River Song, page 10
‘It’s a bit different for you, though, Maddie,’ said Fleur gently. ‘I know you have family and roots here. But you’re young, gifted, and your whole life is still ahead of you! You should get out into the world. Your problem is you don’t realise how good you are! I’ve seen talent that’s been lost, or never pursued, or taken down the wrong road. Success requires making the right decisions. Which is sometimes difficult.’
‘Hmm. I s’pose so,’ said Maddie dubiously.
Fleur stopped and took her arm. ‘Maddie, believe me, time evaporates, so don’t waste it. You have a raw and natural gift. You could do something with it, or just have a nice hobby writing songs and singing them. To whom? For whom?’ She looked at Maddie’s startled expression. ‘It might seem impossible to you to move out of Fig Tree River and aim for more. You’re happy here, I know. But, believe me, one day you’ll wonder, Could I have . . .?’ Fleur dropped Maddie’s arm. ‘Sorry, sweetie. I don’t mean to be pushy, but chances don’t come along very often in life. If you don’t take them, there’s nothing worse than regrets, than dreams not only unfulfilled, but never dreamt.’
They walked on in silence. Finally, Maddie said quietly, ‘I’ve always thought my music was something just for me.’ She turned and looked at Fleur. ‘What if I’m no good? If no one wants to know about the songs that I write and sing for me?’
‘Well, find out! You enjoy what you do. If no one else does, then keep doing it just for you. That’s your decision. You have to totally believe in yourself, to hang in there no matter what.’ She looked at Maddie and smiled. ‘No pressure.’
Maddie burst out laughing. ‘Okay, I’ll lock myself in my bedroom and think about it.’
‘In the meantime, have fun and enjoy what you’re doing with Leonie and the gang.’
‘We’re all doing it with you, too, Fleur,’ said Maddie.
Fleur nodded and picked up the pace. ‘Let’s get moving, okay?’ But her voice was husky as she stepped out ahead of Maddie.
*
Sundown. It was Tony time and Leonie sat on the western verandah watching the sky melt into burning gold clouds as Corby juggled a soccer ball in the twilight. She’d been thinking about how to tackle the issue of the dam. Then she had a thought. She picked up her phone.
‘Hi, Sarita, how’s it going?’ she began.
‘Oh, hi, Leonie. Good, thanks. Have you rung about the show? I’m really looking forward to meeting Julian.’
‘Well, that’s one reason I called. We’ll have a run-through next Wednesday. Julian is getting his head around it all first. But actually, there’s something else I wanted to ask you. You once mentioned that your brother is an environmental lawyer, as I remember?’
‘Brett? Yes, what do you want him for?’
‘Something’s come up and I don’t know what to do –’ Leonie realised her voice was shaking.
‘What’s happened, Leonie?’ Sarita sounded concerned.
She took a breath. ‘I’ve heard that a dam might be put in above my land. Could be disastrous – it would certainly devalue the place and damage habitat and so on.’
‘Good heavens. Ray did say recently that the council were tabling plans for a dam in the area, but he didn’t have any details. He might know more now, but yes, perhaps it would be best to talk to Brett.’
‘I’m not sure I can spare the time to go to Sydney to see him, and I can’t really afford him just yet, but if he wouldn’t mind a quick chat to guide me, that would be amazing.’
‘Of course, and I can help – Brett’s visiting us this weekend to clear his head between cases. He’s here for a few days. Why don’t you come over?’
‘Really? Well, that’d be wonderful. Thanks, Sarita.’
*
They sat in Sarita’s sunroom and made small talk for a short time, then Sarita stood up.
‘I have a couple of things to do. Call me if you want more tea or something stronger,’ she said, and left them to chat.
Leonie liked Brett immediately. He was warm and friendly, very like Sarita, she thought.
‘Well, Leonie, I can’t offer too much advice yet, as it appears to be early days,’ he said after she’d explained the situation. ‘Dams are expensive and highly contentious, so the red tape is endless. I’d say you should start by getting some confirmation of the plan, which could be difficult. Try to find out why it’s being considered now, and why in that location. How big will it be? You might also try to find out what the Environmental Impact Study says – they’d have to get one done.’
