A phone call from Frederick the following morning gave him more insight into Billie’s frame of mind. “Alex tells me your mother has a litter of pups available.”
“Yes, I was planning on taking them out to visit her today.”
A cough came over the line. “Well, here’s the thing, Lucy and I would like him to have one. Might help with the whole settling in process. We stupidly mentioned it might do Billie the world of good too, help her get over Stephen’s death if she had something to occupy her mind and not dwell on things she couldn’t control.” He sighed. “Listen, are you free for a cup of tea? Lucy is out with friends, Billie is having a lie in as its Sunday and I think I’d rather discuss this face to face.”
Five minutes later Hamish climbed the stairs to the sitting room and found Frederick pouring them each a cup of tea. He took his customary seat on the chair facing the couch and balanced the delicate china on his knee. “Purge away, my friend.”
Frederick grimaced and Hamish felt for him. He knew he was doing the best he could for his daughter and even though Frederick excelled in the courtroom, he constantly worried he’d step on his Billie’s toes and make matters worse. “Well, as I said, we suggested they get the dog not long after they arrived because it would be a distraction, one I feel Alex needs. I figured it would be good for them to take the pup out and about and I know Alex has always wanted a dog. Probably not the most practicable pet when they lived in an apartment but the park is a mere half-mile down the road. And you have to admit, a dog is a great way to meet people, especially a pup and even I’d be keen to go with them on occasion. Considering you are taking them to meet your mother today, I thought I’d let you know how much we are in favour of the idea.” He stared into his cup. “I don’t quite know how to encourage Billie to agree. When we mention it, she lost it. Totally and very loudly lost it. Accused us of trying to take over, run her life. I knew she was walking a thin line, but I didn’t know she was this much on edge.”
“How did Alex react?” Hamish sipped his tea.
“Hardly said a word. Poor kid looked so sad, my heart broke for him. He needs us, Hamish. Losing his father, the move from San Francisco to here. I feel it’s all been too much too soon for the poor boy.” Frederick gazed into space, his tea forgotten in his hand, his voice sounding miles away. “I think we need to get her some help, but I don’t quite know how to go about it without setting off another argument.”
“She seemed to be doing well until that bag snatch episode yesterday. I honestly didn’t know what you were so worried about until then.” Hamish replayed her reactions in his mind and wondered where to go to from here.
“Exactly. We thought she’d improved, but it seems she’s hanging on by a thread. Makes me wonder if there have been other episodes we don’t know about. The torment in her eyes is terrible to watch. If she notices me looking, a shutter comes down and I feel like the worst possible Peeping Tom.” He faced Hamish. “What can we do to help her?” He sank down onto the couch, leaned back, his face marred with anguish.
“I still have my license even though I no longer practise. I can suggest someone for you or I can try to talk to her myself in a casual capacity if you’re afraid she’ll snap at the suggestion of something more formal.” Hamish leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. “I must say, she does intrigue me. I’ve never met anyone quite like her and I’d love to know why she reacts the way she does.”
Frederick smiled. “Is this more than professional inquisitiveness, Hamish?”
“Perhaps.” He smiled, a self-conscious prickle running over the back of his neck.
“I know Lucy is at her wit’s end over Billie’s behaviour. We’ll do anything we can to help her, you have to know that.”
“In that case, then, I need to know what happened in America after Stephen died. What else was it that pushed her to the brink? I think she’s holding onto something and it would help to know what it is. What makes her rash, choose the path that she does? Is there a flash point, something that triggers her decisions?”
Chapter 10
Sydney 1940
When she woke the following morning, Gertrude groaned. Her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth and her head throbbed. Too much champagne last night! Stupid, stupid girl. How silly could she be? Not allowed to drink very much at home, she should have known better than to have that last glass. She rolled over avoiding the thin sliver of sunlight stabbing through the gap in the curtains.
A knock at the door had her holding her head. “Come in.”
Mrs. Humphries opened the door with a cheery good morning. “Right you are, Miss. Tea in bed.”
Gertrude pulled herself up against the pillows and moaned.
“You alright, Miss?”
“I feel like death actually.” She closed her eyes and wished she was still asleep.
“Ah. Good night, then, was it?” The smile in the housekeeper’s voice was almost more than Gertrude could bear.
“Go ahead and laugh if you want. I’ll stay here and quietly die.” She brushed her hand over her eyes, blocking out the light.
“No you won’t. I have just the thing for you. Make it up for Mr. Ernest every now and then, so I’ll go and whip one up for you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Humphries. Is my sister awake yet?” Gertrude opened her eyes as the housekeeper reached for the door handle.
“I do believe so, Miss. I’m
