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Grapevines And Gum Trees
Grapevines And Gum Trees
Grapevines And Gum Trees
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Grapevines And Gum Trees

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Isabella Di Rossi's idyllic life on the family vineyard, in the town of Yarloop, is about to change. With sabotage of the grapes, and the unravelling of her parents' secret past, Isabella is also confronted with a handsome stranger.

In possession of an old photograph, Louie McGregor is searching for a father he has never known.

Added to that, is the reappearance of the Di Rossi's mysterious neighbour, Jack Cesario.

As the secrets begin to unfold, and Louie returns to his home, Isabella finds comfort with another. But events are heating up at the Di Rossi vineyard, and Louie's search is far from over.

Will the past be forgiven? Will Isabella make the right choice? And will Louie be accepted for who he is?

LanguageEnglish
Release dateMay 23, 2013
ISBN9781301727889
Grapevines And Gum Trees
Author

Jeanette Hornby

I live in a small, south-western town of Western Australia, and have been writing for many years.My first two novels are set in my home town, and portray small town life in the 70's and 80's.My third novel - Candy's Man - is a Sexy Romance novel set in Sydney, Australia.My fourth novel - Grapevines and Gum Trees - is set in a small country town in Western Australia near my home town.Novel number five is set in Perth/Port Hedland in Western Australia and is titled - Escape Down Under.When I'm not writing, I'm reading, gardening, or creating pretty things with beads.

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    Grapevines And Gum Trees - Jeanette Hornby

    GRAPEVINES

    AND

    GUM TREES

    By

    Jeanette Hornby

    Copyright © 2012 by Jeanette Hornby

    Smashwords Edition License Notes

    This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

    This book is a work of fiction. With the exception of recognized historical figures, the characters in this novel are fictional. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

    ISBN-13: 978-1301727889

    Front Cover: Delle Jacobs

    Editing:

    Dawn Pitts

    Pamela Gifford

    Robyn J. Williams

    Dedication

    To the town of Yarloop and its People

    And

    The memories embedded there

    To Grape-picking Days

    To Family, Food, Wine and Song

    To all the New Australians

    For their courage in forging a new life

    in a strange land.

    CHAPTER ONE

    Poison? Why would anyone want to poison the grapes? Isabella Di Rossi asked her father. He shrugged and looked across the vineyard. She noticed the deep creases around his eyes. Dad?

    He gave her mother a quick glance before turning toward her. I don’t know, he answered, the emotion in his dark eyes belying his words.

    Isabella’s gaze moved to her mother. She looked alarmed.

    Poison? Giovanni, are you sure? her mother queried. Her hands were tightly clasped together.

    Isabella knew her father was only called Giovanni when it was something serious. He was just John most of the time.

    I’ve had tests done, Adalina. Traces of herbicides have been found. There’s no mistake. It’s sabotage, her father declared. He stood abruptly, faltered, and grabbed the edge of the sturdy wooden table to steady himself.

    Are you alright, Dad?

    Her father rubbed his right leg. Yes, my leg’s been aching a bit today.

    You do too much. You know what the doctor said, her mother admonished.

    He waved a hand in dismissal and gave a shrug. Someone has to do it.

    Isn’t that why you pay Joe? her mother queried.

    Another shrug. You know I’d go mad if I sat around all day.

    Isabella rolled her eyes. Her father was stubborn. Even an artificial leg didn’t slow him down. He’d hop along one-legged if he had to.

    Anyway, enough talk. I have work to do. I’ll be in the shed. He made his way across the yard.

    Isabella smiled and watched her father walk to ‘the shed’, as he called it. The huge building housed every piece of equipment that produced the Di Rossi wines.

    That’s all we need, her mother muttered. Concern flickered in her green eyes.

    Why would anyone poison the grapes? Isabella asked.

    Her mother turned to the vines before answering, I don’t know.

    Isabella frowned. They were keeping something from her.

    A loud squeal cut through the silence and Isabella’s sister, Sofia, raced toward them. Brutus, the Rottweiler, bounded after her.