‘I understand,’ she said, but wondered how she’d ever find out all those details.
‘When you have some solid info, let me know, then we can move to the next step.’ He smiled. ‘And feel free to drop into any conversations about the dam that you have a lawyer to advise you.’
‘That’s so kind of you. I really appreciate your help,’ said Leonie. ‘Our area is such a special place. My late husband loved it and so do I.’
‘Have you always raised beef cattle, or was it dairy? There’s a lot of dairy farms around here.’
‘Tony’s family always had beef cattle. There was a bit of a family rift in the early days, I believe. One of the brothers wanted to clear all the trees, but the rest of the family considered it too hard and dangerous to log. When Tony took over, his plan was to diversify what we produced and rewild part of it, regenerate the land around the creek and back paddocks that had been farmed for so many years.’
‘Tony was probably considered a bit radical?’ Brett smiled.
‘Yes, among some of the older farmers. Most people hadn’t heard of rewilding or regenerative farming.’
‘It sounds like a big project. Keep me in the loop about the dam and we can talk next time I come up. I love coming here, not just to see Rita, Ray and the boys, but I just love Fig Tree River.’
‘But you and Sarita grew up in Sydney?’
‘Yes, and it was great, but these days I enjoy having a break from the city sometimes.’
Sarita stuck her head in the door. ‘Leonie, you’re not driving your ute, are you?’
‘No. Why?’
‘I have some materials for Chrissie to use for the backdrop. Some plywood and tins of paint and stuff.’
‘I can fit them in the back of my four-wheel drive,’ said Brett.
‘Well, if you wouldn’t mind driving them over to her, that’d be great,’ said Sarita. ‘Everyone is dying to meet Julian. Is it okay if I come to the afternoon rehearsal?’ she added.
‘Of course. You still on holiday from the shop then?’ said Leonie.
‘Permanently, it seems.’ Sarita grimaced. ‘Margaret has decided to close the dress shop and retire. I’m out of a job.’
‘Oh no!’ exclaimed Leonie. ‘I’m so sorry, Sarita.’
Brett looked shocked. ‘Rita, I thought you said you’d taken some time off while I was here. Are you okay?’
‘Sorry, Brett. I didn’t say anything before because I didn’t want to spoil your visit,’ she said. ‘I’m looking for another job, but this couldn’t come at a worse time, really.’
‘How can I help you, Rita?’ asked Brett, sounding concerned.
‘Oh, I’m sure we’ll be all right. Ray is hoping to get a raise and I’ll find another job. We’ll manage.’
Leonie stood up and gave Sarita a quick hug. ‘I’ll keep an ear open in case I hear of anything.’ She turned to Brett. ‘Thank you again for all your help. I’ll let you know what I find out.’
After Sarita walked Leonie to the door, she came back into the lounge room. ‘C’mon, Brett, I’ll give you the stuff for Chrissie.’
‘An address would be helpful, too,’ he said, and Sarita chuckled.
‘She’s at the edge of town, not far.’
*
Brett was pulling into the driveway when Chrissie came outside, shading her eyes as she looked to see who it was.
He wound down the window. ‘Hi, Chrissie. It’s me, Brett. Sarita’s brother.’
‘Oh. Right.’ She looked confused, so Brett pointed over his shoulder towards the rear of the car.
‘I’ve got some building stuff for you.’ He got out of his four-wheel drive. ‘For the show?’
‘Oh, wonderful.’ Her face cleared. ‘Would you mind helping me bring it into the shed?’
‘Of course not.’ Brett handed Chrissie a tin of paint, then pulled out the sheets of plywood. ‘I’ll come back for the rest – where’s your workshop?’
He followed her around the house past fruit trees and vegetable beds and stopped in surprise.
‘Wow, now that’s a shed!’
‘The previous owner built it to store his machinery and tractor. My husband Troy keeps all his plumbing supplies and tools in there. I have a workshop tucked in a corner.’
