“I’m sure it will be a relief for you to go back to what you are used to though.” Belinda gave a brittle laugh, ignoring the sudden silence that filled the room. “Living out here isn’t anything like what you see on that show The Farmers Wants a Wife. Just in case you were thinking it was…if you know what I mean.”
“That is uncalled for, Belinda. We all know you wanted to marry Blake and fawned over him when his wife was killed, but he had the good sense to see you for what you are. I suggest you sit down and play nice or go home.” Eleanor smiled and turned back to Delilah. “Don’t mind her. She is still a little bitter he rejected her.”
The lady in the white shirt spoke up covering the uncomfortable silence. “Seriously though, I would love to catch up with you more, Delilah, and it will be a shame when you go back to the city.” She held out her hand. “Sara—sorry not sure if you got my name when we met initially. It was a bit of a bun fight catching up with everyone. Anyway, as I was saying, I was really good friends with Ellie, Blake’s wife. Such a lovely down to earth person. We were all devastated when she was killed. By the look of things, you’re a bit of a hit with the children. Lilly really seems to like you a lot. From what I’ve heard she hasn’t taken to any of the other nannies.”
A blush crept up Delilah’s cheeks, and she took a sip of tea before responding. “They are wonderful kids. Not hard to bond with them at all.”
“It will be a shame for them to lose you when the new nanny arrives.” Sara smiled. “Mind if I put the kettle on again? All this talk of over-zealous heroes with complexes has made me thirsty.”
“Not at all, but let me do it.” Leaving the other women to talk in groups, she filled the kettle and turned it on. All was quiet down at the sheds when she looked out the window waiting for the water to boil. A hand rested on her shoulder.
“Can I ask you something?” Sara leaned in close and let go a small sigh when Del nodded her head. “It’s about Lilly. Before Ellie died she was concerned about Lilly’s sight. She seemed to have trouble focusing on certain things and we both wondered if she needed glasses. Unfortunately, Blake refused to even contemplate the fact his little girl might have a problem. I wouldn’t say anything then and I’m loath to get in the way now because it really isn’t my place, but you seem to be a sensible person, and I can’t mention this to anyone else really.”
Royce’s words came back to her. That would explain his comments. “Funny you should say that because I tried to bring it up with Blake. He is adamant she’s fine, but I don’t know. If I could get her to an optician I would but…”
“Yeah, I get it, really I do. There is a clinic at the hospital, if you can swing it. I would hate the poor little thing to suffer because of her dad’s denial to think there is anything wrong, but I’m not really in a position to do much.”
“Thanks for telling me. Leave it with me and we will see what happens.” When the kettle boiled, Sara made another pot of tea and offered it around.
“Where’s the money jar?” Eleanor spoke up over the voices of women who didn’t see each other often enough.
“Money jar?”
“Yes. This is a fund raiser, even though there aren’t that many of us. We all chip in and pay a few dollars each to attend these morning teas. All the money goes into the kitty for whatever project needs it most.” Eleanor waved a five dollar note in her hand. “Come on girls, show us the color of your money.”
“Right, let me find something then.” Del scoured the cupboards and found a small jug and placed it on the table. The tinkle of coins sounded for the next few minutes as everyone added their contribution.
“Thanks so much for having us today, Delilah. We really do appreciate it. If you’re still in the area, Sara is having her morning tea in a couple of weeks.”
“I can call you and give you the details.” Sara leaned in close. “Might be a good time to visit the hospital if Blake is being stubborn too.”
“Not sure if I want to be that sneaky. Let me think about it. If I’m still here, I’d love to come to your place.”
By the time her visitors had left, Del had met some wonderful ladies. The food had been a hit, the story behind it more so. Bluey would be pleased and Blake would tell her “I told you so.”
“Thank God they’ve gone. I was getting damned hungry.” Bluey thumped up the back stairs, hooking his hat on the door.
“You could have come up earlier you know.”
“No fear. Why would a bloke want to get in the way of a heap of squawking women? Got more sense than that.”
Delilah laughed. “They were actually very nice and were very impressed with your cooking skills too. Sit down and I’ll get you some lunch. Is Blake coming up with Royce?”
“Yep, won’t
