Absolution Creek by Nicole Alexander

ahead and make a place for us. Thomas has agreed to accompany you when the time comes.’ It had not taken much persuading to get his brother’s agreement.
    ‘Eight hundred mile,’ Olive repeated.
    ‘It’s a great opportunity.’ Jack hugged her slight body. ‘This land of Mr Farley’s was resumed from one of the big pastoral holdings. This is our chance, Olive. This is my chance to become part of the landed gentry. Look.’ Fishing in his pocket for a shilling coin he showed her the famous Waverly No. 4. ‘Sheep and land, that’s where the money is.’ He dismissed the city with a wave of his hand. ‘The days of aspiring to be a toffy-nosed office worker are over. Men want to make their name, make a fortune, and sheep will do it.’
    Olive plucked at the smooth line of her dress and stared out at the sun-streaked harbour. ‘Why not stay here?’
    ‘Because there’s nothing here for me.’ Jack followed her gaze to the trees frilling the distant foreshore; a small boat was battling the wake of a ferry.
    ‘So you’d go anyway, without me?’
    ‘Olive, I’m doing this for us. If we’re to be together it’s the only way.’ Jack’s fingers tightened about her slim wrist. ‘Anyway, you can’t possibly want to remain in the city, not with the chance we’ve been offered . . . I’ll write regularly. It’ll be a couple of months, I expect, before I send for you.’
    Olive gave a wan smile. ‘I was looking forward to us spending some time together. I thought we could visit each other. You know, take ferry trips, eat ice cream. I never expected all this. It’s so sudden.’
    ‘And if I’d had the chance I would have courted you properly. Even if this opportunity had not have presented itself I would have eventually found a way for us to be together.’ Jack wrapped his arm about her shoulder. ‘This is our adventure, Olive. Our opportunity and our secret. Once you join me we’ll marry and then we can tell your family. There’ll be little complaint from them when they know I have means.’ He gave her a squeeze. ‘I know you want to live your life without your parents continually telling you what to do.’ Jack spread his arms wide. ‘Here’s our chance.’
    Olive gave a stoic smile. In his rush of words Jack hadn’t actually given her the opportunity to say yes or no to his proposal of marriage. ‘I, I better go. Mother will be wondering where I am.’
    ‘Already?’ Jack queried. ‘I thought you had the day free?’ With reluctance he escorted her towards the wharf.
    ‘I’m sorry, Jack. All this is a bit of a shock. I need some time to absorb everything.’ Olive dabbed at the moisture on her top lip, her thoughts reeling. ‘So, this enterprise of Mr Farley’s is . . . ’
    ‘Is sound,’ Jack confirmed, avoiding a dray load of timber. ‘I’ve seen the deeds and of course everyone knows the money that can be made in the bush. You only have to mention the names Kidman or Gordon and men sit up and take notice.’ Jack couldn’t recall the atmosphere being so humid at this time of the year. Scrabbling to undo the top button beneath his necktie he took Olive’s arm more firmly. ‘It’ll be our great adventure.’
    Olive purchased a ticket at the kiosk and, skirting the crowds, they made their way towards the wharf. ‘I’ve a lot to organise so I may see you only briefly before I leave,’ he admitted. ‘However, once I’m settled Thomas will be in contact. He’ll pass on all the details.’ They waited as passengers disembarked from the Circular Quay ferry, the foamy water churning only feet away from where they stood. When Jack squeezed Olive’s hand the pressure was reciprocated.
    ‘I feel silly rushing off now. Can I see you tomorrow?’
    Jack beamed. ‘Of course. In the years to come, Olive, our offspring will look back and marvel at our courage. Why, in the years to come I may well be in parliament and you a great lady.’
    ‘Do you think so, Jack?’ Pushed along by embarking