The Cornflower Fields

7

By mid-afternoon everybody gathered in the living room and took their seats at the big, rectangular dining room table for lunch. Chris and Liam just arrived home after being in town all morning. They'd missed the hunt and were more than keen to hear the story from their father and the other cowboys who'd seen it all.

"I told you we should have driven into town later today!" Liam complained to Chris and nudged his arm.

Everyone laughed. "Don't be upset, my boy," Jane told Liam and poured some tomato sauce on his potato puree. "You'll get many more opportunities in the future to chase as many dingoes as you wish, son."

Everyone on the table roared with laughter again. "Mother, thank you," Liam said and placed a gentle kiss on her hand before she retreated to her seat.

They all spent the rest of that afternoon in good company, singing songs under the accompaniment of Chris's guitar. It was a wonderful time that Margot would remember all through the years of her life.

And throughout that afternoon, Jack Harrison, although he tried his best to control himself, couldn't help his gaze from falling on Margot all the time. Every time she'd laugh or smile, Jack would want to catch the sight of it. Even when she'd say nothing and just stare into the distance, lost in her thoughts, he was more than enthralled to grasp the perfect image of her face's peaceful appearance. Although she spent most of her time outdoors, she still had a pale complexion that contrasted to his tanned own.

With quite an effort he gathered his thoughts together that somehow found the possibility to daringly wander into a direction he completely disapproved of. He did his best to maintain his commonplace demeanor in front of the Coopers.

Jack Harrison was more than frightened to admit it, but he was entirely mesmerized by the young, attractive Margot Cooper.

When the Australian sun was already low in the sky and the clouds were of light pink and purple color and the visible horizon was sprayed with shades of orange, everybody began to leave. The day was finally coming to an end and everyone was going back home.

Jack Harrison said goodbye to the Coopers. He remained rather indifferent towards Margot and did not glance in her direction anymore. Joe and Benjamin escorted him to his car while Liam and Chris helped to open the ranch's gate. Jane and Margot stood at the porch, watching after them.

"Oh, Mr. Harrison," Jane suddenly called out, getting his attention. "I forgot to give you the bottle of wine!"

"There's no problem, Mrs. Cooper," he called back, waving his hand out the front door glass. "You can give it to me next time!"

"No, I'll give it to you now," she said, already running into the house to get the bottle of wine. As soon as she appeared out on the porch again, she handed the bottle to Margot. "Run and give it to Mr. Harrison," she said and Margot quickly ran towards his car.

As soon as she reached him, she handed over the bottle to him.

"Thank you, Margot," he said, looking sweetly up at her rosy face. She realized how much she liked her name being called by him. It sounded so beautiful and different unlike anyone else she'd heard from.

"You're welcome, Jack," she said and smiled at him. "Thank you too."

"Good night, Margot," he said at last and gently drove out of the ranch and down the road. 

Joe watched Margot silently, not wanting to interrupt the moment for her. When Jack's car finally disappeared from view he walked up to her.

"Shall we go home?" He asked, looking down lovingly at his granddaughter.

"Of course, Joe," she answered after a little while when she was sure she wouldn't catch sight of Jack's car anymore. Arm in and arm, she walked back home with Joe.

And all throughout Jack Harrison's drive, the sight of Margot mounted on her horse with her golden hair scattered in the wind as she chased after those wild dingoes never left his mind one single moment. He drove that evening faster than usual, once more on his stallion chasing after her, a creature more wild and beautiful than the whole Australian nature.