Frontier Wife by Margaret Tanner Page A

stubborn and pig-headed. Back in the kitchen she mixed up the ingredients for a currant cake. By the banging and hammering David had started working on the roof. Going outside, she watched with trepidation from the verandah as he wielded the hammer. As a boy he had always professed an interest in carpentry, but their father had an army career mapped out for him.
    “Tommy, Tommy.” She swung around on hearing Jamie’s excited voice. He rode up in front of Adam on a large chestnut. He waved enthusiastically on seeing her.
    “Good afternoon, Mr. Munro.”
    Adam dismounted before lifting Jamie down. “Good afternoon, Miss Lindsay.”
    “Did you have a nice time, my darling?”
    “Yes,” Adam shot back with a smirk.
    “I didn’t mean you.”
    “No? I’m devastated.” His grin clearly told her that he wasn’t.
    She lowered her eyes so he wouldn’t catch her staring at him. His lips were full, sensuous. His tanned skin had the texture of smooth flawless leather and she felt a shocking, inexplicable urge to reach out and touch him. The thought of what it would feel like sent a warm sensation whirling around in the pit of her stomach. She took in a couple of desperate, shuddering breaths.
    “Adam took me mustering.”
    “That’s nice.”
    Adam wore a blue work shirt left open to expose his tanned throat. Firm fitting brown moleskins stretched across his muscular thighs every time he moved. His knee length dusty black boots were of the finest leather and sported a raised pattern around the top. His usual wide brimmed hat was pulled firmly down over his forehead.
    “Young fool.” He turned his attention to David. “What's he doing on that roof?”
    “I tried to stop him.”
    “He's just as stubborn and willful as you are.”
    “Thank you for collecting Jamie, Mr. Munro.”
    “My pleasure.” He gave a mocking grin and touched the brim of his hat. “Miss Lindsay.”
    “Would you care to come inside for some tea?” Courtesy dictated she at least make the offer.
    “No, thank you, I must be off.”
    Jamie left Tommy's side. “Don't you want some cake, Adam? Did you make cake, Tommy?”
    “I'm in a hurry, another time, hmm.” He squatted on his haunches bringing himself down to the child's level. “Another time, all right?” A brown finger tilted the quivering chin. “Stockmen don't cry if they can't get their own way.”
    “I’m not crying.”
    White teeth flashed in a tanned face. “I know you aren't.”
    “Sure you don't want any tea?”
    “Positive.” Adam swung away without another word.
    She watched him mount with that slow, easy grace she couldn’t help but admire. He rode away sitting proud and tall in the saddle, a man as remote and untamed as the frontier land in which he lived.
    Over their evening meal Jamie chattered about his adventures with Adam. They had gone out mustering cattle, had even shared lunch of muttonchops and damper with some of the stockmen.
    “Adam's getting me a stock whip. A special one just my size, so I can go mustering again.”
    He sounded so excited she hated dampening such enthusiasm, and her worried gaze met David's across the table. “Adam has no right promising him all those things.”
    “Look, we don't know he isn't going to keep his word,” David said.
    For some reason, Tommy felt apprehensive at the idea of Adam returning.

 
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Six
     
    Christmas day arrived—roasting hot. Jamie woke early to inspect his stocking. They gave him what they could afford, sweets, a new ball, a picture book and a slate for school.
    “I’ll look a dandy in this.” David slipped on the brocade waistcoat she had made and strutted up and down the parlor.
    Jamie laughed at his antics. “Did you make the handkerchief box for Tommy? I want to learn how to do it.”
    “I’ll teach you when you’re a little older,” David promised.
    After breakfast they got ready for church. Tommy dressed in a white muslin gown with pink roses forming a delicate