THE ENGLISH DOCTOR'S DILEMMA

Lucy Clark

In the arms of an Outback doctor

When English doctor Elizabeth Blakeny-Smith takes on a six-moth job in the Outback, she’s hoping to take control of her life. But a kiss from a sexy stranger sends the reserved doctor’s pulse racing, and suddenly control is the last thing on her mind! Especially when she discovers the stranger is her new colleague Dr. Mitch O’Neill…

Mitch can’t help but be attracted to the aloof newcomer, and is convinced Elizabeth needs to let her hair down and enjoy life - with him! But will her new-found freedom take her back home - or straight into Mitch’s arms?

CHAPTER ONE

'All right, mate.' Mitch took a mouthful of his drink and placed it back on the bar. 'You're on!'

Raucous laughter met his words as the other men around them enjoyed the joke. A few slapped him on the back and others chided him. The bar attendant came over to check if they needed refills.

'Another lemonade, Mitch?'

'Thanks, Norah. That'd be beaut.'

'Aren't ya gonna give Nors a kiss, then?' one bloke asked.

'Nah,' another answered. 'He has to kiss the. next woman who walks into the pub, ya drongo.'

'Why on earth are you doing that?' Norah asked.

Mitch grinned at her, waggled his eyebrows up and down suggestively and then laughed. 'Because Pierre here says I've lost my way with women. Says I haven't been out on a date since I got here just over a year ago and that I've forgotten how to kiss a girl.'

'And you're gonna let him goad you like that?' Norah asked with surprise as she handed him a fresh drink.

Mitch grinned, his blue eyes twinkling. 'What have I got to lose?'

'You lot have been stuck down those mine-shafts too long.' Norah shook her head and went to serve another customer, leaving the laughing men behind.

The door to the bar opened and an unnatural hush came over the group of men standing around the bar. 'It's Maude,' one of the men said, and they all laughed. Mitch merely smiled. It was true, Maude was holding the door open but she was letting someone else precede her. Someone who had long legs—nice and luscious, just the way he liked them.

As though in slow motion, his gaze travelled up the woman's body, drinking in the feminine curves which were hidden beneath a pair of khaki shorts and a burnt orange cotton shirt. Her neck was long, her blonde hair secured on top of her head with a clip and her lips were light pink—not painted but natural. He liked that. He guessed she was about five feet nine, and he continued to watch as she took off her sunglasses and turned to look at Maude. The jovial pat he received on the back reminded him of the bet they had going.

'Whoo-hoo, Mitch!'

'What a score.'

Mitch registered the remarks as he strode across the floor and in one swift move enveloped the woman in his arms and bent his head to press his lips to hers. There was no struggle— merely surprise—and as he held his mouth on hers for a fraction of a second longer, he was astounded at the amount of information his senses gathered.

She was, oh, so soft and, oh, so sweet, tasting of the heat from outside, mingled with her own perspiration and a freshness which only served to intrigue him. Although it was warm outside, she smelled as fresh as a daisy on a cool summer's day and the scent wove itself subtly around him, making him want to prolong the moment even more.

Her senses were dragged. For some strange reason, Elizabeth wasn't sure she could move. Shock, alarm and the need to linger a little longer were all mixed up and spinning around inside her head. The lips against hers were sweet and sugary which surprised her and although he didn't appear to be fresh from a shower, his smell wasn't offensive—more earthy and natural.

The hands at her back loosened a little but he didn't break the contact. Every nerve ending in her body was sparking to life as it never had before and it was this overwhelming emotion which gave Elizabeth the strength to pull back.

Before she could stop or think clearly about what she was doing, Elizabeth raised a shaking hand and slapped it across the man's face. 'How dare you?'

Mitch stepped back, his own hand coming up to cover the spot where hers had just connected with his cheek. Her eyes were green—a deep, vibrant green with small flecks of blue.

Everything, from the moment he'd seen her until the instant she'd slapped him, had happened as though in a dream. A muffled haze had surrounded them and he'd never believed moments in life could exist in slow motion—-but that one definitely had. Now things seemed to be moving like a freight train as Maude stepped into the pub and placed a hand on the woman's arm. It was then Mitch realised the woman he'd kissed was trembling.

'Mitch!' Maude scolded, but had a smile on her face. 'Leave my daughter alone. Go back to your mates. Go on.' Maude shooed him away and turned to the woman. 'Elizabeth, don't pay him any attention. He's a drongo.'

'A...a what?' Elizabeth watched as the man turned and walked back to the bar where he was greeted with great shouts of laughter and slaps on the back while he collected the money which had been placed on the bar. He had dark brown hair and the most amazing blue eyes she'd ever seen. He was tall, too. About six feet three, and their bodies had fitted perfectly together. She forced herself to look away and concentrate on what her mother was saying.

'A drongo,' her mother explained as they walked through the room. 'It means stupid.' Maude spoke loudly, shaking her finger at the men as they passed. 'And they're all stupid.'

'Aw, come on, Maude,' one called. 'We're only havin' a bit of fun.'

Maude led Elizabeth through to the back room where tables were set up, ceiling fans whirring above them. 'Have a seat, dear, and I'll get us a couple of menus.'

Elizabeth did as her mother suggested, trying not to look in the direction of the bar to where that man was. Mitch—was that what her mother had called him? Well, Mitch whoever-he-was would have to learn to leave her alone. She didn't like being...manhandled, and the sooner the people of this town knew that, the better. She straightened her back, trying to show her displeasure and lack of interest.

Her mother obviously knew the man quite well but, then, in the small opal-mining town of Coober Pedy, it appeared that everybody knew everyone else. At least, that's what she'd observed during the few days since she'd arrived. It was something she didn't know if she could get used to...but she had six months to find out. Six long months.

By the time Maude returned, Elizabeth almost had herself under control again.

'Are you sure you're all right, darling?' Maude peered at her, concerned.

'Yes, Mum. I'm fine.' Her words were clear and modulated, her British accent sounding strong against her mother's more muted one.

'Don't worry. I'll have a word with him—and the rest of them to make sure they leave you alone.'

'Mum,' Elizabeth protested, but her mother held up her hand.

'No. I don't want you changing your mind and rushing back to England on account of some blokes being stupid because they've had a tough day down a mine.'

'So... they're miners, are they?'

'Most of them, but not Mitch.' Maude shook her head and sighed heavily. 'I don't know how to tell you this, Elizabeth, but...Mitch is a doctor. The doctor at the hospital, really. He's the man in charge.'

'Mitch! The man who kissed me?'

'Yes.'

'G'day.' A woman carried over two long, cool glasses. 'I'm Norah and I run this place. Sorry about Mitch and the boys. Just being silly as I'm sure your mum here has explained.'

'Er...yes.' Elizabeth forced a smile and thanked Norah for the drink.

'Ready , to order?'

Elizabeth wasn't sure she could even read her menu at the moment. First she'd been kissed—an amazing kiss which had rocked her senses far more than she would ever admit—and now she'd discovered the man who was responsible for her present turmoil was also going to be her boss! How on earth was she supposed to focus on choosing food to eat?

'Uh...I'm actually not that hungry any more,' she muttered. 'Another cool drink would be lovely, though.'

'You've got it and don't worry about payin'. I'll put it on Mitch's tab for tonight. It's the least he can do to make up for embarrassin' you like that.'

This time, Elizabeth's smile was genuine. 'Thank you. That does make me feel better. In fact, I think I'll have a glass of champagne.'

'I'll be in that,' Maude chimed in, and the three women laughed.

'I'll go let the good doctor know,' Norah said, and left them alone.

Elizabeth looked at her mother, a moment of doubt flickering in her eyes. 'Are you sure it's all right? I don't want to start my time here on the wrong foot.'

'Yes, of course, dear. Mitch deserves it. Don't give it another thought.'

'All right, then.' Elizabeth sighed and took a lace-trimmed handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed at her forehead, trying to forget all about Mitch and the way his mouth had felt on hers. 'Is it always this hot?'

