Part Nine - A Change in the Wind

Patty paced the living room, biting her lip as she waited for Cindy to arrive. She had invited her over for lunch, but her mind was buzzing with the awkward conversation they needed to have. Her pills being stretched to their limits.

Patty stopped, looking directly to her unseen audience, “Dears! I am a bundle of nerves! My happy pills are barely keeping up. How on earth do you start a conversation about…” She dropped to a whisper, “Kinsey type sex? Oh yes! I’ve read about him. I’m not as pious as Betty Knight would think.”

There was a knock at the door, and Patty opened it knowing that Cindy would be standing on the other side with a bright smile.

“Hey, Cindy. Come on in. Lunch is ready,” Patty replied, leading her friend to the kitchen. She poured the tea and offered a plate of sandwiches. As she sat down, Patty took a deep breath. “So, Cindy, there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

“You’ve stirred my curiosity.” Cindy raised an eyebrow, taking a sip of her tea, “What’s on your mind?”

“Well,” Patty began, “We were invited to The Wittings for Irish coffee and rum cake and things got...interesting.”

Cindy almost choked on the sandwich she had just stuck in her mouth. Patty patted her back while her friend took of sip from her cup to clear her throat, “Interesting…how?”

“They put their keys in a bowl, and it became clear that it was a…different kind of evening.”

Cindy laughed, a little nervously. “Oh, that. Yeah, Alice and Dick are known for those kinds of evenings,” she said with a grin. “They didn’t achieve their desire. Did they? Is that why you called? Those evenings can be quite confronting.”

“No! My dear! Once I got the hint. We were out of there. My decorum intact,” Patty said, her brow furrowing. “It seems you are well versed to their proclivities. Is this why we never hear of any eligible men in your life?” Patty blinked, trying to process Cindy’s openness. “You’re interested in…other pursuits.”

“Now you sound just like my mother!” Cindy placed down her cup, looking quite firm. “Look! It isn’t anything to do with my other pursuits. I’m not ready to settle down. I may never.”

“I had no idea you were after these kinds of experiences.”

Cindy leaned back in her chair, sipping her coffee. “People often assume that everyone wants the same things in life, but that’s not true. We’re all different. And honestly, I’ve found a lot of insights into my behaviour from reading.” Patty leaned forward, intrigued. “I've been reading this book called 'The Story of O' by Pauline Réage. It’s about a woman’s journey through submission and self-discovery. It’s opened my eyes to different aspects of relationships and sexuality.”

“No!” Patty’s curiosity was piqued, “Oh! Dear!” She smirked, “Do you think the library will have a talk about that book?”

“No! I don’t think their liberal stance will stretch to that subject,” Cindy smirked, “Being serious for a moment, Patty, I have learnt that I am not a freak. It’s okay to be curious and explore different things. I don’t have to fit into any mould.” She frowned, suddenly, “Can I ask why we’re having this tete?”

“I was concerned you were getting yourself mixed up with the wrong kind of people.”

“Patty! You don’t have to worry. My eyes are wide open.” She smiled, taking her hand, “I know what I am doing.” She gave Patty’s hand a reassuring squeeze, “I’m just figuring things out for myself in my own way.”

“Well, now that you know that I know about this business, I want you to promise me if anything disturbing happens that you come to me.” Patty reached out to take her hand, “Please! I would hate for anything to happen to such a dear friend.”

“I promise!”

“Tell me more about this book,” Patty sighed, filling up her friend’s cup before offering another sandwich. “I would like to understand.”

Cindy smiled, warmly, raising her cup to her friend in good cheer. The tension in the room soon dissolved and they were both chatting away. Patty becoming increasing engrossed in Cindy’s tutorial on the big O.

*********

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the backyard as Patty hung the last of the laundry on the line. A breeze rustled the gum trees, and the sound of a telephone ringing drifted through the open window of Betty Knight’s kitchen.

Patty paused, the peg in her hand hovering mid-air. She hadn’t meant to linger, but Betty’s voice carried sharply through the window, her tone clipped and urgent.

