Grace - Living A Lie: Mulga Station Series, #3

By Sharon Elliott

Book 3 in the Mulga Station Series

Grace - Living a Lie

In Book 3 of the series, Daniella, and Michael Page follow Michael's dream of practicing outback medicine after WWII. Their daughter Grace moves to Kalare Flat and marries Jake Wright and Grace's sister, Alice, travels and settles at Echuca on the Murray River.

Jake's father, Vin Wright, visits and during Grace's first pregnancy Vin takes her on a journey down memory lane while going through an old Arnott's biscuit tin. They both discover that Vin's grandfather is not who he portrays, and it shakes the foundation of their identity.

Vin reflects on his own life growing up around their family Kiosk on Balmoral Beach then moving to Western Sydney where he started his career in Australian rollerskating. He shares a painful secret and Grace then reunites a father and son, who were separated years before.

Ebook ISBN 978-0-6458617-6-1

Print ISBN  978-0-6458615-6-3

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sharon Elliott
• Release date: Jun 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9780645861761

Sharon Elliott

About Author After the death of two loved ones in 2017, I began my writing journey with my mother's story which I called Rose – The Last Straw under the pen name Jaime Wren and published through a hybrid publisher called Tellwell Publishing. Following a steep learning curve, I now have a collection of eBooks and print novels under my name: Sharon Elliott, which I have written, designed the covers for, and self-published. I grew up in Sydney, Australia and country NSW then worked in Sydney before moving to the Riverina, then Nambucca Heads on the mid north coast of NSW. I now live in sunny Queensland with my fur family and continue to write. You can follow me on my Facebook Page: Sharon Elliott Author, Instagram; Shazzell4, Pininterest:  Shazza's Books. my Payhip store: SHARONELLIOTTEBOOKSTORE Amazon.com.au Lulu.com bookstore, apple books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, scribd Draft2Digital: Smashwords, Vivlio, Tolino, Gardener, Everand, Borrowbox Australian National Library and State Libraries

Book preview

PROLOGUE

All was eerily still and quiet, except for the wind whistling outside the small aircraft. The vibration of the aircraft and the noise of the engine running was missed.

What is happening, Michael? Why did the engine stop?

Michael frantically searched the instrument panel and tapped the fuel gauge. It looks like we are out of fuel. There must have been a leak in the line. I am going to have to land.

But we are in the middle of nowhere!

The plane glided in the air, like an eagle. Michael scanned the earth below, looking for a flat strip to land on. Hopefully hard packed and not the bull dust so frequently found. He spotted a patch mostly clear of rocks, boulders, and scrub.

I will land over there, he pointed. Prepare the patient and yourself for an emergency landing, Dani.

Michael relayed a distress call and glanced back to see the patient strapped in. His wife was leaning forward over her pregnant belly, bracing for impact. Michael cursed himself that he had Daniella with him. He swore this was her last trip while pregnant, if they made it through their ordeal. He whispered words of help to those watching over them. The welfare of his wife and unborn child was uppermost in his mind.

He guided the plane down and slowed its progress. The plane jolted once as the wheels hit the earth and taxied over the bumpy terrain while being jostled in their seats until the aircraft stopped.

Michael let out a whoosh of air, and his shoulders relaxed. That landing wasn't too bad. It could have been much worse. Are you alright, Dani? He turned and scanned his wife.

Daniella sat up, still cradling her stomach. Yes, I think so.

How is he? Michael looked toward the patient, who was moaning.

The jolts caused more pain for him. What are we going to do now?

Wait for help.

Do they know where we are?

Roughly.

How long do you think it will take to be found?

Hopefully, they will send up another plane to look for us as soon as they can. Michael left his seat and checked the patient, just keep him stable.

Can you fix the problem?

I'm a doctor, not an aircraft mechanic. I only know the very basics. Silvertine will send out a mechanic and parts, then get the plane flown back to town.

Daniella surveyed the inside of the cabin, calculating what they would need before rescue. Have we got enough water?

Enough for a couple of days, but they will find us before then.

Let's hope so.

DANIELLA

Outback Medicine

Following their wedding, Michael and Daniella Page stayed overnight in the city center.

They strolled around the harbour where a light breeze whispered through Daniella’s hair and touched her face. The lights in the city are pretty, aren't they, Michael? They reflect on the dark surface of the water. The gentle lapping sound is very relaxing.

They are indeed pretty and the pace is slower after the busy daily bustle, he said as he strode lazily beside her with their arms linked.

She looked at the sky. I do not see many stars above. Not like out bush where the millions of twinkling stars of the Milky Way are clearly visible.

That is one disadvantage of the city lights and the pollution; they dim our view of the stars.

Today was perfect, Michael. Daniella said, as they returned to their honeymoon suite.

Yes, perfect, love. It was good to see Mercy’s face light up when she met my family again.

It is hard to imagine she was your mother's governess on Gerard's ship over fifty years ago.