'This is nice weather,' Maude replied. 'Gets stinking hot in summer. As we're now in winter, the temperature's quite nice. Can still get the washing dry on the line.'

'You mean you don't put it in the dryer?'

'Ha! I doubt anyone here owns a dryer, dear. There's no need.'

'I guess.' Elizabeth glanced over in the direction of the bar.

'Forget him,' Maude said. 'He's not going to mind about the drinks. Trust me. I've known Mitch O'Neil since he came to Coober Pedy and he's a good bloke.'

'Has he been here long?'

'Just over a year.'

'Where did he come from?'

'Not exactly sure. Sydney," I think.'

'He's a long way from home.'

'Look who's talking,' Maude pointed out. 'You're here all the way from England.' Her mother's expression turned serious. 'Does your father know?' she asked quietly.

"That I'm here in Coober Pedy? Yes, of course he knows.'

'I meant, that you're here with me.'

Elizabeth looked down at her hands, fidgeting with her hanky before slowly meeting Maude's gaze. 'No.'

'I thought as much. I don't blame you for not wanting him to know. So...he just thinks you're working here for six months and that's it?'

Elizabeth nodded. 'Basically.'

'And what about Marcus?'

Elizabeth sighed and shook her head. 'I don't want to talk about him, Mum.'

'All right, but you're going to have to at least think about him at some point. That's one of the reasons why you wanted to come here—to have some distance between the two of you so you could sort your feelings out.'

'I know and I will, but not now. Right now, I want to enjoy being with my mother.' She smiled, determined to do just that.

Norah came over with their drinks. 'Mitch said to bring over a whole bottle of champagne to welcome you to the outback.' She poured the wine and left them.

'See.' Maude raised her eyebrows, proving her point. 'Mitch wasn't at all fussed about the drinks. Things are much more relaxed out here. Nowhere near as stuffy as what you're used to back home.'

'How long did it take you to adjust?'

Maude smiled and shook her head. 'Not long at all but, then, I had an added incentive for relaxing.' Elizabeth watched as a sadness came in to her mother's eyes. 'It's been almost five years since Stu died and I still wake up in the middle of the night and reach for him.'

'He was your soul mate?'

'He was.' Maude reached across and took her daughter's hand. 'Although I regret being pushed into marrying your father, I have never regretted having you. For that first year of my marriage, you were my salvation. I doted on you—loved you so completely.' Tears pricked in the older woman's eyes. 'I still do but I feel as though I should have fought harder for custody. I feel as though I failed you.'

Elizabeth squeezed her mother's hand. 'No. Don't think that. You haven't. I'm here, aren't I? We're together—finally, after all these years.'

'Yes.'

'And regardless of what Dad says, we'll stay in contact for ever. He may have been able to stop me from seeing or contacting you in the past, but I'm way over the age of consent and nothing he does or says will stop me.'

'Stop you from what?' The rich Australian drawl came from behind her and Elizabeth straightened her back before slowly turning to glare at him. 'G'day.' Mitch grabbed a chair from another table and dragged it over the wooden floorboards. He spun it around so the back of the chair was pressed against the table before he swung one tanned leg over and lowered himself down.

Elizabeth watched his fluid movements, trying desperately not to stare. He wore work boots with thick socks, a pair of navy shorts, an old navy T-shirt and a blue and white striped short-sleeved cotton shirt—unbuttoned. He was all muscle and as she glanced momentarily at his thighs, She itched to touch them.

Clasping the handkerchief tighter, she wanted desperately to ignore him but it was extremely difficult when he was one of her mother's friends.

'So what's the goss?'

'I beg your pardon.'

Her voice was well modulated and haughty and Mitch loved it. 'The skinny. The buzz. You know—what's happening?'

'What's happening, Dr O'Neill, is none of your business.'

'It is when I'm supplying the grog.'

'Er...the drink,' Maude supplied when Elizabeth looked confused.

'Oh.' Elizabeth turned her attention back to him. 'Is that so? Well, in that case, I'll order Something else and pay for it myself.'

Mitch threw back his head and laughed. 'Maude, you've got a live one here.'

'Don't tease her, Mitch. Elizabeth's only been here two days and is still recovering from jet lag so leave her alone. I want to have the full six months with my daughter rather than having her high-tail it out of here because you're being a typical Australian larrikin. I've waited long enough to get her here and I'm not going to let you or anyone else spoil it for her—so leave off, mate.'

Maude's lecture only served to fuel Mitch's humour even further but he nodded in agreement, his eyes still twinkling with suppressed amusement. 'As you say, Maude, so it shall be done.'

'Thank you.'

'Although,' Mitch said, inclining his head towards Elizabeth, 'I think your beautiful daughter here is more than capable of fending for herself against...unwanted attention.' To add measure to his words, he gently rubbed his cheek.

Maude smiled. 'She's a chip off the ol' block is my girl.'

Elizabeth looked from one to the other, her annoyance increasing. 'Would you mind not discussing me as though I weren't here? I don't appreciate it at all.'

Mitch chuckled and Maude nodded quickly. 'Quite right, darling. I apologise.'

Elizabeth looked at Mitch, one eyebrow raised in question.

'Hey, don't look at me. I don't have anything to apologise for.' He pushed away from the table and stood. 'See you at work on Monday, Lizzie.' Mitch watched as her green eyes flashed briefly with anger and annoyance and he wondered why.

'My name is Elizabeth,' she said, that haughty tone of hers in place.

So, she didn't like being called Lizzie, eh? Definitely promising.

There was a commotion at the bar, with raised male voices and colourful language such as Elizabeth had never heard before. Mitch glanced at her. 'Or maybe we'll be working together sooner. Looks as though Pierre's had too much to drink.'

'Pardon?'

'Come on,' Mitch called over his shoulder as he headed towards the bar. 'Norah, hand us the first-aid kit, thanks.'

Elizabeth stood and followed cautiously, watching in disbelief as a man picked up glasses from the bar and smashed them on the floor, yelling at a few of the men around him.

'You take that back. It's not right. I never did that stuff and I told the cops all about it. They ain't got nuthin' on me and ya can't prove it—so take it back.' Pierre continued to curse at the people around him, picked up another glass and smashed it on the floor.

"That's enough, mate.' Mitch said from behind him. His voice was firm and carried over the rest of the noise. Pierre spun around, his eyes bloodshot and wild as he glared at Mitch. Elizabeth became uneasy. What was she supposed to do? She was a doctor, for heaven's sake, not a bouncer, and Pierre was a tall, large man, big enough to snap her in two if he chose.

'Come on. Your hand's already cut and bleeding and if you don't stop now, Norah will be forced to ban you for at least a week.'

'That's right,' Norah chimed in, not the least bit concerned at the commotion. 'You've been banned before, mate, and you didn't like it one bit.'

'I don't give—' Pierre picked up another glass as he spoke.

'Enough.' Mitch reached up and grabbed the glass from Pierre. The beer from it slopped all over the place. 'Stop it or I'll be calling Steve-o to lock you up for the night.'

The words seemed to penetrate Pierre's alcohol induced haze. 'Nah, don't let Steve-o lock me up. Me missus will be rife with me if ya do.'

'Yeah? Then cut it out.'

'You wouldn't.' Pierre eyed Mitch closely." Man against man. Elizabeth watched in stupefied fascination.

'I would,' Mitch replied firmly, not backing down. 'Now, let me look at your hands.' Pierre seemed to be considering his options and then, like a docile puppy, his attitude changed and he held out his hands for Mitch to see. 'Ah, you've done a good job this time, mate. Your left hand's gonna need stitching.'

Mitch reached for the first-aid kit, turning to search for Elizabeth. 'Come on over, Lizzie, it's safe now.' Before he turned back to Pierre, Mitch saw the flash of anger in her eyes once more and grinned. She was easy to tease. 'Pierre, you should be ashamed of yourself, behaving like that in front of the new doc. You'll fair scare her away.'