“Yes, I’m alone,” Betty was saying. “You’re safe to talk. What happened?”

Patty frowned, her curiosity piqued. She moved a step closer to the side fence.

There was a pause, and though Patty couldn’t hear the reply, the deep silence on Betty’s end was unnerving.

“They trashed your office?” Betty’s voice dropped, barely above a whisper now. “And tried to take you?” Patty’s hand flew to her mouth, the peg forgotten. Betty turned slightly; the phone cord wrapped tightly around her fingers. “Listen, my dear! I didn’t go to all this trouble for you to blow it for me now. You lay low. Go somewhere they won’t think to look. I don’t care how far—just go.” Another pause, “He’s not going to stop until he finds me.”

Patty’s heart raced as she pieced together the fragments of the conversation. Betty’s husband—her supposedly dead husband—wasn’t just alive. He was hunting her.

“How dare you! What I have in my possession is no bodies business but mine,” Betty said suddenly, her voice rising. “I worked my ass off for that nest egg. I deserve it. It is my compensation,” She trailed off, her hand gripping the edge of the counter to steady herself. “You hear me, Dex? If he finds me…I’ll turn the both of you from a stallion to a mare with one shot. You got it!” Her tone softer now. “Let me know where I can wire you some money. I’ll expect a call in the next few days.”

The click of the phone being hung up was almost deafening in the sudden silence that followed. Patty stepped back from the fence, her heart hammering in her chest. She had always suspected that there was more to Betty’s story than she let on, but this was something else entirely. The woman was in some kind of danger.

*********

Patty pushed open the heavy oak door of the Rosella Heights Library, the scent of aged paper and polished wood wafting over her. She had come to inquire about the new women’s studies or even a writing course.

Cindy had given her a good pep talk. The idea of expanding her horizons beyond the domestic sphere soon became both exhilarating yet daunting at the same time.

As she walked past rows of neatly arranged books, she noticed a small flyer pinned to a bulletin board: ‘Community Gathering: Celebrating Aboriginal Culture – Led by Ruby King.’ The flyer featured a sketch of a boomerang and a smiling portrait of Ruby, a graceful and soulful woman Patty had seen around town but never really spoken to.

Curiosity piqued, Patty veered away from the desk and made her way to the room where the gathering was being held. The door was slightly ajar, and she could hear Ruby’s warm, melodic voice.

Peeking in, Patty saw Ruby standing at the front of the room, her hair tied back in a neat bun, her attire reflecting a blend of traditional and contemporary 1950s style – a floral dress paired with practical yet stylish shoes. She was supported by a group of Aboriginal women of various ages who stood before a cluster of different faces. The audience was listening intently as the women spoke about the rich traditions and history of their people.

Patty hesitated for a moment, then slipped inside, standing at the back.

Ruby was explaining the significance of a particular dance while the other women performed beside. There was one man who played the digeridoo while another used clap sticks. There was a passion in their eyes that drew Patty in, making her forget her initial plan.

“Each movement tells a story,” Ruby said, her voice resonant with emotion. “These dances are not just performances; they are our history, our connection to the land, and our way of teaching the younger generations.”

Patty noticed a couple of familiar faces from the town among the attendees; Mrs. Fraser from the post officer, Mr. Wallis, the local grocer and Mable from up the road. They, too, seemed captivated by Ruby’s storytelling.

After the gathering ended, Patty lingering at the back of the room up against the wall. Ruby seemed to zero in on her with curiosity and a warm smile. “Hey girl! I’m Ruby King.” She said, “Whatya doing back here? Trying to keep the roof from caving in?” She took her arm, “Come! We won’t bite!”

Ruby led her over to the others, “I didn’t mean to intrude.”

“Girl! You are more than welcome here.”

Patty went to shake her hand, “I’m Patty Love.”