    Isabella laughed and grabbed her sister. Brutus clambered over Sofia, licking her face. That dog sure loves you, Sofia, Isabella remarked.

    Sofia hugged the dog to her and chuckled.

    I think Sofia loves the dog, too, her mother added.

    Isabella knew it was the truth. From the very first moment that dog and girl met, the bond had been incredible.

    Drink, Sofia said, pointing to the jug of water on the table.

    Isabella poured her sister a glass of water and watched as she gulped it down. Though nearing her eleventh birthday, Sofia would never be like other girls her age but Isabella had learned to accept that. Sofia had such innocence.

    Born premature, Sofia had endless problems in the first years of her life and they’d nearly lost her a few times. ‘Deprived of oxygen’ were words Isabella would never forget.

    She looked at Sofia’s sweet face, the image of her father’s, and ruffled her sister’s dark curly hair. So what game are you playing today?

    Sofia turned and gave her an intense stare as if pondering her words. Princess, she finally answered.

    Oh, you’re a princess today?

    Sofia shook her head and pointed to Brutus. Princess, she repeated.

    Isabella and her mother laughed. Sofia took off toward the orchard and Brutus followed her every step.

    She has so much energy. I never imagined she would ever overcome her health problems, her mother remarked.

    Isabella nodded. It was a hard time for you and dad when Sofia was sick.

    It was a hard time for you, too, but we did the best we could.

    I know, but look how happy Sofia is. Isabella gazed at her sister as she skipped around the orange trees. The sacrifice had been worth it.

    She’ll never grow up, her mother declared wistfully.

    Isabella knew her mother felt the loss deep inside. I’ll look after her.

    I know you will, Bell. I’m grateful for that.

    Isabella smiled and leaned across the table, hoping to take advantage of her mother’s pensive mood. Who do you think is responsible for poisoning the grapes?

    I don’t know. There have been some who have made threats in the past.

    Isabella sat up. Really? Who?

    You can’t repeat what I tell you.

    I won’t.

    Do you remember Ron and Terry who were sacked when caught stealing?

    Yes, she replied, wide-eyed.

    They made threats before they left.

    Did dad call the police?

    No.

    I think he should, Isabella said.

    Yes. I’ll talk to him later. Her mother's gaze moved back to the vines as she contemplated the situation. It couldn’t be Jack, she muttered under her breath.

    Jack?

    Her mother’s eyes swirled with emotion. I... she began, and then Joe Fiorina, the vineyard manager, walked around the corner and moved toward them.

    Adalina, he greeted with a wave.

    Joe? Is everything alright?

    I just caught Sofia and the dog by the fence near the dam. I thought you should know.

    Her mother stood quickly. Thanks, Joe. I’ll see to it. And she walked briskly across the yard.

    Disappointed that her mother had left before explaining who Jack was, Isabella turned to Joe. Hello, Mr. Fiorina. Have you found more dead vines?

    He nodded regretfully. I’m afraid so. In the far western corner. He pointed in that direction.

    The orange rays of the sun streaked across the long rows of green vines, and Isabella shuddered in apprehension at the threat to her family’s livelihood. According to her father, it would all be hers one day.

    Yep. Looks like I’ll be sleeping here tonight, Joe quipped.

    What are you going to do if someone turns up?

    Let them have a chat with my rifle, Joe stated.

    What? she asked, fearfully.

    Joe laughed. I’m not going to shoot them. Just give them a good scare.

    I think you should call the police.

    I’ll go and talk to your papa, he said and moved to the shed.

    I pity the poor person they catch, she murmured as she walked into the house.

    Ceiling fans whirled overhead. The rooms were surprisingly cool for a sweltering February afternoon, and she was thankful for her grandfather’s foresight in building the old homestead in stone. Over the years the place had been extended but remained true to the original building.

    The quiet was broken when a door banged shut. Let’s get you cleaned up, her mother said as she dragged Sofia toward the bathroom.

    What have you been doing? Isabella asked her sister.

    Pies, Sofia replied, and her mother shook her head.