'Aw, geez, I'm sorry, miss.' Pierre raised sheepish eyes to meet Elizabeth's and she saw the apology there. 'I just get real stupid when I've had too much. I know I shouldn't but some days I can't help it and when you've been stuck down a hole in the ground, digging and stuff, and it's hot and the flies are everywhere, well, a man's entitled to a few beers, ain't he?'

Elizabeth forced a smile and walked over on wooden legs, picking her way carefully between the smashed glass all over the floor. She swallowed over the smell of stale beer coming from Pierre's breath and worked double hard to keep her smile in place.

She thought it was better not to make a comment to Pierre's confession so instead she opened the first-aid kit which Norah had placed on the bar and looked for a swab. She held out a pair of medical gloves to Mitch and he put them on before accepting the swab. She, too, pulled on some gloves, not wanting to think about the germs that were floating around in this place. Elizabeth continued to anticipate her new colleague's needs and handed him what was required.

'It makes it nice and easy, having you here to help,' Mitch said as he pressed a gauze bandage to the area which was bleeding the most.

Elizabeth watched Pierre as he sat staring at what Mitch was doing, the colour starting to drain from his face. 'He's going,' she called, and just in time, too. Mitch reached an arm around Pierre to stop him sliding from the bar stool and Elizabeth immediately reached for Pierre's injured hand.

With both hands now free, Mitch shoved his hands beneath Pierre's arms and with the help of his mates they picked him up and moved him to a part of the floor which wasn't covered in broken glass.

'Call the hospital and get the ambulance here, Norah,' Mitch called over his shoulder once Pierre was down. 'Someone stick a chair under his legs to elevate them. Whack a bandage around that hand, Lizzie, to help stem the bleeding while I do his obs.'

Someone placed the first-aid kit beside Elizabeth and she did as she was asked. Mitch's idea of doing Pierre's obs was to slap the man firmly on both cheeks and call loudly to him. Good grief. What had she landed herself in this time?

'Hey,' Mitch called. 'Wake up, mate.' He lifted one of Pierre's eyelids to check his pupils before slapping the man's cheeks again. 'Come on. Come round.'

And that's exactly what Pierre did. 'What?' He sat up on pure reflex, which didn't make Elizabeth's job any easier. Mitch pushed him back down again.

'Relax, mate. You're fine. Guess you don't like the sight of blood, eh.' Mitch chuckled kindly. 'You've got a beautiful sheila bandaging your hand so close your eyes, relax and enjoy it.'

Elizabeth pursed her lips together in disapproval but Mitch merely smiled at her and winked. 'That should keep him still for you, Lizzie.'

Once she'd finished bandaging the hand, the door to the pub opened and a man in a nurse's uniform walked in.

'Ah, Ryan. Glad you could make it,' Mitch drawled as he helped the nurse bring the stretcher in. Elizabeth stood up, holding Pierre's arm up to help the circulation. When their patient was secured onto the stretcher, Mitch took over once more.

'There's no need for you to come,' he said. 'Stay and enjoy your dinner with your mother.'

'How decent of you, Dr O'Neill,' she replied drolly as she removed her gloves and placed them in a plastic bag provided by Norah.

Mitch did the same and took the bag from Norah. 'Thanks. I'll take care of this.' He turned to Elizabeth. 'And the name's Mitch,' he corrected. 'We're very informal out here...Lizzie.' He grinned at her before turning to Pierre. 'Let's get you to the hospital, mate.' The two men carried the stretcher towards the door. 'Oh, and, Lizzie,' Mitch called over his shoulder, his blue eyes sparkling with delight. 'Enjoy the drinks. See you Monday.'

With that, he walked out. Elizabeth simply stood there seething with annoyance at the man's audacity. Gritting her teeth, she slowly turned and made her way back to her mother. 'Is he always so...so...?' Her eyes flashed with frustration.

'Arrogant? Overbearing?' Maude pretended to think for a moment. 'Yeah, I guess so.' She smiled and waved her daughter's concern away. 'Never mind, dear. You'll get used to it.'

'I sincerely hope not. The man's a barbarian.'

'No.' Maude's tone dipped and she sighed. 'He's just a man, Elizabeth. Honest, hardworking and respected by the locals. I've got a lot of time for Mitch O'Neill and once you get to know him properly, you'll feel different about him as well.'

'I doubt it, Mum, but for your sake I'll try my hardest to get along with him.'

Maude smiled. 'Thank you.' Then she chuckled. 'Lizzie, eh? I'm surprised you didn't tear him to shreds for calling you that.'

'I'm pacing myself.'

'Your father would have had conniptions if he'd heard that. Elizabeth,' she said in an exaggerated deep voice. 'Not Liz or Lizzie. Her name is Elizabeth.' She sighed and shook her head sadly. 'I'll never forget that.'

'What do you mean?'

'I've always thought of you as Liz. My little Lizzie. When your father heard me calling you that, he put his foot down, saying that we had christened you Elizabeth and that was how you were to be addressed. He demanded that I, and anyone else who came into contact with you, refer to you as such. He even said that nicknames were for commoners, not for people like us.'

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and nodded. She could well imagine her father saying something like that. 'So you called me Liz or Lizzie as a baby.'

Maude smiled. 'All the time, my darling, and you've remained that in my heart.'

'Then, by all means, call me that.' Elizabeth took her mother's hand. 'To you and only you, I'll be Liz, but to that wretched man at the hospital I shall be known as Elizabeth.'

Maude gave a shout of laughter and Elizabeth released her hand. 'Good luck, dear.'

'I seem to be surrounded by impossible men. First my father, then Marcus. Both of them cut from the same cloth.' Elizabeth sighed and then straightened, pushing her shoulders back with renewed confidence. 'So, compared to those two, Mitch O'Neill should be snap.'

Maude continued to smile at her. 'I admire your spirit, Liz, but Mitch can be just as overbearing as the next man. Wanting Mitch O'Neill to do something is completely different from getting him to comply.'

Elizabeth nodded confidently. 'Just you wait and see.'

CHAPTER TWO

Elizabeth sat outside the front door of her mother's 'dugout', blanket wrapped around her, sipping a mug of warmed milk. She was glad she'd come during the Australian winter even though it meant missing the English summer. The morning temperature was about 5°C but it would soon rise once the sun peeked over the horizon. Although, come to think of it, the Coober Pedy winter was about the same as the English summer, except they didn't get any rain. She smiled to herself.

It was so different. So vast and open and...desert-like—except for the mounds of dirt piled up everywhere. She'd learned they were called mullock heaps, the dumps from the miners tunnelling underground. Even the place where her mother lived had been tunnelled out or 'dug out', which was the proper term. She'd thought Maude had been joking when she'd told Elizabeth they lived underground.

Now that she was here, she understood the need better. Underground, the temperature was constant, so in the stinking hot summer months people could stay cool. The entire place was artificially lit and had a certain charm to it, but on her first night Elizabeth had hardly slept, fearing the walls would close in on her. The other thing she'd noticed was the lack of morning sounds. The only way you knew it was time to get up was when your alarm went off. No sunlight came in because there weren't any windows, no birds could be heard chirping outside. It was quiet, peaceful and very dark. As she was used to her father's home in London, it was no wonder she'd had trouble sleeping when she'd first arrived.

But now...four nights on, she was still having trouble sleeping. This time, though, it had nothing to do with her surroundings and everything to do with the fact that in a few hours she'd be starting work at the hospital...and seeing Mitchell O'Neill again.

Just the simple thought of the man made her hackles rise. The way he walked, with that arrogant swagger. She was sure . he thought he was God's gift to women. Well, if that was his attitude, he had another think coming where she was concerned.

What annoyed her the most was every time she thought about him, she couldn't help recalling—with perfect clarity— the way his mouth had felt against hers. If she looked at it objectively, she could impartially say that it had been the best kiss she'd ever received.

His mouth had fitted perfectly over hers, had moved in harmony with hers, had evoked a response like no other from deep within her—and the kiss had lasted for less than a minute. Elizabeth closed her eyes, allowing herself to remember the way everything had happened.

