Head for the Hills, page 3
“Everyone would decide to come when it’s my turn,” Margot grumbled. “Not that I mind. It’s lovely when we’re all together but, lucky you, it was such a small gathering last time at yours. So much more relaxing. Of course, your catering style is different.” Margot flicked on her indicator and slowed slightly for her road, which was coming up fast.
Roslyn didn’t take offence at her sister’s insinuation that Roslyn’s meal was no comparison to hers. That’s just how Margot spoke. Words tumbled from her lips without thought and later when she sometimes realised she might have said something unkind she’d apologise profusely. Anyway, it was true. Roslyn couldn’t be bothered with the fuss of cooking while Margot adored it.
“When you say all are you including—”
“Geraldine.” Margot flicked her a glance that dared her to say more.
Roslyn pursed her lips and stared ahead. Geraldine was Dennis’s brother’s ex-wife. She’d kept the house in Jesserton in the divorce settlement and also her place at Margot’s dinner table. She was a dithering, skittish woman who continually apologised for anything and everything, often for something she had no need to apologise for, which drove Roslyn batty.
“You’ve got so much patience, Margot.”
“There’s no harm in inviting the woman for dinner every so often. She came a couple of times while you were in Japan visiting Jerome earlier in the year. Then she’s been away in New Zealand visiting her son. She’s only been back a few weeks. We’re all the family she has close by.”
Roslyn’s snort changed to a sharp intake of breath as Margot turned the wheel and shot across the road in front of a truck powering up the hill towards them. The blare of a horn followed them as the car slewed onto their rough gravel road.
Roslyn gripped the armrest tighter. “If you’re trying to kill me I’d have preferred to walk.”
“The truck was climbing the hill. It was going at a snail’s pace.” Margot batted away her complaint with a wave of her hand. “We had plenty of time.”
The car bounced over a pothole.
“Bugger!” Margot’s free hand went back to the wheel. “I must get on to the council again about getting this road sealed.”
“It’s not that long since we sent the last letter. They’ve probably hardly had a meeting since then.” Roslyn winced as the car bounced over another rut. Margot slowed slightly to turn into her driveway then came to an abrupt stop in front of her garage. There were a few small dents in the roller door – evidence of the times she hadn’t stopped quite quickly enough.
They climbed out of the car. Margot whipped her head around and leaned across the bonnet. “Greg from the plant shop told me you were there earlier. You might have called in my way.”
Roslyn lifted the string bag she’d just picked up off the car floor. “You were serving as I went by and I knew I’d be seeing you tonight.” Barely a day went past when they didn’t see each other, even if just to wave over the wire fence that divided Roslyn’s backyard from Margot’s side garden.
“There’s a rumour Gunter’s place has sold.”
Roslyn sighed. It had taken no time at all for that gossip to spread. She’d warned the agent. “Expressions of interest closed last week so I suppose a decision would have been reached.”
Margot fixed her with a sharp look. “You don’t know anything?”
“How could I know anything?”
“You’re working for Gunter.”
“Gunter’s dead.”
Margot huffed out a breath and walked around the car. “His estate has you as the caretaker.”
“You make me sound like the groundskeeper for an English lord.”
“You’re always over there. I thought you might have heard something.”
Roslyn studied her sister. “Why are you so interested all of a sudden?”
“It’s right next door.” Margot didn’t meet her look and there was a pink glow to her cheeks. “Of course we’re interested.”
The afternoon was pleasantly warm but a chill prickled Roslyn’s arms. “Did you put in an offer?”
Margot nibbled at her thumbnail like she always did when she was nervous.
Roslyn forced her mouth to close then immediately opened it again. “You and Dennis made an offer on Gunter’s place! How? Why didn’t you say something?”
“It was a silent auction.”
“But you might have mentioned it to me—”
“Oh hell, Roslyn, you haven’t put in an offer too, have you?”
“Of course I haven’t but I wish I’d known you had.”
“Why are you so surprised? What difference would it have made?”
This time it was Roslyn’s turn to duck away from her sister’s piercing look.
“Roslyn!” Margot’s hand gripped her arm then fell away as Roslyn lifted her head. “You were involved in the sale decision, weren’t you?”
“Your name wasn’t on the list.” She hadn’t meant to look but the agent had stepped out of the office for a moment and she couldn’t resist glancing at the list of those who’d put in their expression of interest.
“Dennis probably used a proxy.”
Roslyn shifted the weight of the bag to her other hand. Between that and Margot’s disclosure she felt like she was sinking.
Margot’s hand shot out and grabbed her again, her face alive with hope. “You know who the successful bidder is.”
Roslyn shook her head. “I don’t. Gunter’s sons were making that decision with the agent.”
Once more Margot’s hand fell away. “When?”
“Soon, I believe, but honestly, Margot, it’s nothing to do with me.”
“But you must have seen the list. You said our name wasn’t on it.”
“It wouldn’t be if you used a proxy. Anyway it’s a moot point. The decision either has been or is about to be made without me. I’d better get going.” Roslyn shut the car door and made off.
“You’re walking funny,” Margot called after her.