Mother asked me if your father was Gerard's son because he looked just like Gerard, but I explained Gerard was his uncle.

It is a shame Gerard wasn't there today, but at least Grandma had a wonderful time.

The next morning, they drove to their honeymoon destination. Daniella and Michael enjoyed their beachside accommodation. They took long strolls, swam and dined out while they discussed their future.

Where will we live?

We can rent an apartment, and I am sure my folks can lend us furniture for a while. Unless we find a furnished apartment.

That would be good. I will see if I can get a job at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and refresh my skills.

I need to learn to fly and get some hours under my belt before I can get a license. I also need to return to the real world of medicine for a while before we peruse our dream. He squeezed her hand. She was fully committed, as he was, to practice medicine in the outback.

Then what?

I will prepare submissions to present to mining companies and see if any want to fund our project and supply a plane. They are bound to agree as it is worthwhile, especially if they have mines in isolated locations.

I know why I married you. You are handsome and smart!

When they returned, Daniella applied for a job at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the couple went apartment hunting. They found a furnished flat near the hospital. Michael began learning to fly and returned to work in a mainstream hospital. In his spare time, he began to work on his proposals for their future.

Daniella brushed up on new medical innovations, one of which was the use of penicillin that started to be used during the war to fight infection. She also refreshed her knowledge of midwifery and pre- and post-natal hygiene practices. She also updated her skills and knowledge to assist her to better people's lives and health in remote Australia. While in Sydney, Daniella restocked the medical bag. Her grandmother Mercy had given it to her for her 21st birthday, stocked with essentials for bush nursing.

Michael and Daniella packed whatever they needed into the car and began their two-day journey from one side of the State to the other to start their new life.

They drove on, taking in the changing scenery as he drove west. So far, when they left the city, they drove over the Blue Mountains, then down through Lithgow. The terrain was flattening out, and the paddocks were green since he had crossed the Great Dividing Range. They passed through the town of Bathurst, then on to Orange. They had no inclination to stop on until they reached Orange, which was past half way to Mulga Station.

At Orange, Daniella directed him to Wisteria Grove to see Barb and her family.

When they arrived, the family greeted the newlyweds and invited them in for lunch.

You made good time. I made sandwiches for when you arrived. I'll just put the kettle on for a cuppa. Take a seat. Barb said.

I will just stand for a while, Michael replied, I have been sitting all morning.

Daniella excused herself to use the outhouse, and when she returned, they sat down for lunch and talked.

How are you handling the loss of Gerard, Barb?

It is strange not having my brother around. I am very grateful for the time we had to get to know each other, before he passed.

How fitting he passed away on a ship. It was right for Mercy to bury him at sea. He loved the ocean, and it is where he spent most of his life.

Following the meal, Michael glanced at his watch. I guess we better continue our journey if we want to arrive before midnight.

You will want to watch the road at sunset and afterwards. The last thing you want is to hit a kangaroo or emu.

They waved goodbye, then stopped in town for fuel before they resumed the trip. Michael marveled at the changes in the landscape. Once they passed through Parkes, Michael's mind wondered back to his last road trip.

Michael had only ever driven from Sydney to Mulga Station once before to meet Daniella's family after the war ended.

He remembered the trip vividly; he waved goodbye to his parents through the open car window. The car gained speed as if it felt his need to escape the stifling city. The buildings crowded the landscape and spread vertically, vying for space above the polluted air.

Once he was clear of the city and the stop, start traffic, the wheels of the car settled in a rhythmic cadence. Michael glanced in the mirrors to see the city fade behind him. Then he focused his eyes on the road ahead, symbolic of his future with Daniella in it.

He was looking forward to seeing where Daniella grew up and meeting the people she cared for. She had told him many interesting stories, especially of her grandparents.

On his way to Parkes, he started to cross many railway crossings where he had to slow and look for trains before moving forward to cross the tracks. The car vibrated and squeaked, rattling his teeth as the wheels crossed the steel rails held to the timber sleepers beneath.

He was fascinated by the small railway town of Manildra and then again by an even smaller place called Bogan Gate.

The further west he continued to travel; he glimpsed the enormity of the country, which reinforced his desire to provide medical help to isolated communities.

The sun was going down in front of him, moving to his side as the road meandered across the plains. Looking around, the terrain was flatter, and the roads became narrower. The landscape reflected a sea of red and pinks from the soil's natural colour and the effects of the setting sun on the smattering of trees and shrubs. The wildlife had also stirred from its daytime slumber. Flocks of cockatoos and galahs screeched as they flew overhead and the lonely cry of crows met his ears through the open window. The clear scent of eucalyptus and other flora mingled with an earthy smell touched his nostrils and he inhaled, filling his chest with good clean air.

That first trip, he wondered how much further. He had only traveled this far west by train to Broken Hill, where he worked before the war.

We are nearly home. Daniella cried as they approached Condobolin, breaking his memory of his previous trip.