Slow motion. From the moment he'd touched her, drawing her close, everything had seemed to slow down to a snail's pace. Every touch, every smell, every taste. She remembered absolutely everything about him and it irritated her.

'Liz?'

Elizabeth jumped out of her chair at the sound of her mother's voice. The mug she'd been holding flew through the air, its contents spilling over, the ground before it impacted with the hard earth, shattering into small pieces.

'Sorry, darling, I didn't mean to startle you.'

'Oh, no. Your beautiful mug.' Elizabeth had chosen the mug because of its unique blue-green colour. It reminded her of the opals she'd seen in the shops. 'I am so sorry, Mum.'

'Don't worry about it. The people who make them are friends of mine. They'll make me another one.' Elizabeth had bent down and was busy trying to pick up the pieces. 'Leave it, Lizzie. I'll get the broom. I don't want you cutting your hand, especially when it's your first day at work.'

'Ugh...don't remind me.' Elizabeth picked up the blanket and folded it. Maude disappeared and returned with a brush and dustpan to sweep up the mess.

'Nervous?'

Elizabeth slumped back into the chair. 'Yes.'

'Is it the medical side...or the personal side?'

'Definitely the latter. I'm not too good at meeting new people, making friends. It's not... Oh, you know, it's not my cup of tea. I'm quiet and reserved.'

'Shy,' Maude supplied.

'I prefer reserved.'

'It's your father's fault. He's dominated you so much throughout your life that you haven't had the chance to make your own mistakes, especially where friendships are concerned.'

'Was he like that with you, too?'

Maude put the brush and dustpan aside and sat down in the chair beside her daughter. 'Yes.' She pulled the blanket off Elizabeth's lap and opened it out, spreading it over both of them. 'Don't worry too much about today. You're only here for six months and, believe me, the time will pass far too quickly. Use it, Liz. Use this time away from your father wisely. You've gone to extraordinary lengths to get here and you'd be a fool not to use it.'

'To find out who I really am, you mean?'

'Yes.'

'Is that what you did? Is that what Coober Pedy did for you?'

'Everyone comes here for a reason, dear. Everyone has their own story to tell. Whether they do or not is up to them but the locals respect their privacy.'

'What about Mitch?' Elizabeth couldn't deny she was curious about the man.

'He has his story, too.'

'Do you know it?'

'Some of it.' Maude shrugged. 'If he wants to tell me more, then I'm sure he will. Mitch and I are friends but that doesn't mean I need to know everything about him. Sometimes people come here because they want a change, either to them selves or just their surroundings. They don't want to be judged on past mistakes. A fresh slate.'

'A fresh slate,' Elizabeth echoed.

'Look.' Maude pointed to the sun which was starting to peek over the horizon. The colours of the land around them seemed to light up as though someone had just turned on a switch. Reds, oranges—even the browns seemed more bronze in the early morning light.

'It's breathtaking,' Elizabeth whispered.

Both women were quiet as dawn broke. Slowly noises started to filter through the air as the new day began. Elizabeth took in a deep breath and slowly let it out.

Soon she would see Mitch O'Neill again. At the thought, her traitorous body tensed and butterflies churned in the pit of her stomach.

Was it simply because she was nervous or was it because the man made her feel things she didn't know how to handle?

Maude dropped her off at the hospital and as Elizabeth watched her mother drive away she shook her head in wonderment. Her mother—the one-time debutante, the woman who had been married to one of the most influential men in all of England— was now an outback opal miner, and from what Elizabeth could see she was extremely happy.

She turned and headed into the hospital, her shoulders squared, her back straight, her chin raised and her eyes cool, calm and collected. There was no way Mitchell O'Neill was going to knock her off balance today.

'And here she Is.' The deep, masculine drawl surrounded her and she felt a tingle run through her body as he spoke. 'You're like a breath of English sunshine in a dry and dull desert,' Mitch said as he walked down the corridor to meet her. 'Welcome to Coober Pedy hospital.' He extended his hand to her and she shook it firmly before quickly letting go and stepping back. She glanced over his shoulder and noticed three staff members at the desk, all watching her with curiosity.

'No kisses this time, Dr O'Neill?' She raised a haughty eyebrow at him, hoping her tone tod attitude might put him in his place. Instead the man smiled and she felt her resolve slip a little.

'Not when I'm on duty, Lizzie, but the instant I finish my shift, I'd be more than happy to oblige. After all, I am considered the best catch in town.' His blue eyes twinkled with merriment and there was a hoot of laughter from the staff behind him.

'Your arrogance is overwhelming, Doctor.' Elizabeth lifted her chin slightly higher and forced herself to walk over to the desk. She needed to show him that she had control over this situation and not him. 'Hello. I'm Elizabeth Blakeny-Smith.' She held out her hand to the nurses who were sitting there.

'I'm Imogen. Let me take your handbag for you and I'll lock it up here in the desk.'

Elizabeth handed it over as the introductions continued.

'I'm Teena.'

'And I'm Ryan,' the man said. 'I saw you at the pub the other night when I came to pick up Pierre.'

'Oh, yes.' Elizabeth smiled politely as she shook his hand. 'I sincerely hope Pierre recovered without complication.'

'He was fine except for the hangover,' Ryan replied.

'And an ear-bashing "from his missus,' Mitch added. 'Previously, he's been banned from the bar and spent the night in the cell at the police station, but this was the first time he's been to hospital needing stitches and the man's only been here for about six months. Still, he knows his way around mines and mining equipment better than most people and out here that's saying a lot.'

'So I can expect to see him again?' Elizabeth asked.

'You can bet on it.' Mitch grinned.

'I see.' She raised an eyebrow, her tone humourless. "The same as when you bet on me the other night?'

His grin widened. 'Completely different. There was money involved on that bet.'

'I had heard that Australians will bet on almost anything.' Mitch and his staff chuckled. 'So there's truth to that statement?'

'Mostly,' he replied. 'Personally, I only bet when I know I can win.'

'Is that so? Well, as it appears I assisted you in winning your bet, I'll expect my share of the winnings by the end of the day.'

The nursing staff laughed and where Elizabeth expected Mitch to be put out, she discovered she was quite wrong. He laughed along with them.

'She's got you there,' Imogen stated.

Mitch shook his head. 'No, she doesn't. She drank her share of the winnings.'

'I beg your pardon?'

'The bottle of champagne?'

'Oh.' She felt a little silly but no one seemed to notice, least of all Mitch.

'Right. Now that the introductions are over...' Mitch rubbed his hands together. 'I guess I should show you around our humble hospital.' He led the way down the corridor, pointing out different parts of the hospital. 'X-ray is down there, the kitchen is over there and Emergency Theatre is around that away.' Mitch waved his arm in the air in a vague direction. 'It's not too hard to navigate. Nothing like the large hospital you've come from. Right, we have several visiting specialists who come here, usually on a monthly rotation, and those clinics are held at the community centre which is just out the back there.' He pointed to a door. 'The community centre was the original hospital so there's a lot of history in the place. As you probably know, because I'm sure you're the type of person who researches new environments, we are a twenty-bed hospital with quite a few set aside for paediatric cases.'

'Do you get a lot of children coming through?'

"The ratio between adults and children evens itself out but as you will see...' he walked onto the ward '...we have two young rascals with us now. Good morning, boys.' Mitch walked over and sat on the end of one of the beds. 'How was breakfast this morning?'

'Uh...OK,' one boy said. 'I wish we were allowed to have choc-pops instead of that bran stuff Sister made us eat.'

Mitch leaned closer and said in a conspiratorial whisper, 'I'll see what I can do.'

Both boys let out a whoop but as Imogen was coming onto the ward, Mitch made a display of quieting them down. 'Don't let her know,' he said and then, clearing his throat, turned to face the sister. 'Ready to begin, Imogen?'

'I doubt you need me here to get your work done, Mitch. I was merely coming to check you weren't up to any more of your conspiracies.'