“Oh, no you don’t” Ruby pulled her into a warm hug, “We hug here.” The woman finally let Patty go who was not use to such informality, “How can you bridge the cultural gap with a handshake.” Ruby’s eyes sparkled with interest. She touched her chest, “This is what you need for this gathering. Your heart! Would you like to come back next week? We’re sharing our traditional tucker.”

Patty nodded, “Yes, I’d love to. Thank you, Ruby.”

As she left the library, Patty felt a sense of purpose she hadn’t expected. Learning about Aboriginal culture was more than just an educational pursuit; it was a way to connect with a deeper part of the country’s history and its people. She realized that expanding her horizons wasn’t just about women’s studies; it was about understanding and embracing the world around her.

*********

Patty was on a natural high after the talk at the library. She sat at the kitchen table, enjoying a nice cup of tea while listening to a radio play about Caroline Chisholm. She thought this high-brow story telling would give her something to talk about with those who attend library events.

Lizzy burst through the door, her face flushed with anger and frustration, “Mom, you won’t believe what Ms. Green just told me!” Lizzy exclaimed, slamming her school bag on the counter.

“What has happened this time?” Patty sighed, her serenity quickly evaporating as she switched off the radio, “Lizzy! Will you stop jumping around like a jack-in-the-box and tell me!”

“I can’t believe her! Miserable old witch!”

“Lizzy! Enough with the name calling! Now tell me?”

“They won’t let me enter the science competition because I'm a girl!” Lizzy exclaimed, her voice cracking with emotion. “She said science is better left to the boys. I have been working on a new science project for weeks. And it isn’t just bangs and flashed. It is a real project.”

“Oh! Dear! No wonder your upset.” Patty pushed the cookbook aside and stood up, walking over to Lizzy. “Surely Ms. Green can see how gifted you are by the many times you’ve tried to blow up that school.”

“She said I should sign up for the art and music competition instead,” Lizzy explained, her hands balling into fists. “Those are more suited to girls.” She began to pace, “Because boys go into science and girls do not.”

“Looks like another disagreeable encounter with Ms. Green.”

At the school, they found Ms. Green in her office, pushing papers around her desk. She looked up as Patty and Lizzy entered, her expression tight and defensive.

“Ms. Green, we need to talk,” Patty said, her voice steady but tinged with frustration.

“Not you again!” Ms. Green sighed. “Mrs. Love, I actually have a lot of work to do so if you wouldn’t mind making an appointment for another time.”

“I am not going anywhere, Ms. Green,” Patty interjected, pulling out a printed copy of the competition guidelines from her bag, “I checked the guidelines before coming here. Nowhere does it mention that the participants’ gender is a criterion for entry.”

Ms. Green shifted uncomfortably in her seat, glancing at the document Patty held out. “Well, I... that may be the case, but...”

“But nothing,” Patty insisted, her tone firm. “Lizzy has every right to participate in the science competition. And she will be.”

Lizzy stood beside her mother, her eyes blazing with determination. “It’s not fair that I can’t just because I’m a girl.”

“I am just trying to realign your expectations, my girl,” Ms. Green paused her work, staring hawkishly at Lizzy, “You would do better focused on other pursuits that are appropriate for girls.”

“And what pursuits would those be,” sniped Patty.

Ms. Green hesitated, clearly taken aback by Patty’s assertiveness, “Girls are the home makers and boys go out to work. Your daughter should be preparing for domestic affairs and if she must pursue a career than in those deemed proper for women like the secretarial pool or beauty industry.”

Lizzy screwed up her face, “I don’t wanna do that. I like my experiments. I don’t want to stop doing them.”

“And you will, honey,” Patty soothed her temper before turning back to Ms. Green, “I think it is time that this school crawled out of the dark ages and prepared these children to be equals.” Ms. Green’s eyes almost popped out of her sockets. “My daughter will be participating in the science competition, and you can’t stop us.”

They left the office, Lizzy still simmering with frustration but relieved that her mother was on her side.

Patty said, squeezing her daughter's shoulder. “Girls can do anything boys can do, and we’re going to prove it.”