‘Troy’s lucky to have so much space,’ said Brett.
‘I suppose so. This is my area over here. Thanks so much for bringing this, Brett. I’ll get to work later. I’m looking forward to it.’
After he brought in the last of the materials from his car, Brett glanced at the array of tools all neatly stacked and hung on a wall next to a workbench.
‘Who taught you how to build?’ he asked curiously.
‘My grandad, actually. I did woodwork at school. I liked it better than cooking or any of those kinds of subjects. But it’s just a hobby. You know, a bit of an escape. Some people knit or paint pictures – I build things.’
‘I see.’ Brett suddenly felt uncomfortable, though he wasn’t sure why.
‘Do you have a hobby?’ she asked.
Brett looked down at her green eyes and pretty face.
‘Ah. Not really. It feels like I always have too much work on. But if I have a chance I like bushwalking.’
They stared at each other, wondering where to take this small talk. At the sound of a car driving in, Chrissie startled and turned away. ‘Gosh, I’d better go. I left something on the stove. Thanks again for bringing this over.’ She gave him a small wave and hurried away.
Brett rounded the house to find a man staring at his four-wheel drive.
‘Hi! Troy is it? I’m Brett, Sarita’s brother.’ He smiled and extended his hand.
Troy raised his eyebrows, taking his hand.
‘You delivering something?’
‘Yes. My sister asked me to drop some building materials over here. For the set of the musical.’
‘I didn’t think they were doing anything fancy this year, just recording it or something? You in the show?’ asked Troy, looking puzzled. ‘New around here?’
‘Just up here for a short break, staying with Sarita and Ray. And no, I’m not in the show. Can’t sing to save myself!’
‘Right. I see.’
‘Must be great having a wife who’s so handy on the tools,’ said Brett.
‘Maybe. But she can’t cook to save herself,’ said Troy with a grin. ‘You staying around long enough for this show thing?’
‘No, but I might come back to see it,’ said Brett as he opened his car door.
‘Well, thanks. Saved me a trip. See you round.’
He turned and went inside as Brett started his car and drove back out onto the road.
*
There was an atmosphere of excitement and curiosity among the cast. Freddy and Roger, looking as nonchalant as they could, handed out the librettos while Charlie adjusted his lighting. He was going to shoot a practice run even though this was just a rehearsal. All were waiting for Leonie and Julian to arrive.
‘C’mon, folks, let’s have a warm-up,’ suggested Freddy.
They gathered on the stage, then Roger ran them through the warm-up exercises.
‘What scenes are we doing?’ asked Wade.
‘I think Leonie wants to run it from the top,’ said Freddy. ‘In fact, here they are!’
Everyone turned to stare at Leonie and Julian as they came down the shadowy aisle and stepped up onto the stage.
Roger rose and gestured to the piano stool. Julian gave him a small bow and sat at the piano, then started playing ‘Country Gardens’ at double speed, then laughingly ran his fingers along the keys and stood up. ‘It’s good to meet you all.’
The mood was suddenly relaxed and comfortable as they all welcomed Julian.
Wade pumped his hand. ‘Well, I didn’t expect to meet you again, but I’m glad I have. Very pleased to see you here.’
‘I believe I have you to thank for suggesting me to Leonie,’ said Julian.
‘Oh, I had no trouble remembering you.’ Wade laughed. ‘Never heard anything like it when I found you in the town hall that time.’
Leonie smiled at Fleur, who’d just arrived, then clapped her hands. ‘Okay, everyone. Let’s begin.’
She ran through the preliminaries, checking in with all those playing the main roles. Everyone settled down, taking their seats in the ring of chairs on stage, shuffling through the pages of their scripts.
Julian sat down next to Maddie and said, ‘Hi, Ella.’
Maddie grinned. ‘G’day, Percy.’
Roger began to play and Freddy spread his sheets on top of the piano and lifted his arm ready to cue the opening chorus.
Julian sang well and his personality was infectious. Leonie noted with satisfaction how the rest of the cast stepped up, allowing their characters to shine. What’s more, they all looked like they were enjoying themselves.