Elizabeth's gaze encountered Mitch's and he winked at her. 'Oh, no, Imogen.' He smiled sweetly at the sister and Elizabeth found it hard to hide her own smile. 'I learned my lesson last time.'

'Was that the time you gave bubble gum to Wong and Simon?' one of the boys asked excitedly.

'Yes, it was,' Imogen replied as she shoved Mitch off the end of the bed and straightened the covers. 'Now, sit still, boys, and let Dr Mitch have a look at you.'

'First of all, I think we'd better introduce them to our new doctor.' Mitch walked over to Elizabeth's side and slung his arm across her shoulders. Elizabeth stiffened at his nearness, wishing he wouldn't touch her. For a whole five seconds her mind froze and all she "was conscious of was the heat of his body as the side of his hip and thigh pressed against her own leg.

'This is Dr Lizzie.'

'Elizabeth,' she correct. 'Dr Elizabeth.'

'My little sister's called Lizzie,' one boy said.

'Is she?' Elizabeth forced a smile, all the while trying not to grit her teeth and shift away from Mitch. A spicy, purely masculine scent wound itself around her and she knew her effort to try and break free could have been better. . Mitch gave her shoulder a little squeeze before he let go. She immediately stepped away.

'This is Danny and Timmy. Two best Mends who found themselves in a spot of trouble.'

'We got bitten by a red-back spider,' Danny announced proudly.

'Yeah. Both of us.' They both held out their arms for her to inspect.

'Thankfully, Steve-o—uh, he's one of the police officers here—found them only seconds after they'd been bitten and brought them in. We've had them in overnight to make sure everything's fine.'

'Yeah, and we get to miss school.'

'For today and tomorrow,' Timmy added, his brown eyes wide with delight. 'Dr Mitch said so.'

'All right,' Imogen said. 'Sit still so I can take your blood pressure and temperature.'

Mitch picked up Danny's chart, scanned it and handed it to Elizabeth. 'Take a look. We basically have kept up their fluids to ensure the antivenene was working. They need another blood test to confirm levels but both appear to be fine and on the road to recovery.'

Elizabeth perused the chart and nodded.

'Have you dealt with many poisonous insect bites back in England?'

'I've dealt with a snake bite and European wasp stings. Even though we're not as rough or tough, Dr O'Neill, we still have our share of drama.'

Mitch grinned at her and leaned a little closer, his voice lowered so only she could hear what he was saying. 'Do you think you're going to loosen up enough and call me by my first name while you're here?'

'What's the matter, Dr O'Neill? Am I the first woman to dismiss your boyish charms as nothing more than immaturity?'

Elizabeth watched him as she spoke and was surprised to see his blue eyes begin to twinkle with delight at her words— quite the opposite effect from the one she'd been hoping for.

'At least you admit I have boyish charms.' His grin was rakish and held a promise. 'I can see I'm going to have to change your mind about me...Lizzie.'

Elizabeth opened her mouth to say something, angry with him for getting under her skin—angrier still with herself for allowing him to—but Mitch was once more focused on the two boys.

When Imogen was finished, Elizabeth walked out with her, leaving Mitch behind with his patients, who were obviously more on his wavelength.

'Did he really give his patients bubble gum?' she asked.

Imogen surprised her by laughing. 'Yes, he did. I tell you.

those boys got that stuff everywhere. In their hair, in the sheets, on the beds. He's a terror is our Mitch, but the kids adore him.'

'So you really don't mind?'

'No. Of course not. We're very laid-back here, Lizzie.'

'Please—I prefer Elizabeth.'

Imogen smiled and nodded. 'I know Mitch was probably promising to bring those boys in some sugar-coated cereal and no doubt tomorrow I'll find that neither of them will want breakfast at all because Dr Mitch will have already been in to have an early morning sugar-fest with them.'

'But it's not right.'

'They're boys, Elizabeth. All three of them.' Imogen laughed. 'It's up to me to play the part of the dragon—the nurse who's in charge. The children here, all of them, love Dr Mitch and will do anything for him. That type of trust is hard to earn and even harder to keep. He's a good doctor and I, for one, don't ever want him to leave.'

'Do you think he will?'

Imogen shrugged. 'Depends if his past catches up with him. It's happened to others before.'

Elizabeth thought over what the sister had said as Mitch came out of the ward, giving a thumbs-up to the boys.

'Turn a blind eye tomorrow morning, Imogen,' he remarked as he scribbled something on the boys' hospital casenotes.

'Will do. Just don't do your commando routine and come in through the window. Sneak in, by all means, but last time you made such a mess.'

Mitch laughed. 'No window entries, I promise, but I'm not too sure about the commando routine.'

Imogen joined in the laughter. 'All right. You'd both better get over to the community health centre. Your clinics are about to start. Teena and Ryan are already over there.'

'Thanks. See you later,' he called, and headed up the corridor. Elizabeth followed behind, irritated that she needed him to show her around. It made her feel like a helpless puppy...and Mitch her master. She felt that tingle zing through her again and quickly pushed the thought from her mind.

'The clinic shouldn't take too long this morning, not with both of us doing it. Then I'll take you over to the private practice rooms—which are in the next street—for the clinic there.'

'All right.'

He showed her to her consulting room and she was delighted to find Ryan was going to help her out. 'Mitch said he'd prefer if you were with me rather than Teena because some of your male patients might step out of line.'

Elizabeth was mildly surprised. She'd dealt with troublesome male patients before but from what she'd seen in the pub the other night, she thought it best to keep quiet and perhaps do things Mitch's way for the time being. After all, he was the expert when it came to dealing with patients here.

'All right.' She pulled on a white coat which was hanging up behind the door. 'Let's get started.'

The first two patients were twins coming in for Meningococcal C vaccinations. The girls were four years old and both played happily together while Elizabeth gave them a check-up before administering their needles.

'Are they always this placid?' she asked their mother.

'Yes. They were born as conjoined twins and underwent quite a few operations earlier on in life. That was when we lived in Sydney, of course, and then after everything was all right, we were still being hounded by the press. I couldn't go shopping without having my photo taken. So my husband and I decided to move. We'd come through Coober Pedy before we'd had the girls and always loved the area—my husband likes to paint,' she explained. 'We talked about it and...' She shrugged. 'It seemed like a good choice.'

'How lovely. And you're happy here?'

'Oh, yes. The girls aren't seen as freaks or celebrities— they're just two little girls who are twins.'

'That must be comforting for you.' Elizabeth smiled, looking at the two girls who were doing a handclap rhythm and singing a rhyme.

Her next few patients were prescription repeats yet all of them smiled and looked at her with interest. She guessed she was somewhat of a novelty and hoped it would wear off soon.

'Who's next?' she asked Ryan as she glanced at the clinic list.

'Jos Wilmont. He's harmless but can get quite worked up when he doesn't get his own way. He's been regularly attending the drug and alcohol clinic but, as you'll see from his notes, he suffers from attention deficit disorder and will probably just need a prescription repeat for his meds.'

Elizabeth glanced down at the notes on Mr Wilmont. Mitch's now familiar handwriting, which she could only describe as an indecipherable scrawl, stated that at the last review Jos Wilmont hadn't been taking his meds regularly and had been in quite a few fights, as well as being fired from his job. Mitch had spoken to Mr Wilmont's supervisor and had explained that if the medication was taken properly, Mr Wilmont shouldn't have a problem. Under these conditions, Mr Wilmont was given his job back.

Elizabeth looked up for a moment, then looked back at the notes. Had she read that wrong? No. 'Excuse me, Ryan. It says here that Mr Wilmont was given his job back on the condition he takes his medication properly.'

'Yes.'

'Did Mitch do this?'

'Of course.' Ryan frowned a little. 'Mitch went out and spoke to the supervisor, explaining the situation. Wil was ever so grateful to the doc, and for the past two weeks he's been taking his medication regularly and attending the drug and alcohol clinics, as I mentioned before.'

'Mitch went out to speak to the supervisor?' Elizabeth was surprised. 'Does he always do things like that for his patients?'