Lizzy perked up, her resolve returning, “This time I am going to show them that I can do more than creating glow in the dark slime and blowing stuff up.” They walked to the car much more determined to prove her skills

*********

Rosella Heights Primary School was buzzing with excitement as parents, teachers, and students milled about the science fair exhibits. Tables lined the room, each one showcasing a unique project.

Patty stood by Lizzy’s table, pride and nerves mingling in her chest as she watched her daughter set up her experiment.

Lizzy's project, "The Effects of Different Light Spectrums on Plant Growth," was meticulously arranged with small pots of plants, each labelled with the type of light it had been exposed to. She had graphs, charts, and photos documenting her experiment, all neatly displayed on a tri-fold board.

Patty turned to her audience once more, “Hello! Dears! My girl really did mean what she was said. There isn’t one explosion to be found in this experiment.”

“Alright, Mom, I’m ready,” Lizzy said, straightening her dress and taking a deep breath.

“You’re going to do great, my dear,” Patty encouraged, giving her daughter’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

As the judges approached, Lizzy stood tall, her eyes bright with determination. The panel included Ms. Green, who looked particularly stern.

“Hello, Elizabeth,” one of the judges greeted. “Can you tell us about your project?”

Lizzy nodded eagerly. “Sure! My project is about how different light spectrums affect the growth of plants. I used red, blue, and white lights and observed the changes over a period of four weeks.” She pointed to the pots. “These plants were exposed to red light, and as you can see, they grew taller but had fewer leaves. The plants under blue light were shorter but had more leaves, and the ones under white light were balanced in both height and leaf number.” She then gestured to her charts. “I recorded the growth measurements every week and plotted them on these graphs. My hypothesis was that blue light would promote leaf growth, and red light would promote stem elongation, which the results supported.”

All but Ms. Green listened intently, nodding thoughtfully. Lizzy finished her explanation, a hopeful look in her eyes.

“Thank you, Lizzy,” one of the judges said. “We’ll consider your findings.”

Patty gave Lizzy a proud smile as the judges moved on to the next table, “You did wonderfully, Lizzy.”

As the day went on, Patty couldn’t help but notice the judges spending an inordinate amount of time at the boys’ tables, particularly one project about building a simple radio.

Finally, it was time for the awards to be announced. The principal stepped up to the microphone. “Thank you to all our participants for your hard work. Now, for the awards. In third place, we have... Kevin Ingles for his project on solar energy. In second place, Colin Ford for his project on building a radio. And the first-place winner is... Johnny Miller for his project on the physics of football.”

“Those rotters!” Patty’s heart sank as she watched Lizzy’s face fall. Lizzy tried to smile, but her disappointment was evident. “The physics of football! Damn them!”

“Come on, Mum,” Lizzy said quietly, packing up her project. “Let’s go home.”

Patty helped her gather her things, giving her a hug. “You did an amazing job, Lizzy. I’m so proud of you.”

As they walked out of the hall, one of the judges pulled them aside. He looked directly at Lizzy, “I was most impressed with your work, young lady, but alas, I was not the deciding vote. You keep at it, my girl.”

Lizzy watched dumfounded as the judge walked away.

Patty smiled down at her. “You may not have won but this is all beginning for you. There will be many more opportunities, and I’ll be here cheering you on every step of the way.”

“I'm already thinking that this project was too tame,” Lizzy began rubbing her hands together with glee like a mad scientist, “I need something that’ll knock their socks off. They won’t dare give me fifth place again.”

They walked to the car with a little more spring in their steps. And with Lizzy’s determination, she was sure her girl would eventually succeed.

********

The following week, Patty returned to Rosella Heights Library with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Ruby had promised to introduce the group to bush tucker, a topic that intrigued Patty but also made her slightly apprehensive. As she walked into the room, she noticed a long table set up at the front, covered with an array of unfamiliar foods.

Ruby greeted everyone with her usual warm smile. “Welcome back, you mob. Today, we’re going to explore bush tucker. These foods have been part of our culture for thousands of years and are still enjoyed today.”

