The Tunnels of Tarcoola Read Online Free

as good as Tarcoola, though. Mr Wolf liked to have the best, always the best. He brought such beautiful things with him from Europe.’
    Kitty was floundering. She searched for clues.
    â€˜Um . . . did you wear a uniform, in the . . . in service?’
    â€˜Oh yes. They were old-fashioned there, of course – the black dress, everything starched – even the little white cap. I wasn’t any bigger than you are when I started, dear. When I put the apron on you could hardly see me at all! Like a walking tent!’
    They both laughed. Miss Gordon sighed.
    â€˜I hope you don’t have to go into service, dear.’
    â€˜Oh! I don’t think so. I’m going to be a vet.’
    Miss Gordon clearly wasn’t listening. Her gaze strayed back to the trees.
    â€˜I was good to the girls at Tarcoola. Mr Wolf never understood that. I didn’t take any nonsense, though.’
    Kitty was wondering if she would ever be able to make sense of her notes.
    â€˜So . . . ’ she ventured, ‘was Mr Wolf your boss?’
    â€˜I beg your pardon!’ Miss Gordon drew herself up. ‘Mr Wolf was my husband. Didn’t I tell you I was mistress of the house?’
    Kitty became aware of someone behind her. It was Rosa, jiggling with impatience.
    â€˜Come on, Kitty! Everyone’s downstairs waiting.’
    â€˜In a minute.’
    Kitty turned back to the old lady. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said. ‘I have to go now.’ She held out her hand.
    Miss Gordon – or was it Mrs Wolf? – took Kitty’s hand and held it against her cheek. Despite the wrinkles, her skin was soft and cool.
    â€˜Goodbye, then, dear. What did you say your name was?’
    â€˜Kitty.’
    â€˜What a lovely old-fashioned name. It’s been so nice having a chat.’
    Kitty quickly stacked her notes and glanced at the printed question sheet on top.
    â€˜Oh, I’m sorry,’ she said. ‘I forgot to ask you about your birthday.’
    Miss Gordon drew back suddenly. ‘Don’t you ask about that!’ Her voice was a harsh whisper.
    â€˜Oh. Okay.’
    â€˜They all kept asking me,’ mumbled the old lady. ‘But I wouldn’t tell them. It’s yours, he said.’
    â€˜It’s okay,’ said Kitty. ‘I won’t ask. I’m sorry.’
    She took Miss Gordon’s hand. After a moment the blue eyes focused on her.
    â€˜You will come and see me soon, won’t you?’ said the old lady, as if nothing had happened.
    â€˜Yes, if I can.’
    Rosa was waiting outside. ‘I think I might have got the wrong person!’ whispered Kitty. ‘But she was a bit muddled, so I can’t be sure.’
    They passed a plump nurse who was heading into the ward.
    â€˜Wait a minute,’ Kitty muttered. She ran after the nurse. ‘Excuse me! That lady in there, what’s her name?’
    â€˜That’s Clarissa. Miss Clarissa Gordon.’
    â€˜Oh, it was the right one. She said she was married to someone called Mr Wolf.’ Kitty couldn’t help giggling a little.
    â€˜She thinks she was, poor thing.’ The nurse leaned a little closer. ‘Bigamy!’ she breathed.
    â€˜Oh!’ What was bigamy, Kitty wondered. ‘Well, anyway, would I be allowed to visit her again?’
    â€˜Yes, of course. It does them good to have visitors. She doesn’t see anyone except the priest from one year to the next.’
    â€˜Thanks.’ Kitty ran back to Rosa.
    â€˜What’s bigamy?’ she asked as they hurried down the stairs.
    â€˜Oh, it’s . . . um . . . I’m sure I’ve heard of it . . . ’
    â€˜It’s a great story,’ continued Kitty. ‘She used to be a servant, I think, but she ended up really posh. She says she was mistress of Tarcoola.’
    â€˜No kidding!’ gasped Rosa. ‘Tarcoola?’
    â€˜Yes, do you know where that is?’
    â€˜Course I