Roslyn stopped and turned back. “No, I’m not.”
“I noticed you doing it last week. Sometimes you walk with a kind of rolling gait as if you’re favouring one leg. Have you hurt yourself?”
“No. I’m just getting a bit slower, I suppose,” she said begrudgingly.
“I’ve said before you should come to aqua aerobics with me. It’s so good for your body.”
“No thanks.” Roslyn swam rarely and then only in the privacy of her own pool. No-one else need see her in a pair of bathers.
“I wish you would. I’m sure you’d enjoy it and it might help your aches and pains.”
Roslyn drew herself up. “I’m making a tomato–zucchini bake with veggies from the garden for tonight, and I’ll bring some garlic bread.”
“It’s not necess—”
“It’s no bother. I have oodles of tomatoes and zucchinis and some baguettes that will only go stale. It’s a good way to use them all up. See you at six.”
She continued on before Margot could object further, careful to walk straight without favouring her bothersome left leg. The person whose house the family gathering was at, usually Margot’s or Roslyn’s, occasionally one of Margot’s children, did the full catering. Lately Roslyn had started bringing extras.
Margot had a daughter with gluten intolerance and a son-in-law who was vegetarian, or was it pescetarian? He ate fish. She also had a daughter-in-law who was vegan and a grandchild who was allergic to eggs. Roslyn’s contribution was for her own sake rather than anyone else’s. She’d add some bacon to her vegetable dish and top it with cheese and breadcrumbs. At least there’d be something on the dinner table that she could enjoy. At Margot’s last family dinner there had been nothing Roslyn had deemed edible and she’d overdone the wine on an almost-empty stomach. She didn’t want a repeat of the headache and the rebellious digestive system that had followed that dinner. Her appetite had become finicky as it was.
three
Dinner at Margot and Dennis’s
Eggplant & Chickpea Balls, Halloumi & Corn Fritters
Vegan Kebabs, Keto Fish Cakes, Pork & Honey Sausages, Mixed Grain Salad
Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, Mini Cheesecakes
Margot removed the eggplant and chickpea bites from the oven. They were looking more like blobs than balls. She’d forgotten they’d needed at least thirty minutes chilling time in the fridge before being rolled in polenta and put in to cook. It had taken far too long to roast the eggplant then scoop out the flesh – she’d had no time to waste on chilling.
Dennis strolled into the kitchen looking as fresh as someone who’d just showered and changed, which he had. While Margot had been working at the Providore and then dashed home to prepare dinner, he’d been playing golf followed by some celebratory ales at the nineteenth hole after he’d won. She’d shooed him straight towards the bathroom as soon as he’d come home.
He took a beer from the fridge, popped the top and took a sip before surveying the chaos she still had to tidy in the kitchen. “What do you want me to do?”
She pointed to the trays of food she’d just taken from the fridge. “Cook the barbecue.”
“Now?” He glanced at the clock on the wall. “No-one’s here yet.”
“Just the sausages. The children are always hungry and I’m not sure how many of the balls and fritters they’ll eat before mains.”
Dennis peered at her carefully arranged platter. “Are there chickpeas in those?” He wrinkled his nose.
“Yes, and eggplant. It’s vegan, no flour, no meat and no egg so it ticks all the boxes for everyone’s dietary requirements.” Margot beamed at him, quite pleased she’d found such a useful recipe.
“What about my dietary requirements?”
“Try one. They’re delicious.”
“No thanks.”
“You like the halloumi and corn fritters.” She pulled another loaded tray from the oven. “I’ve made them before.”
“Mmm,” he murmured with a non-committal shrug and took another sip of his beer.
“Did you hear anything about Gunter’s place?”
“On the golf course?”
“Word is out that it’s sold. I thought you may have been notified.”
“You know I’d have told you if I had.”
Margot’s sudden rush of excitement oozed away. “It has to be us, doesn’t it?”
“I told you not to get your hopes up—”
“But we put in a very good offer.”
“As much as we could afford…” Dennis took another swig from his beer.
“But you said it was a considerable offer, higher than market value.”
“We wouldn’t be the only ones with our eye on that land.”
“I know that but—”
“There’s no point going on about it.”
Margot opened her mouth to protest then blew out a breath instead. He was right. It was silly to argue about what was done. The possibility of buying the property was something she and Dennis had fantasised about for several years, ever since the first time Gunter had planned to sell then changed his mind. Back then they’d been interested in taking over his vines. It would have been another form of income, a diversification.
More recently, Emily and Cameron had been looking to move out of their small place behind their shop. Gunter’s house was run-down but it had good bones. The four of them had discussed it after Gunter had died, but the cost was beyond the young family and so this time Dennis and Margot had decided to put in an offer on their own. The vines would be theirs as planned and there was the bonus of the cottage for Em and Cam. If…when they were successful they could sort out the future finances between them. Dennis knew how important it was, as much as she did. After all the waiting, it was hard to believe they’d know the result soon. They’d been friends with Gunter for almost forty years – helping and supporting each other as good neighbours did – and she hoped that might count for something.
“Margot?” Dennis waved a hand in front of her face.
