Red Dust Dreaming by Eva Scott Page A

thing she could imagine it contained was Angela’s will. If she was right it could change everything. But why would Angela give her will to Thelma to keep safe until she arrived? Why not simply give it to Caden or a solicitor? What on earth had Angela been up to this time?
    Another knock sounded on the door and a childish voice called out. “Hurry up Aunty E, we’re ready to go.”
    â€œOkay Luke, I’m on my way,” she replied. Grabbing the small overnight bag she’d borrowed for the trip, all her own luggage being too big, Elizabeth stuffed the envelope inside. Perhaps there’d be time later to read it through. She was loathed to leave it behind now it had finally shown up. Curiosity buzzed inside her like a swarm of bees. She’d lay odds on the fact that whatever Angela had put in her will would upset their parents. The thought made her smile as she picked up her bag and headed out the door.
    ***
    Elizabeth didn’t have to wait long for an opportunity to read her sister’s will. Luke, ever keen for an adventure, wanted to sit next to Caden a request she was more than happy to grant. Sitting so close to Caden when her feelings about him were all over the place wasn’t a good idea. Not to mention his volatility. The last thing she wanted was to have a fight before they arrived at the party, especially with Luke in the plane with them. Better she sit behind with her thoughts.
    The flight didn’t promise to be a long one so the minute she was able Elizabeth plucked at the envelope peeling back the seal as quietly as possible, careful not to rip anything. She had no expectations of reading the entire document during the trip. The need to see what was contained within overwhelmed her good sense. She really ought to wait until she was alone but… The document slid out easily enough. As she unfolded the thick wad of paper a loose leaf fell to the floor. Quickly she picked it up, checking no one had noticed. Luke chatted happily to Caden neither paying her the slightest bit of attention. Good.
    Reassured she unfolded the page. It was a letter written in Angela’s distinctive loopy scrawl. And it was addressed to her. Her sister had reached out to her before her death. Elizabeth’s hands shook as she began to read.
    Dear Elizabeth
    By the time you read this I will be long dead. Not much of a reunion, huh? Sorry about that. I guess we took different paths in life. You were content to follow Mom and Dad’s plan and I wasn’t. I have no regrets. Well, that’s not entirely true. I regret Mitch was killed in Afghanistan and never got to meet Luke. I regret I will not live to see my son grow to manhood and must leave him an orphan.
    I don’t regret never going home. There was no place for me there. I could never be what they wanted me to be. In the end I couldn’t breathe and then I met Mitch who loved me for who I am not who I might be if I worked harder on my flaws. Luke was the next greatest thing that happened to me. I can’t begin to tell you how much joy he has brought to my life. I was blessed to find shelter here at Kirrkalan – the last place on earth anyone would look for me and truly the last place I thought I’d find myself. But here I am.
    I’ve asked Thelma to hold on to my will until you arrive. This may seem odd but I have a special request, my last request, for you. I want you to see Luke with his Australian family. I want you to experience life at Kirrkalan. Caden made a great father-figure for Luke and he adores him. Thelma is like a favourite aunty and I don’t know where I’d be without the kindness of Caden’s mother, Maeve Carlyle. She saved my life.
    I’ve asked Caden to hold my ashes for you to dispose of. I want them scattered at Kirrkalan. He knows this. I want you to scatter them for me. Caden and Luke will show you my favourite places. I’d like a little of me at each please. I know you