    Isabella guessed by the dirt on Sofia’s clothes, that they weren’t ordinary pies. Mud pies?

    Yes, her mother said and marched Sofia down the hall.

    With a chuckle, Isabella moved to the lounge room and turned on the TV.

    A news bulletin flashed across the screen replaying the tragic destruction of Challenger-73 from the American Space Shuttle Program and Isabella shook her head. Space travel was so far removed from her simple life at the vineyard. She hoped her dreams weren’t cut as short.

    Soon after, Sofia raced into the room, clean and dressed. She held out a story book and Isabella smiled before beginning to read Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

    Princess, Sofia said as she touched the pages of the book.

    Isabella nodded and pointed to the page. And this is her prince.

    Prince, Sofia repeated.

    That’s right.

    Her mother walked into the room with an apron tied around her waist. Thanks for entertaining her. I want to start on dinner. You don’t mind watching her, do you?

    No, she’s fine. We don’t get to spend a lot of time together during school terms. Two more weeks and holidays are over.

    They’ve gone by so quickly. When we begin to harvest we’re going to be busy. Are you organised for business school?

    Yep. Everything’s done. I’ll probably take a drive to Bunbury at the end of the week to make sure I have all the right books, she answered.

    I don’t know how I would manage without you.

    You won’t need to. I’m never gonna leave.

    Her mother smiled faintly. I don’t want you to put your life on hold. You’ll meet a nice boy one day...

    But I have a vineyard and winery to run. I don’t have time for boys, she interrupted.

    You say that now, but when you meet the right one you’ll have different ideas, her mother said with a chuckle.

    Like you and dad?

    Yes. I never saw that coming.

    Her parents always changed the subject whenever their courting days were mentioned. How did you meet dad? she asked, hoping her mother would open up to her.

    Her mother took a breath before replying, Through a friend. Now, I have to get some food in the oven. She quickly walked to the kitchen.

    Isabella sighed. There was something her parents weren’t telling her.

    Sofia began to squirm.

    What’s wrong, Sofia? Isabella asked.

    Sofia pointed to the sliding door. Princess.

    Brutus stared in from outside and Isabella wondered why he hadn’t alerted them to the intruders. Maybe it was someone the dog knew.

    Later, when they sat around the dinner table, she brought up her suspicions. Her father nodded in agreement. I think you’re right but until we catch them...

    Is Mr. Fiorina staying the night?

    Yes. Hopefully, we’ll catch the buggers tonight.

    It’s a bit dangerous isn’t it? I mean, what if something happens and Mr. Fiorina shoots someone or gets shot himself?

    Her father looked at her in deliberation. There is that risk.

    It’s probably not a good idea, her mother agreed.

    Her father grunted. Leave this to the men. We know what we’re doing.

    Isabella looked at her father sceptically and took a drink. She let the cool water ease down her throat to stop from voicing her opinion. Men always thought they knew best.

    After cleaning up from supper, she announced, I’m going to bed. Goodnight.

    Night, Bell, her mother said.

    Goodnight, her father added.

    On her way to her room, she checked on Sofia.

    How Sofia managed to get tangled in her sheets was a mystery. Isabella tugged at the bed linen and spread a sheet over her.

    There was movement at the French doors that opened out onto the verandah so she walked over and pushed aside the curtains. Brutus sat staring at her. Maybe that’s why he never scared away the intruders, he was busy guarding Sofia. She should let her father know.

    As she moved to the lounge room, her mother’s voice carried down the hallway. I don’t believe it would be Jack.

    At the mention of the name, Isabella stopped walking, stayed out of sight, and listened.

    He has the opportunity. Their property runs adjacent to ours, her father remarked.

    But I haven’t seen Jack for years. I hear he travels a lot for work.

    Doesn’t mean he’s not responsible.

    Isabella heard footsteps and saw her mother move toward the large, bay window in the room. I don’t believe he would. Not after all these years, her mother declared, and Isabella moved back into the shadows.

    Have you forgotten what he threatened?