'Sure. He's that type of guy. Wil would have slumped down into a pit of depression and that would have been worse to deal with and Mitch knew it. He got Steve-o, he's a police officer—'

Elizabeth nodded. 'So I've heard.'

'Involved and together they sat down with the supervisor, explained the situation and worked out a compromise. Wil's on light duties for a month until he can prove he's back on track and showing he's responsible with his meds, and the supervisor, Mitch and Steve-o keep in close contact to ensure everything's happening according to plan. Why? What's wrong with it?'

'Oh...er...nothing. I'm merely surprised that he would go to such lengths to help Mr Wilmont out.'

Ryan shrugged. 'It's just the kind of guy Mitch is. Don't you guys back in England help your patients?'

Elizabeth smiled. 'Large London hospitals don't usually operate in that way, no. Pity, though.' She glanced down at the notes, her opinion of Mitchell O'Neill rising considerably. 'Well, let's see how Mr Wilmont is today, then.'

Elizabeth was pleased to discover Mr Wilmont had indeed been taking his medication and was coping well. He sang Mitch's praises and was proud to announce his supervisor was rostering him on for extra hours, starting the following week.

'I'll be sure to pass that information on to Dr O'Neill,' she said with a warm smile. Mr Wilmont might be grubby, dressed in old mining clothes and missing a few teeth, but he was a man trying to get control of his life and she applauded him for it. Wasn't that what she herself was trying to do?

When the last patient had been seen, Elizabeth wrote up the notes and placed them on top of the large pile on her desk.

'Whew!'

'It was a busy one today,' Ryan said. 'I think people are curious to see what Maude's English daughter is like. You'll no doubt get the same this afternoon at the private practice.'

'Hip, hip, hoorah,' Elizabeth said drolly, and Ryan chuckled.

Mitch came and stood in the doorway. 'How'd you survive, Lizzie?'

'Fine.' Elizabeth glared at him but he merely grinned and stretched his arms above his head, pressing on the doorframe, his biceps flexing beneath his cotton shirt. For a moment Elizabeth felt like a kangaroo caught in the headlights of a car—mesmerised and completely unable to move. The man certainly had a body on him, as she'd realised the other night at the pub, but did he have to flaunt it like this?

He was talking to Ryan as he continued stretching and Elizabeth took the opportunity to sneak glances at him, admiring his physique. He appeared to be muscle all over and although he'd finished stretching, he kept his hands hooked around the top of the old wooden doorframe. She sighed, slowly exhaling as she flicked her gaze up once more to look at him.

This time, though, her gaze clashed with his and she quickly looked away. She could feel him smiling even though she flatly refused to look at him again.

'Ready to go, Lizzie?'

She shuffled some papers around on her desk and stood, looking at Ryan. 'Do you just want me to leave those things here?'

'It's fine. I'll take care of it. Get going or you'll be running late all afternoon.'

'All right. Thank you.' She smiled sweetly at Ryan before turning to Mitch. 'I guess I'm ready, then.'

'Your chariot awaits.' With a sweeping gesture of gallantry, he waited for her to pass him. Elizabeth held her breath, determined not to breathe in his hypnotic scent again, and she made sure there was no way their bodies touched. She headed off towards the hospital, Mitch walking half a pace behind her.

'So clinic was good?'

'Yes. Mr Wilmont wanted me to pass on that his supervisor is increasing his hours next week.'

'Good ol' Wil. Knew he'd come through.'

'Also, Ryan warned me I might get some...shady characters in clinic, but everyone I saw today was quite, amiable.' Mitch grinned and nodded but he didn't say anything else. 'How was your clinic?'

'The type that gives headaches.'

'You gave me all the sedate patients, didn't you.' she stated.

Mitch merely shrugged. 'It was the least I could do for your first day here.' He patted his trouser pockets and then stopped short. 'Keys. Can't find my keys. Imogen?' He walked down towards the nurses' station. 'Are my keys here?'

'No.' Imogen looked around on her very clean, very tidy desk. 'Sorry. I haven't seen them.'

Elizabeth retrieved her handbag from the locked drawer where Imogen had put it earlier and stood waiting.

'Never mind. I've probably left them in the ute. We're off to the rooms.'

'All right. See you tomorrow. Bye, Elizabeth. Hope you survive the rest of the day.'

Elizabeth smiled. 'So do I.'

Mitch had gone out the door and Elizabeth followed him once more. Outside, she waited for her eyes to adjust to the bright light and quickly found her sunglasses and put them on. She turned to look for Mitch but all she could see were a pair of legs sticking out of an open ute door. He was obviously looking for his keys.

'How did you unlock the door?' she asked as she walked over, giving his vehicle a distasteful glance. Its original colour appeared to have been white but it was now a kind of dirty orange all over, except for the lower part of the panels and doors which were just a brownish-red, covered with dust.

'Wasn't locked. No real need out here,' he called as he shoved his hand beneath the driver's seat. 'Nope.' He stood, hitting his head on the door as he straightened. 'Ow.' Mitch rubbed his head, feeling like a buffoon. Way to go, O'Neill. You really know how to impress a girl. He smiled at his thoughts and looked at Elizabeth. She was dressed in navy trousers, which covered up her fine long legs, and a rose-pink shirt. Definitely an English rose in the harsh Australian climate. Would she wither and die out here or would she thrive once her roots were firmly in the soil?

'Anyway, if you want to go around and get in, I'll get us going.' Without waiting for her to move, Mitch leaned in under the steering-wheel and, much to Elizabeth's total amazement, hot-wired the ute. He turned. 'Aren't you getting in?'

'How did you do that?'

'I often lose my keys so instead of pulling the wires out to hot-wire the ute, thereby leaving a mess, I've added a few extra wires to make it easier.' He pointed to them. 'You just put those two together and, vroom, vroom, engine started.'

Elizabeth couldn't help but be impressed as she walked around to the passenger side and tried to open the door—but it stuck.

'You have to kind of lift and pull at the same time,' Mitch said as he climbed in and leaned over to open the door from the inside. 'Takes some getting use to,' he remarked when the door was open.

Elizabeth wasn't sure whether to just sit on the seat or dust it off first, and was thankful she hadn't worn white trousers today. She started to pull her seat belt on but Mitch had already started driving.

He opened his mouth to say something but as he breathed in, the scent of her perfume wound itself around him. It wasn't overpowering and it didn't smell expensive, but the subtle fragrance in the cab of his utility truck was almost hypnotic. Amongst the heat and dust, she still managed to smell as fresh as a daisy and he wondered if he'd get used to the scent or whether it would continue to drive him to distraction during the next six months.

Elizabeth finally managed to get her seat belt clicked into place just as Mitch brought the ute to a stop. 'What's wrong?'

'Nothing.' He gestured to the building beside them. 'We're here.'

'We could have walked.'

'Sure, but then we'd have been covered in flies by the time we arrived.'

She smiled, her eyes twinkling with merriment. 'Good point.'

'And, do you know, that's the first real smile you've given me since we met.'

The smile dimmed and she raised her eyebrows. 'Is it any wonder when you constantly call me Lizzie?'

'You don't like Lizzie?'

Elizabeth shook her head. 'Don't play the fool, Mitch. You know I don't like it yet you keep on doing it. Just to rile me.'

He grinned and she hardened her heart. 'Yes.'

'So there's your answer.' Elizabeth opened the door and climbed out into the afternoon sunshine. The building in front of her had a big sign out front declaring it to be the private medical practice of Dr Mitchell O'Neill, M.B., B.S., F.R.A.C.G.P., so this time she had no need to wait to follow him.

CHAPTER THREE

Mitch wasn't at all bothered by her pompous attitude. She'd called him by his first name so he knew he was definitely making progress. 'Yahoo!' he said softly to himself as he entered the clinic.

'Good afternoon, Daphne.' He greeted the young receptionist. 'This is Dr Elizabeth Blakeny-Smith. Quite a mouthful, I know, but we'll just have to do the best we can.'

'Call me Elizabeth,' Elizabeth said, shaking her head at her comedic colleague. The phone rang and Daphne answered it.

