The changeling

She had been so overwhelmed by the Gerson charm that I was sure she would find the Australian’s manners a great contrast; and it seemed hardly likely that the rough diamond would go out of his way to win the approval of a child. And then he arrived. He was very tall with a skin burned to bronze by the sun; and his bright blue eyes seemed to be screwed up as though he was still protecting himself from it even in our climate. His hair was bleached to a light blond-the sun again. I think the children were a little disappointed. They had expected him to look like a miner-at least their idea of one, basing it on the tin miners they had seen in Cornwall. He was quietly dressed in a navy blue suit, the darkness of which made the effects of his outdoor life almost startling. “This is my wife,” said Benedict.

He gripped Celeste’s hand. “I’ve heard about you. Pleased to meet you.”

“And my stepdaughter.”

My hand was shaken.

“And the rest of the family ...”

The children came forward and held out their hands to be shaken. “How’s everything going?” asked Benedict. Tom Marner winked and put his finger against his nose. The children who were watching closely were clearly intrigued.

“You don’t look like a miner,” Belinda said boldly.

“That’s ‘cos I’m got up like a sixpenny doll ... just to meet you folks. You should see me on the job.” He gave Belinda a wink which made her giggle. I could see there was an instant liking and I rejoiced. He’ll take her mind off Oliver Gerson, I thought.

And so it proved. Tom Marner was a blessing.

He was the epitome of the rough diamond. Goodness shone out of him and one was immediately aware of his sterling honesty; he was good-tempered, easily amused and had a friendly easy-going attitude towards everyone.

Mrs. Emery secretly told me that she didn’t think he was quite the sort she expected in the house but there was no doubt that he appreciated what was done for him and he had a smile for everyone.

“He don’t seem to know the difference between Miss Belinda and the servants. He called that tweeny ‘Chickabidee’ the other day, and I heard him call Miss Belinda the same.”

“The children like him,” I said. “And what is nice he has time for them.”

“Yes, he seems fond of the little ones.”

Miss Stringer had doubts as to the effect he might have on the children’s manners and their use of the English language. They were saying “Good-o” now and talking about things being “dinkum.”

I said I did not think it would do much harm.

He certainly brought a change to the household. I heard him and Benedict laughing together. Celeste found him an easy guest. He went riding with us and his expert horsemanship won Belinda’s admiration-I might say adoration. He and his horse seemed like one. “You live on horseback in the Outback,” he told them. He was skillful. He could tie amazing knots; he could make lassos. He taught them how to throw them round trees and had them practicing for hours. “It’s not trees you want to catch though,” he explained. “It’s cattle ... or someone who’s come to rob the homestead.” We were all fond of him in a very short time. He did talk business a great deal with Benedict, just as Oliver Gerson had done, so it did seem to me like a replacement for Belinda and I really believe she accepted him as such, for I noticed she ceased to talk so often of Oliver Gerson.

It soon became obvious that Tom Marner enjoyed the company of the children. As soon as they went into the garden he would be there with them. Leah was pleased about this. She had changed since the death of her mother but I was not sure in what way it had affected her. I imagined there had never been great love between them. It was hard to think of anyone’s loving Mrs. Polhenny. In fact I had always been under the impression that Leah wanted to get away from her and I could understand that. I wished Leah was more communicative. One could never understand what might be going on in her mind. I had tried to talk to her on one or two occasions but had never made any headway. Her devotion to the children was wonderful-particularly to Belinda. She understood Belinda’s difficult nature better than any of us. Even she seemed to blossom a little under the influence of Tom Marner and I had heard her laugh quite heartily several times and join in the merriment he seemed to generate. Celeste seemed relaxed in his company, so it was a very pleasant visit. Sometimes I heard his cry echoing through the house: “Cooeee” and Belinda or Lucie would answer in the same way, and run to find him, anticipating some excitement, some story of the Outback, or the fun of riding with him. He was a lover of nature and his admiration for his own country soon became apparent.