When it came time for a scene where Percy himself was to play the piano and sing, Roger and Julian exchanged places.
As Julian began playing, the group fell silent and turned to look at him, open-mouthed. When he turned to deliver his next line and saw everybody just staring in awe at him, he laughed.
‘Cut it out, guys!’
‘Let’s take a break,’ said Leonie, glancing at Fleur, who was grinning from ear to ear.
The ice had been broken, and everyone milled around, talking about the show. Julian had become one of the gang.
Roger turned to Freddy. ‘It’s easy to see that Fleur and Leonie have put a bit of time into getting Julian up to speed,’ he said.
‘The coaching certainly paid off,’ agreed Freddy. ‘Plus, he’s a natural.’
‘Natural genius?’ said Roger. ‘Some miracle that they found him. He won’t be looking for work after this.’
‘Or looking for pianos,’ Freddy chortled.
Maddie walked over to Charlie, who was checking his camera.
‘Did you get that? Julian’s playing?’
‘I sure did. And your faces as everyone was watching him. It’s great footage.’ He smiled at her.
‘So are you going to film all our rehearsals?’
‘Not all of them. Although I want to do some separate segments. Some backgrounders of you, Julian, Fleur and Leonie, so that we get to know who you are before you turn into Ella.’
‘Ah, okay. Sounds interesting. You’ll have more than enough material, I guess.’
‘That’s an understatement.’
‘I hope everyone else falls in love with Julian as Percy, just as all of us have,’ said Maddie.
‘They’ll all fall in love with you too,’ said Charlie softly.
*
Sarita was seated in the front row of the theatre when Fleur joined her.
‘Maddie sings so beautifully,’ Sarita said. ‘A glorious voice. She and Julian should keep performing together after this show, they’re both extraordinary.’
‘Yes, their voices really complement each other,’ Fleur said. ‘How are you going with the costumes?’
‘Nearly finished.’
Fleur smiled. ‘You know, Percy made a lot of his own clothes. He loved towelling, wore caftans and did African beadwork. Even made shoes for himself. Fabulous things! His mother sewed for him too.’
‘Really? Wow, he was the gift that keeps on giving,’ said Sarita.
‘Indeed he was,’ Fleur said.
Up on the stage, Leonie clapped for everyone’s attention. ‘Act Three, please.’
*
Charlie rang Maddie as she was pulling on her bike helmet.
‘Hi, Mads, have you finished work?’
‘I’m just getting on my bike to ride home. Why?’
‘I’m going to check out a dairy farm for a TV commercial. The owners have opened up a creamery café and a shop selling their cheeses. It looks like a cute place. Thought you might like to come? I could pick you up at your place in forty-five minutes or so, if you’re keen?’
‘Sure. Sounds fun. You know where I live?’
Maddie raced home and changed in ten minutes flat, into her favourite jeans, a knotted T-shirt and pink sneakers. She let her hair down and threw on some lip gloss but didn’t bother with anything more elaborate. She liked Charlie. He was fun and easy to be with, which suited her fine. She’d had one passionate relationship, which had ended badly, and she didn’t feel quite ready to fling herself into another yet. She was too busy with Fleur’s show, anyway. But she enjoyed having a friend to hang out with.
She saw Charlie pull up and ran down the driveway.
‘Hi,’ she said as she opened the passenger door and got in. ‘So where is this farm?’
‘Not too far south. In a pretty area. Picture-perfect dairy country. Fat cattle, green paddocks, and old trees along a shady creek, from what I saw on their website. I think their shop only opens on the weekend; they’re too busy during the week, I suppose.’
‘Is this the first time you’ve been there?’
‘Yeah, I want to meet with them at their property and find out more about their ideas and what I can suggest. Talking to them on the phone, they sound really interesting. They want to do a TV ad to help market their products – cheeses, gelato, all things dairy – and meat.’
‘Oh, they eat their cows?’
‘Waste not, want not, I guess. I might not focus on that in the ad,’ Charlie said dryly, and turned and smiled at her.