'It's for you, Mitch. That specialist from Adelaide you were waiting to hear from.'

'Good. Put it through to my consulting room.' He headed off and then turned to Elizabeth. 'Sorry but I have to take this call. Daphne will show you where everything is.' With that, he disappeared behind a door.

Daphne explained where the small kitchenette and bathroom were. The patient files were shelved neatly behind the receptionist's desk and the drug cupboard was located between the two consulting rooms.

'It's been over two months since the last doctor left but you should have everything you need.'

'Why did the other doctor leave?' Elizabeth had been curious about that.

Daphne shrugged. 'Past caught up with him, I guess. He just didn't renew his contract and I didn't ask why. Mitch has been doing a great job of holding the fort by himself...well, you know, with the staff at the hospital as well, but I'm really glad you're here to help share his load. He's the type of guy to give and give and keep on giving until he's completely out of juice, if you know what I mean.'

Elizabeth nodded. 'I completely understand.' The door opened and the bell above it tinkled. A woman held the door for her husband while he came in with his walker. '

'Good afternoon, Jean and Fred. Take a seat.'

They gave Elizabeth the once-over and smiled politely.

'Looks like you're on!' Daphne said. 'It's quite a full clinic.'

'Curious people?'

'Yes, and also the tourists. Most of the locals will wait for the clinics if it's not urgent but the tourists usually prefer to come here.'

'What percentage do the tourists make up?'

'Almost half of the clinic, sometimes more. Depends on the time of year. We have festivals in April and October so they're naturally more hectic.'

Elizabeth nodded. 'Do I have a list of patients in my room?'

'Yes. I'll have the casenotes out here for you and you just take the next one on the pile.'

'Good. Thank you.' Elizabeth lifted the file off the top. 'Mr Caplan?'

'Oh, call me Fred, girlie. Makes me feel young.'

Elizabeth's smile became natural rather than polite. 'Fred. Would you like to come through?' She waited for both him and his wife to manoeuvre their way into her room and she sat down behind her desk, the casenotes open before her. She scanned them quickly, pleased she was getting used to Mitch's handwriting and therefore being able to decipher it more easily.

'What can I do for you today?'

'Fred's pert long come back from Adelaide where he had a total hip replacement,' Jean began.

'It was a terrible time. Don't like the big cities,' Fred added.

'And now that the weather's turned cold, he's been coughing and wheezing and I'm a bit worried,' Jean added.

Cold? Elizabeth smiled, knowing to the Caplans this weather was indeed quite a bit cooler than what they were used to. 'Do you live in a dugout?'

'Oh, yes, dear. It's the only place to be,' Jean added.

'How has your hip been since you returned home?'

'Quite good. Teena's trained in physiotherapy as well as being a nurse,' Jean added. 'And so she's been coming by to see us, but she suggested we come here to see you and Daphne was good enough to fit us in straight away. Just as well you've come to help take the load off poor Mitch's shoulders, otherwise we might have had to wait longer to get seen.'

Elizabeth checked the notes. There wasn't any information here from Teena so she rang through to Daphne and asked her to chase it up.

'Let me have a look at your range of motion,' Elizabeth said, and came around to help Fred onto the examination couch. She noted that he had a few twinges of pain but that was to be expected. Apart from that, everything seemed to be healing quite well.

'You said you're not a big fan of the city,' she remarked as Fred put his clothes back on.

'Oh, no,' Jean replied for him. 'We didn't have much fun in Adelaide but we were stuck in the hospital most of the time. It was Mitch who kept us sane, wasn't it, Fred?'

'That boy's a marvel. Just what we've needed in this town. He cleared his schedule and flew to Adelaide with us, made sure we were settled before returning here and then called us every day to check how we were doing.'

'A marvel,' Jean repeated. 'He wanted to come when the plane flew us back here but he couldn't get away from the hospital at the time so he sent Ryan. They're all thoughtful, aren't they, Fred? All the staff there at the hospital. We'd do anything for them and they've all been so nice.'.

Elizabeth was happy to hear good reports of "her new colleagues. It could often be difficult when sorting a new job to know just how dedicated other people were, but with glowing reports like this she knew she'd have no trouble fitting in... well, not professionally. Personally, she knew she'd be fine if Mitch O'Neill kept his distance.

'Let me have a listen to your chest,' she said, reaching for her stethoscope. She listened carefully. 'Have you ever had breathing problems?' There was no mention of it in his notes.

'No.' Fred puffed out his chest proudly. 'I was one of the few miners who didn't get bad asthma. Of course, I haven't been working the mine for quite some time and doubt I ever will with this hip being the way it is.'

'Never mind, Fred,' Jean said, patting her husband's hand. 'He's into jewellery now. Did a lapidary course over at the technical college when he was told he couldn't work in the mine and so now we're on a new phase in our lives.'

'That's great to hear.' Elizabeth wrote down her findings and noted Fred's age. Seventy-two and he was still willing to try new things. It gave her hope. She wasn't even thirty yet and trying new things was always a risky process and one which she didn't enter into lightly.

She had Fred do a few more tests, like blowing into a spirometer to test his lung capacity, before she handed down her verdict.

'I'd like to prescribe an asthma inhaler to help the wheeze in your chest, Fred. Chances are once your chest clears up you'll not need it any more but I'd like you to come and see me in a few days for another review. If you have problems before that, come in immediately.' Elizabeth opened her cupboard doors and found an inhaler to show Fred how it worked. She went over everything until she was sure they both understood how the device worked. 'I'd also like to give you a bolus dose of prednisolone.'

'What?'

'That means a large dose to help get you on your way and prednisolone is a cortisone steroid which will quickly open your bronchioles so that when you take the inhaler, it will give you the best result.' Elizabeth stood and helped them out. 'Make an appointment with Daphne for Thursday or Friday, even if you have to come and see me at the hospital clinic,' she added.

'Yes, dear,' Fred replied, and forced a smile. 'Never thought I'd get asthma,' he said despondently.

'We'll get you sorted out, Fred.' Elizabeth touched his shoulder and smiled warmly. Daphne had a note from Teena which gave the range of motion and mentioned she was concerned about Fred's breathing. She suspected asthma and therefore had encouraged him to get it checked out. Elizabeth was glad to have these things confirmed by the nurse.

After saying goodbye to Fred and Jean, she called in her next patient, surprised the waiting room was now full. An hour later, the crowd was starting to dwindle a bit, and another hour after that she came out with the last set of casenotes. During that time, she hadn't seen Mitch at all. They hadn't crossed paths once and she wondered if he'd done any work or whether he was still on that phone call with the specialist.

She handed the casenotes back to Daphne and watched as the receptionist placed them on a large pile. 'Do you have to file all of these?' she asked.

'Yes. I'll get it done when you leave.' Daphne glanced at the clock. 'It won't take long.'

'Do you need to leave earlier today?'

'No. I need to leave on time. Mitch is with his final patient and I need to tidy up, get everything organised for tomorrow and lock up.'

'Let me help you put these casenotes away,' Elizabeth offered. 'I have to wait around for Mitch to finish so I may as well be useful.'

'Thanks.' Daphne's eyes sparkled with delight. 'That would be great.' In another three minutes, Elizabeth picked up the last file and found where it went. Daphne had stopped to answer the phone and was still talking. Elizabeth parted the other files to fit the last one in. It was so tight that another one fell off the shelf. Groaning, Elizabeth picked up the thick file and was astonished to see her mother's name on the front:

Was Maude sick? Was there something she wasn't telling her own daughter? She knew she couldn't open the file and read it as Maude wasn't her patient and it would be going against her ethics. The file was thick which meant something had definitely been going on but what? When?

'Finished at last,' Mitch said as he came out and said goodbye to his patient. He placed the casenotes on Daphne's desk and Elizabeth picked them up to file them.

'That's all right,' Daphne said as she replaced the receiver. 'I'll do that, Elizabeth. Thanks so much for your help.'