“I so badly want it to be ours,” she whispered.
“We’ve done all we can.” He drew her shoulders close and gave them a squeeze. “We just have to wait on the answer.”
“I know.”
“Why don’t I get you a drink?”
“Not yet. I’m not quite finished here.” Margot recalled Esther’s visit. “You’ll never guess who called in last thing at the Prov… the mayor.”
“She knows how good the Providore is.”
“She came to sound me out, I think.”
“What about? I hope you’re not taking on another project. You’re already involved in lots of things.” Dennis took another sip of beer and poked at the sausages.
Her intrigue at Esther’s suggestion dipped a little. Dennis was right. How would she fit the extra responsibilities of councillor duties into her busy life? “Community things,” she said, sensing his lack of interest.
“So you want me to cook the sausages now?”
Margot pushed Esther’s chat from her mind and focused back on the meal. “Yes, please.”
“What’re these other things?” He waved a hand over the trays of food beside the sausages. “Where’s the steak?”
“I didn’t get any.”
“Why not?”
“There’s plenty of food here. The kebabs are vegan. They’ll need to be done on the grill completely separate, and you’ll have to clean the plate after the sausages before you cook the fish cakes.”
Dennis shook his head. “How did a simple family barbecue turn into this?”
“Please, Dennis, just cook the sausages.” She turned away, too busy to spend any more time placating him or to think about council or worry over their offer on Gunter’s place.
Dennis dismissed the various food requirements as trivial but each was significant. Emily’s gluten intolerance and her daughter’s bad reaction to eggs could make their lives miserable. Family was Margot’s anchor – without it she’d be adrift and she knew how lucky she was to have the family she did. She’d been raised by loving parents, with a devoted big sister in Roslyn. Then when she’d met Dennis Margot had known she’d found her life partner and they’d raised a son and a daughter who’d found themselves well-suited partners. And now of course there were grandchildren. Every member of her family was special.
It was important to Margot that they felt welcome in her home and around her dinner table, and if that meant hours researching and preparing food it was worth it. Besides, Margot’s test recipes were also useful at The General Providore, which she ran with her friend Kath. Margot hadn’t wanted a business that took over her life completely so it had started out as a small shop, but they’d extended their offerings to cater for a variety of dietary needs and last year they’d expanded into the vacant shop next door.
The halloumi and corn fritters she’d made for tonight had been introduced at the Providore last summer and had become very popular. In keeping with their focus on Adelaide Hills produce, the halloumi was locally made as well. And she knew Roslyn would eat that at least.
Margot could picture her sister screwing up her nose at tonight’s menu like Dennis had. She knew that was the reason Roslyn would bring her zucchini and tomato bake and the garlic bread. And if she knew Roslyn, the “simple” vegetable bake would have lots of added ingredients. No doubt Dennis would indulge in both.
Car doors slammed in the distance. The chatter of voices grew louder, accompanied by the delighted squeals of a child.
“They’re here,” Dennis called from the back patio.
Margot flung the fritters onto a platter, put packets and containers away in the pantry, wiped down the benches and gave the kitchen one last gaze as quick footsteps clattered across the tiled floor.
“Nanny!”
She opened her arms and bent down to receive Isabella’s warm limbs wrapping around her neck and damp kisses on her cheek.
“Hello, darling,” Margot crooned. “How’s Nanny’s favourite grand—little girl.”
“Just as well you clarified that, Mum.” Emily had followed her daughter in, her baby son in her arms. “She’s your only ‘little’ girl.” She brushed a kiss across her mother’s cheek and handed over the squirming one-year-old.
“I’m not a little girl.” Isabella pouted.
“My goodness no,” Margot said as she kissed Henry’s plump cheeks. “You’ll be at kindy soon. That’s for big girls.”
“Nick and Kayla and the boys have gone round through the side gate,” Emily said. “I thought you’d still be in here. Can I do something?”
“You could take out those two platters for me.”
Isabella’s cousins called her from the patio and she ran out to meet them.
Margot waved a hand towards the savoury nibbles she’d prepared. “There’s no egg in the balls or the fritters so they’re fine for Isabella and no gluten or meat either so you and Cameron can have both. Kayla should enjoy the eggplant and chickpea balls but she won’t want the halloumi and corn fritters.”
“You’re amazing, Mum.” Emily picked up the platters. “I love dinners at your house.”
A burst of pride swelled in Margot’s chest. She hugged Henry a little closer and kissed his soft curls. It had been a rush and she always felt a little stressed getting the final steps done but when it came to serving and cleaning up, everyone helped. For now she could relax and enjoy her guests. She hefted her grandson higher on her hip and followed Emily out. At the door she paused to look around.
She and Dennis had created a beautiful home on their piece of her parents’ land and this area was perfect for entertaining without worrying about the vagaries of Adelaide Hills weather. There’d been many a gathering or event in this room over the years. She waved to her son and daughter-in-law who were chatting by the barbecue, set Henry down beside a pile of toys and kissed her two older grandsons. Dennis had put on some easy listening music and the warm spring day had evolved into a balmy evening, pleasant enough to leave the windows open. It was a perfect night.