    There was a pause and then her mother said, No, I haven’t forgotten.

    Well, we know he has a reason to hate us.

    Another pause. What are you going to do, Giovanni?

    If Joe doesn’t catch someone tonight, I’m going to the police, he answered.

    Her mother’s voice was barely audible. You do what you have to.

    Isabella stood silent for a few moments and then moved quietly to her room. She lay on her bed and stared at the ceiling, pondering her parents’ conversation. Jack? Jack Cesario? His family had the property next to theirs. But why would he hate her parents?

    She pulled the sheet over her and closed her eyes. She hoped whoever was responsible for poisoning the vines would be caught soon.

    In the morning, Isabella woke early, quickly dressed and made her way outside. She wondered if Mr. Fiorina had caught anyone.

    The bright glow of the sun peeking over the horizon brought her attention to the lush vineyard in front of her. It still amazed her how spectacular it looked at daybreak. She leaned against a verandah post and inhaled the fresh morning air.

    Movement at the corner of her eye made her turn her head. When someone walked out from between the rows, her heart skipped a beat. She stood rooted to the spot as she looked the man over.

    He had wide shoulders and a broad chest covered by a tight, tan-coloured t-shirt and wore faded blue jeans and brown boots. He stood motionless and appeared not to have noticed her.

    His blonde hair was pushed back off his face making his perfect facial features evident.

    Suddenly, his gaze shifted, and a pair of astounding, electric-blue eyes stared at her. She gasped for breath and held onto the verandah post for support.

    Once she found her voice, she rasped, Who are you and what are you doing here?

    CHAPTER TWO

    The man took a step toward her. He was younger than she’d first thought and even better looking.

    He stopped in front of her and held out a hand in greeting. I’m Louie McGregor, he said. The huskiness of his voice sent a shiver down her spine.

    She stared at his hand but made no attempt to shake it. What are you doing here? she asked again.

    He returned his hand to his side. I’m looking for work. I see your grapes are ready to be harvested.

    He knew grapes. She gazed at him. Are you from around here?

    No. I’m from the other side of Australia. Eden Valley.

    She spotted the bag at his feet. Surely there’s plenty of work for you in that part of the country. She’d done her research. Eden Valley was part of the wine-producing region in South Australia. It shared a boundary with the Barossa Valley.

    I’m travelling and need some money, he explained.

    Oh.

    At that moment, Mr. Fiorina and Brutus came around the corner. Brutus ran right up to Louie and as was his custom, sniffed him all over. Finally, the dog sat beside him, in approval.

    Louie chuckled. I guess I passed the test.

    For now, Mr. Fiorina stated, looking their visitor over.

    Louie held out a hand and introduced himself. Isabella frowned. The names ‘Louie’ and ‘McGregor’ seemed to be at odds with each other.

    I’ve come looking for work. Do you need anyone to help with the harvest? Louie asked.

    We could do with a couple of extra hands, her father hollered from behind her. Not much slipped past the two older men. They must have seen Louie from afar.

    She listened as the three men talked, and gathered that Louie also knew a thing or two about wine making.

    Her gaze moved over him and she felt a strange sensation in the pit of her stomach. He really was gorgeous.

    As if on cue, he turned and looked at her, as did her father and Mr. Fiorina. She stared at them wide-eyed.

    Isn’t that right, Isabella? her father asked.

    She blinked. Sorry, I wasn’t listening.

    You’ll organise some breakfast?

    Oh. Okay then. Are you staying, Mr. Fiorina?

    No. I’m heading home for a sleep. Not that staying up all night got us any closer to solving our problem...

    Isabella chewed on a nail. So, they hadn’t caught anyone. Probably just as well considering Mr. Fiorina still had his gun.

    See ya tomorrow, Mr. Fiorina stated as he walked to his ute, the gun slung over his shoulder.

    Bye, Isabella replied. She started to go indoors, but then turned back to her father. Are you having breakfast, Dad?

    Nah. I had something earlier. Can you give Louie the key to the cottage? He may as well make use of the old place.

