 7:30 am to which Jack kindly

chauffeured her, insisting on waiting the ten minutes until the

minibus arrived.

Estelle was the last to be picked up, making the total aboard,including the driver, twelve in number. Travelling alone, Ted

suggested that she took the single seat across from his. Though

he had lived in Australia for twenty years, his accent was very


37/40

recognisably English. After serving as a soldier, much of this

time in Germany, he was fluent in the language, and in French

as well. He made no secret of the fact that having an uncle who

was a brigadier had been a bonus to his military career.

Anyway, he was to prove an excellent driver, knowledgeable

and a good leader.

Being given what the others described as the VIP seat, the

badinage between members of the group began immediately and

set a happy tone which lasted the entire trip. One passenger,

however, could have blighted everyones cheeriness by her long

face, sulkiness and lack of participation. The person in question

was the Indonesian wife of the gentle, affable, German giantcalled Joachim, but named Joe by the American couple. It was a

trip that his wife, a nurse, clearly had not wanted to be on. Her

displeasure stayed visible on her face all day, without wavering.

At the coffee and comfort stop at Calga Springs Animal

Sanctuary, she stepped away from the group to have a cigarette

and, even in the ladies room, acted as if everyone was invisible.

To exit, she pushed past Estelle and the two young women from

Hong Kong, all quite unnecessarily. Dont mind us, Estellehad remarked, making the girls start giggling, especially when

they began to mimic the long face.

Besides those mentioned already, the group also consisted

of a Canadian couple and two New Zealanders. Over coffee,

there had been much light-hearted banter and laughter. The

hilarity had increased when an emu appeared, thereby offering

great opportunities for photographs, fooling everyone of its realpurpose. With peoples attention diverted, it grabbed a cake

from one of the plates and disappeared to enjoy.

On her previous visit to the area, Estelle remembered that

the turn off towards Mangrove Mountain had not been taken so

the locality around the Calga Sanctuary was new to her.

Afterwards, as they approach the area around the Hawkesbury

River, she had soon appreciated that she had forgotten how

scenic the area was. Lovely little bays with wooded sides andsmall coves housing fishing and sailing places like the small

town of Brooklyn. The Americans sure needed to take a snap

of the name. This reminded Estelle that the Hawkesbury, when


38/40

it ceased to be tidal, became the Nepean, and that on the

outskirts of Ottawa, in Canada, there was a town of that name.

Both were so named after a man who carried out colonial duties

in both areas. The Canadians were keen to note this, while Ted

hadbeen surprised by Estelles knowledge.

Leaving the freeway, the minibus joined the roadway built

by convicts at a great cost of lives, to enable the coal found in

Newcastle, New South Wales, to be transported. There was a

stop at a tiny settlement of Wollombi, the purpose of which was

to enjoy a taste of Dr Jurds Jungle Juice. A widely known and

popular tipple, it tasted like a slightly sweet tawny port. Very

palatable, but to be drunk sparingly as it packed a punch!Additionally, there were further tasters to come in the Hunter

Valley, Ted who was well informed on the subject of wine but

was no wine snob, was keen to emphasise each should judge

according to ones tastes. Choosing his words carefully, he also

reminded the group that the aim was to enjoy the day, and the

tastings, but to stay sober and standing!

It was German Joe who got a little inebriated with everyone

agreeing that his wifes disapproving face was enough to sendany man to drink! At the tastings, he did not touch any of the

dessert, or fortified, wines but with other samples he drank his

own and that of his abstaining wife. Such was her disdain she

did not even partake in the lunch which was quite a feast: a

seafood opener of smoked salmon, mussels, baby squid and

some fish roe, followed by ham, salami, kangaroo meat in aspic,

emu in filo pastry, fresh salad and pickled vegetables, roastedyams and fresh bread, ending with a large cookie and coffee. A

small amount of four wines, two whites and two reds were

provided to accompany the meals courses which all bar one

enjoyed, the easy and interesting conversation amongst the

group adding to the pleasure.

Someone had joked that the only thing which had been

lacking was cheese to enjoy with the coffee. This prompted

Estelle to mention that at the next winery, there was a cheeseshop, or there had been when she had visited previously. Her

memory seemed to astound and it was when they got to the very

place that Joes very happy mood was noticed, being eager to


39/40

buy each an ice cream, much more exciting than cheese. When

most of the group made use of his cheerless wife to take

photographs of Ted and his band of discerning travellers, Joe

was keen to whisper for no one to suggest that his wife be

included in any photo as her grim face would break all cameras.

I heard that, she declared, before uttering a spiel of

German.

Shes talking to me again, Joe happily responded, blowing

his wife a kiss.

Go on, give us a smile, force yourself, one of the men

ventured, but to no avail, with the rest shrugging acceptance,

there would be no thawing.At least it was known that she did speak, that she

understood English, and certainly that her German was fluent,

and according to a whispered aside to Estelle, by Ted, quite

colourful.

The American and Canadian couples joined Estelle for some

cheese tasting. Amongst other, things they wanted an

opportunity to express their opinion about the very rude and

uncalled for behaviour of Joes wife. Their sympathy for theGerman, who was such a gentle giant, was enormous. The

great wonder was that the said lady was a nurse, her nature

being such that they had great sympathy with any patients she

tended. It was only to be expected that members of the group

had comments to make about the inexcusable attitude displayed

whatever the reason for her displeasure with her husband, Joe.

Except for Estelle, the Canadian lady and, of course, Ted,sleep overtook everyone else during the whole of the journey

back to Sydney where they arrived at 6:30pm. First stop was to

drop Joe, and his wife, near Chinatown to which, by her

demeanour and the sudden spring in her step, she seemed

delighted to be heading. The consensus of opinion was that she

must be starving and only Chinese food whetted her palate.

Next, it was Estelles turn to be dropped off at the

mornings pick up point where Jack, and not Sally, awaited herwhich was the arrangement she expected. In fact, she had

argued that she could make her own way back by train but the

suggestion had been overruled.


40/40

Innocently, one of the young women from Hong Kong said,

Your husband awaits, how lovely.

Estelles heart sank and she feared she would burst into

tears but she said goodbye to her fellow travellers as cheerily as

possible. Ted squeezed her hand tight as she shook his to give a

tip.

Take care. Keep smiling. Youll do all right, given time,

he told her quietly having stepped out of the vehicle, adding,

Ill tell the others.

He needed to say no more, she understood. In travelling

back with the sleeping company, she had told him that she had

been widowed through a cruel mishap.

the haunt of fate by v. r. wilson

Documents