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‘That would be such an opportunity for you.’
‘The idea excites me. The position offers a chance to do research and to be hands on as new techniques offer hope. Too often, soldiers with terrible facial wounds struggle with the idea of their loved ones seeing them so changed.’ Geoffrey had said he was excited, but he didn’t sound as enthused as Meg expected, given how much of an opportunity the position offered. ‘What’s the catch?’
He sighed. ‘The position is in Sydney, and he wants me to start at the beginning of January. I asked if there was any possibility of delaying the start, but he said no. They have long waiting lists of injured soldiers. The second week of January was as late as he would allow.’
‘Oh dear.’ Meg pulled out a chair and sank onto it. If Geoffrey accepted the position, she couldn’t go with him. Not yet. It was unlikely they would have Jennifer restored to them by then, if their experience so far was anything to go by. And then there was the location. Her family, who knew nothing of her child, were in Sydney. But how could she hold him back if this was where he saw his life’s work? ‘And the second position?’
‘Is here in Brisbane. Head of Surgery at the University of Queensland’s medical school in Herston.’
‘Surely a position where you are in charge would be preferable?’
‘It’s definitely tempting to consider shaping the development of the new medical school. I’d be overseeing surgeons who are developing new techniques in a range of surgeries, as well as medical students specialising in surgery.’
‘But?’
‘I’m torn. If it weren’t for Jennifer, I’d jump at the chance of working with Hepworth, but I don’t see how I can accept his offer while we’re looking for her.’
To Meg, the choice was simple. She had to remain in Brisbane, but she understood Geoffrey’s dilemma. ‘When do you have to decide?’
‘The day after Boxing Day for Hepworth’s offer, and the second of January for the university position.’ He looked into his glass as though the answer was written in its foam. Suddenly he lifted his head and sniffed. ‘The toast – it’s burning.’
Meg grabbed the toasting fork out of the fire and tossed it into the sink. The black slice of bread hung off the tines and made a mockery of her efforts at control. If she couldn’t toast a simple slice of bread without burning it, how on earth could she help her husband with his dilemma?
Enough negative thinking.
She turned to face him and gripped the edge of the sink behind her. ‘Accept the position that will fulfil you. If that’s Sydney, then we’ll find a way to make it work. I’ll stay here with Gerry until I’ve recovered Jennifer, and we’ll join you when we can.’
##
Late that night, unableto sleep, Meg slipped out of bed and tip-toed out to the swing seat. Curling into a ball, she lay her head on a cushion, and looked across the road at the park. A sliver of starry sky appeared and disappeared as the seat gently rocked. Time passed – she had no idea how much – while her thoughts floated in the darkness.
The front door opened, and Geoffrey stepped out. Sleep-tousled and wearing only pyjama trousers in the hot night, he padded bare-footed to the swing. ‘Is everything okay? Did the heat keep you awake?’
‘Partly that.’ She sat up and made room for him beside her. As he sat, he set the seat rocking.
‘And the other part?’
‘Not being able to see far turned my thoughts inward. Marriage is about sharing, and—maybe—not keeping secrets from one another.’
‘Is there a secret that’s keeping you awake?’
‘A half-truth. I didn’t tell you the whole story about my family.’
‘I know you have a couple of siblings; they and your parents all live somewhere in Sydney and couldn’t make it to our wedding. Other than that—’
‘Your dream job is in Sydney.’ She couldn’t stop the odd inflection her fear of what waited at home gave to the city’s name.
He took her hand, twining their fingers together. ‘I’m sorry but I’m not seeing what your point is. I know the only important thing right now is finding Jennifer, but I thought you’d be delighted about the prospect of returning to the city where your family lives?’
‘It’s all about Jennifer.’ Just not in the way Geoffrey meant.
‘We’ll stay here in Brisbane, and we’ll find her. It might take longer than you would like, but I’ll be content with the job at Herston. Heaven knows there’ll be plenty to occupy me there.’
‘Content isn’t the same as excited.’
‘Margaret, look at me.’ When she met his gaze, he continued. ‘I’ll be happy wherever we are because we’ll be together. I should have immediately thanked Dr Hepworth for his offer and told him that the timing wasn’t right for me. I’ll call him tomorrow and—’
‘On Christmas Day? No. Think about what you’re throwing away if you reject his offer.’