    She looked at her father in surprise. Okay.

    Her father returned to the shed and she moved her gaze to Louie. Bacon and eggs? she queried.

    If it’s not too much trouble.

    No problem. You may as well come inside.

    No. I’m a bit grubby. I’ll wait out here if you don’t mind, he replied, and pointed to the nearby wooden chair.

    She shrugged. Suit yourself.

    Her mother was in the kitchen. Morning, Mum.

    You’re up early.

    Yeah. I thought Mr. Fiorina might have caught the intruders, but he didn’t. She opened the cupboard and pulled out a frypan.

    I guess your father needs to go to the police.

    Isabella nodded and opened the fridge. Do we have any eggs?

    You should try the chook yard.

    Isabella sighed and started to walk outside when she remembered something. We have a new worker, and dad’s letting him stay at the cottage. Shall I give him the key?

    If that’s what your father said.

    Okay then, she said, grabbing the key off the hook. I’ll get to his breakfast after I collect the eggs.

    You’re in charge, her mother stated, and Isabella gave her quick smile before returning to the verandah.

    When she walked outside, Louie was seated with his head against the back of the deck chair. His eyes were closed. She stood for a moment and looked at him. His lips were a perfectly formed bow.

    He opened his eyes and squinted against the sun’s rays.

    I have the key to the cottage, she said quickly.

    He sat up and rubbed a hand across his forehead. I really could do with a sleep. Do you mind if I have breakfast later?

    No, that’s okay. It’s early. Besides, I need to collect the eggs.

    He stood and picked up his bag.

    Follow me, she said. She felt self-conscious as he walked behind her and wished she’d changed out of her shorts.

    They reached the cottage and she unlocked the door, walked in, and opened the curtains to survey the room. Louie entered and placed his bag on the floor.

    It’s clean. We’ve only just washed everything, she assured him.

    It looks great. Better than some of the places I’ve stayed recently.

    She pointed across the room. The bedroom’s through there. There are fresh sheets on the bed and there are blankets in the cupboard.

    Don’t think I’ll need blankets in this weather, he stated with a stunning smile. Her pulse raced.

    Right. I’ll leave you to it. When you’re hungry let me know. I’ll be up at the house. She moved to the doorway.

    Thanks, Isabella. You don’t mind if I call you that, do you?

    That’s my name, she answered, reaching for the door handle.

    She heard him chuckle but didn’t dare turn around. She walked quickly to the house. When she reached the verandah, she took a deep breath before moving inside.

    Did you get the eggs? her mother asked.

    Oh, sugar. No, I forgot. I’ll go and get them now.

    She took a quick glance at the cottage and frowned before making her way to the chook yard. She collected the eggs in a bucket, returned to the kitchen, and began to make scrambled eggs.

    Bella, Sofia said as she pushed her way beside her.

    Good morning. I’m making your breakfast.

    Shambled eggs, Sofia replied.

    Isabella laughed and nodded. Yep, just for you.

    Her mother walked into the room. Bell, I’m just going to Signora Venturo’s. She rang while you were at the chook yard. I won’t be too long.

    Isabella cracked the eggs into a pot. I hope she’s alright.

    She has a family baptism this morning and needs a hand to fix her hair. I couldn’t say no.

    She wasn’t always in a wheelchair. What happened?

    The doctors said it’s post-polio syndrome.

    What’s that?

    She had polio as a young woman and fortunately recovered, but now she has weakness and pain.

    Poor lady. How does she cope?

    Her husband’s a good man but Signora said he has no idea how to fix her hair. Her mother laughed.

    Sofia tugged on Isabella’s t-shirt, and pointed to the pot. Shambled eggs.

    Isabella stirred the eggs. Yes, nearly cooked.

    Her mother grabbed the car keys. I’ll get going.

    Okay, Mum. Take your time. I’ll look after Sofia.

    Her mother moved to the door. Thanks, Bell. You be good, Sofia.

    Sofia nodded and turned her attention to the pot again.

    Isabella smiled. "You must be hungry. Can you

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