The group gathered around the table, eyes wide with curiosity. There were various fruits, nuts, and roots, all beautifully arranged. In the centre of the table was a container holding what Patty recognized from pictures: witchetty grubs.

“These are witchetty grubs,” Ruby said, holding one up. “They’re a great source of protein and have been a staple in our diet for many generations.”

Patty exchanged nervous glances with Mrs. Fraser and Mr. Jenkins. They had all heard about witchetty grubs but never imagined they would eat one.

Ruby continued, “We’ll start with some of the fruits and nuts, and then, for those who are brave enough, we’ll try the grubs.”

Patty tried a handful of bush tomatoes and macadamia nuts. The flavours were earthy and surprisingly delicious. The group chatted and laughed, sharing their impressions of each new taste.

When it came time to try the witchetty grubs, Ruby demonstrated how to prepare and eat one. She bit into it with ease, her expression showing appreciation for the delicacy.

“Who's next? Don’t you go hiding at the back, Mr. Wallis” she asked with a grin. “That wall is perfectly fine in keeping itself up.’

Mr. Wallis and Mrs. Fraser exchanged uncertain looks, and Patty felt a mix of dread and determination. She didn’t want to be the first, but she also didn’t want to miss out on the experience.

“I’ll give it a go,” Patty said, stepping forward.

She picked up a grub, feeling its cool, slightly squishy texture. With Ruby’s encouragement, she took a bite. The room erupted in laughter as Patty’s eyes widened in surprise. The flavour was nutty and creamy, not at all what she had expected.

“Not bad,” she said with a grin, to everyone’s amusement.

“But probably not as good as your corn beef, my girl,” chipped in Ruby

Encouraged by Patty’s bravery, others followed suit. The room was filled with laughter and playful banter as each person took their turn. Some reacted with wide-eyed surprise like Patty, while others made exaggerated faces of disgust, causing more giggles.

Ruby watched the scene with a satisfied smile. “Bush tucker isn’t just about the food; it’s about community and sharing our culture. I’m glad you all were willing to give it a try.”

Outside the library, Patty walked with Ruby, chatting about the day's events. “Thank you, Ruby. Today was incredible. I never thought I’d eat a grub, let alone enjoy it!”

“I’m glad you did, Patty. It’s all about stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing new experiences.” Ruby eyed up suspiciously, “You look as if you could use some.”

Patty nodded, feeling grateful for this unexpected journey of discovery. She realized that learning about Aboriginal culture was enriching her life in ways she hadn’t imagined, and she looked forward to many more gatherings at the library.

*********

Patty hurried up the stairs, a basket of freshly folded laundry balanced on her hip. She was humming a tune under her breath, a habit she picked up when the house was quiet. As she reached Teddy’s room, she could hear hushed voices inside.

“Teddy?” she called softly, pushing the door open with her foot. “I’ve got your laundry…”

Her words trailed off as she took in the scene before her. Teddy and Syd were sitting on the edge of the bed, down to their singlets, facing each other. Syd’s hand rested gently on Teddy’s knee, and there was an unmistakable look of tenderness in their eyes. And than their lips touched.

The boys suddenly sprang apart, their faces flushing with embarrassment. “Mum!” Teddy exclaimed, his voice high and panicked. “It’s not what it looks like! We were only checking for ticks.”

Patty’s heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing to make sense of what she had just seen. “I… I didn’t mean to interrupt,” she stammered, her cheeks burning. “I just… I just brought your laundry.”

She set the basket down on the floor, feeling her hands tremble, “I’ll, uh, I’ll just leave you two to it,” she muttered, backing out of the room and closing the door behind her.

Patty leaned against the wall, her mind reeling. Her thoughts were a jumbled mess of confusion and concern. She guessed racy gentlemen’s magazines hadn’t helped after all.

What should she do? Should she talk to Teddy about it? And what about Freddie? How would he react if he found out? Patty’s heart ached at the thought of her husband’s potential disappointment or anger. She didn’t want Freddie to turn on their son.

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