I was just remembering my first drive out here and the dust once the dirt roads began. Luckily, I was used to driving around Broken Hill by then and the Northern Territory during the war. At least there is none of that humidity.

After topping up with fuel, the couple traveled west, crossing cattle grids here and there. Those things are worse than railway tracks.

They are a good way to get a jolt of adrenalin into the system in case you are daydreaming at the wheel.

From the corner of his eye, Michael saw Daniella fidgeting the closer they came to Mulga Station. She became more animated, pointing out landmarks along the way as the sun set in front of them. This was her territory!

After closing the last gate, they drove to their destination for the night. By this time, darkness had descended, and they were guided by the car's headlights until the glimmer of lights from the homestead appeared.

I always get teary when I see those first lights twinkling in the distance as I come home after dark, Daniella grasped Michael's arm. We are here!

They opened their doors to the sound of dogs barking, voices and the porch creaking as the screen door slammed, signaling family were coming out to greet them. Both Daniella and Michael reached their arms into the air to stretch their limbs, after so many hours in the car. Stephen welcomed his daughter and new son-in-law and walked them inside.

Just in time for tea, Kathleen said.

Can I help?

No, everything is ready. I just need to dish it out. You relax after your long journey.

How are you, Grandma? Daniella asked Mercy. We saw Barb, and she is faring well.

I will never stop missing Gerard but I am fine, Love.

Daniella leaned in to hug her grandmother and place a kiss on her cheek before the family sat down and ate while catching up.

Your room is ready in case you want an early night. You have another long journey tomorrow.

Thank you, Kathleen, Michael said to his mother-in-law, It will be an early night, but first I must go outside.

While he stood on the verandah, he listened. Silence enveloped him. The serene stillness was so beautiful it took his breath away. The silence was palpable, almost tangible, and he could feel it soothing his frayed nerves. He breathed deep and filled his lungs with crisp, fresh air. The silence seemed to wrap around him like a warm blanket, and he felt a sense of calm wash over him.

As he gazed upward, the black sky was blanketed with a multitude of twinkling stars. A sight only seen without city lights dulling their lustre. Everything was still and peaceful, and for a moment, he allowed himself to simply stand there and take it all in before he returned inside to prepare for bed.

A rooster crowed. Just enough to wake Michael and then was silent. He opened his eyes, and glanced out the window. It was still dark outside. He lay there and listened to absolutely nothing. It was so peaceful and quiet outside. His mind drifted to the adventure that lay ahead, excitement coiled in his stomach. Throwing back the covers, he dressed and gazed at his sleeping wife before leaving the room. He could smell breakfast cooking and followed his nose to the kitchen, where he ate with the men before they started their day outdoors.

Which way do you plan to travel to Broken Hill from here? Stephen asked.

I think the safest way might be up to Cobar and through Wilcannia. I would rather that than any goat track.

You are probably right. The more direct roads taking you through Ivanhoe and Menindee might be worse than goat tracks.

Have a safe trip, mate. Stephen shook Michael's hand before he left the house to begin his day’s work.

Daniella woke a short time later and was able to catch her father in the barn to say goodbye.

They loaded the car to maximum capacity with whatever Daniella wanted to take with them.

With the car packed, Michael watched his wife survey the back seat. We are full to overflowing.

You should see the boot. It is really weighed down. Let's hope we don't need the spare!

Michael lifted the bonnet to check the dipstick for the oil level, then he checked the water level for the radiator. The car was in good working order before they left Sydney.

They began their journey, heading north to Cobar, where they filled up the tank again. The roads were rough and slow going. Every time another vehicle passed; Michael put his closed hand against the windshield. There was always a chance a stone would fly up and shatter the windscreen.

After Cobar, they traveled west to Wilcannia, then on to Broken Hill. The dirt roads deteriorated the further west they traveled, except around the townships, which were few and far between. They were isolated roads and if they broke down, it could be hours before someone passed in either direction. Traveling of a night would have been much worse, or in bad weather, which would make the road muddy and boggy.

It had been a very long journey from Sydney by car. They were pleased to arrive in Broken Hill, their final destination. The couple drove their dust ridden car, like many others, down the main street until they found a hotel. They booked a room to rest their travel weary bodies overnight before beginning their search for a place to rent. They were both in familiar territory in Broken Hill. It was where they first met.

Daniella and Michael found a place to rent, and Michael went out each day to pitch his business plan to mining companies, including BHP.

Daniella, Michael called as he entered their temporary accommodation. I think Silvertine Mining Company are seriously considering our proposal.

That is wonderful news, Michael. When will you know for sure?

Hopefully within the next two weeks.

A week later, Michael returned from a further meeting with the Company and swung his wife around.

"Michael, put me down.’

"We did it, Dani. Silvertine wants to accept my proposal, which means they will employ us and another nurse, supply a radio and aircraft. They said it would be