'Multi-talented, are you, Lizzie?' Mitch grinned at her. 'Filing as well as being proficient in emergency medicine and GP work?'

'Among other talents. What's next on the list, Dr O'Neill?'

'You called me Mitch before,' he pointed out. 'Get your bag and I'll take you home.'

Elizabeth went through to her consulting room and collected her handbag before saying goodnight to Daphne. Mitch held the door for her and then hurried past her to help open the passenger door of the ute.

'Quite the gentleman now, are you?'

He grinned. 'Always, Lizzie.' He went around to the driver's side and she watched as he hot-wired the engine once more.

'Doesn't that damage it?'

'No.' He pulled out and headed down the road.

'What's this?' Elizabeth picked up a large-looking phone.

'That's the sat phone. Satellite. See that large aerial attached to the front of the ute? That's so we can pick up the satellite signals. Out here, mobile phones aren't all that reliable.'

Elizabeth nodded. It really was a completely different world.

It was half past six when Mitch drove Elizabeth back to Maude's house. Elizabeth had managed to get her seat belt done up this time long before he reached home and as they drove she looked out the window, smiling slightly at the few green trees the locals had managed to grow around the town.

'What's the smile for this time?'

'Not you, that's for sure,' she remarked tartly.

Mitch laughed and she found she couldn't be standoffish with him. He was so laid-back and easygoing it was practically impossible. Nothing she did seemed to bother him. It was as though he'd just sized her up, accepted her for who she was and that was that.

It was a completely new experience for her. The only other person who accepted her for who she was was Maude—but, then, Maude was biased when it came to her daughter.

'Aren't you going to share?'

'I was just looking at the trees...marvelling at how green they look here in the middle of the desert. Where does the water come from? I read that Coober Pedy gets hardly any rain.'

'That's right.' Mitch shrugged and appeared uneasy.

'You don't like trees?' Elizabeth asked, watching him closely, but when he turned to smile at her she realised she must have been mistaken.

'I like the landscape out here. The average rainfall is about five millimetres per year. The locals water the trees using "grey" water—reusing every single drop they can. Still, some of the trees don't survive.'

'You don't classify yourself a local?'

He shrugged again, his previous humour returning. 'I've only been here just over a year. Maude, on the other hand, is definitely a local, even though she still has that posh accent you Brits sport. How long has she been here?'

'Twenty-eight years. She came to Australia when I was one.'

'She obviously didn't bring you with her.'

'She managed to get me as far as Sydney before the authorities caught up with her. She apparently had to stay in Sydney while the custody battle with my father raged on. Eventually, he sent a nanny to collect me and I was flown back to London. Naturally, I don't remember any of this.'

He pulled up outside Maude's house. 'So you grew up without your mother.'

'Yes.' She looked down at her hands, wondering whether to say anything more or whether she'd already said too much.

'I take it your father's a bit of a control freak?'

'No,' she replied defensively, and looked up at him. Then sighed. 'Well...yes. I guess you could call him that. He's...' She shrugged. 'He's just the way he is. He likes to have everything neat and ordered and controlled.'

'Maude's told me a bit about him. Not in great detail,' he added quickly. 'Just sometimes When things have come up in conversation.'

'You've known her a while?'

'Since I arrived. She was friendly.'

'A lot of people weren't?'

'Ah...it pays to be careful. I guess I liken Coober Pedy to the American Wild West. Out here sometimes people don't have much respect for the law and take matters into their own hands. It's not as bad now as it was in the opal mining heyday of the sixties but the stories are still told and although the tourists love them, it's also a sort of warning to any newcomers.'

'Stories? You can't just leave me there, Mitch.'

He smiled. 'I guess not. Why don't we go inside for a coldie and I'll tell you a beauty?'

Elizabeth looked tentatively at her mother's front door but Mitch was already out of the car and headed in that direction. 'Besides,' she mumbled as she gathered her bag and climbed from the ute, 'Maude's home, so it's not as though you'd be alone with him.'

Mitch knocked twice on the door and tried the handle. Maude wasn't home but he knew where the spare key was kept. Before Elizabeth had walked over, he'd opened the door, switched on the lights and kicked off his shoes before heading to the kitchen.

'Want a coldie?' he called. 'Very refreshing after a hard day's slog with the patients.'

'Yes, thank you.' She smiled at his words and he reappeared a moment later with two bottles of ginger beer in his hands.

'Here you go.'

She took the bottle. 'You certainly know how to make yourself at home.'

'Maude knows I like the stuff and keeps a few bottles here for me. I think I might have converted her.'

'Converted? From what?'

'From real beer to ginger beer.'

'You don't like real beer?'

'I don't drink alcohol.'

'There's a story there.'

'There always is.' He shrugged and sat on the lounge without further explanation. 'Take a load off.'

'Uh...' Elizabeth had also left her shoes by the front door and now felt strange, walking around in bare feet in front of him. 'I just want to see Maude first.'

'She's not here.'

'She's not?'

'No.'

'How do you know?'

'Because the door was locked.' He held up the spare key. 'I opened it.'

'You know where she keeps the spare key? You appear to be more...intimate with my mother than I'd previously thought.'

Mitch leaned back in the cushions and grinned. 'Are you implying something, Lizzie?'

'Stop calling me that and tell me what's going on.'

'Nothing's going on.' Mitch sat forward and took a swig of his drink. 'I swear. We're just friends. Well, we're kind of partners.'

'Partners!'

'In her opal mine,' he explained patiently. 'A few months after I arrived, she needed someone to invest and I was around, looking for a bit of adventure, and so we became partners— well, I'm a silent partner but she lets me have a pick and noodle every now and then.'

'Pick and noodle?' Elizabeth sank down onto the opposite side of the lounge as it was the only other place to sit, but she made sure she kept well away from Mitch.

'You use the pickaxe to work out a stream of opal from the rock and noodling is where you sift through the mullock heap to see if the miners have missed anything. You'll see the tourists doing it.' He drank another mouthful. 'Now, I do believe I was going to tell you some of the local folk tales.'

'Yes.' Elizabeth looked at the bottle before she lifted it to her lips and took a sip. The amber liquid slid down her throat, smooth, cool and very refreshing—just as he'd promised.

'The miners here are very particular about their claims. One evening, though, a miner had struck a good piece of opal and, exhausted, had left it and gone to the pub for a coldie. Well, he had a good skite about his find and—'

'I'm sorry. Skite?'

'Brag.'

'Oh.' She nodded. 'Please, continue.'

'Anyway, he bragged about his find and when he went back to the mine, it was gone.'

'Someone had stolen it?'

'Yes. Well, instead of getting the police involved, a group of men figured out who the thief was and in the middle of the night they grabbed him, broke his legs and his arms and then threw him down an abandoned shaft. Legend is his body was never found but it's that sort of story which keeps people honest.'

Elizabeth's mouth was wide open. 'Is this a true story?'

'Ah, who knows, Lizzie?' He shrugged and drank from his bottle.

'Elizabeth,' she said tiredly. 'Call me Elizabeth.'

'Why?'

'I beg your pardon?'

'Why? Why don't you like being called Lizzie?' He shifted on the cushions so he was facing her. His knee knocked hers and she shifted backwards.

'It's not my name.'

'It's a derivative of your name and it certainly suits you. Knocks some of those hard edges off. Elizabeth...well, it's so formal.'

'Precisely.' She looked at the bottle again before raising it to her lips.

'What's the matter? Drink doesn't taste nice?'

'No. The drink is fine. It's just...' She stopped, realising she'd sound stupid saying it.

'Just...' he prompted.

'Just that I've never drunk from a bottle before. My drinks have always been decanted.'

'Ah...the rough, tough, no-frills bottle. Do you approve?'

Elizabeth took another sip and swallowed, stalling for time. She realised the double entendre and wondered how important her answer was to him, whether he even cared that his near presence was creating havoc with her pulse. That the instant his knee had accidentally touched hers, her heart rate had started pounding at a faster rhythm.

She licked her lips. 'It's...different.' She cleared her throat. 'It even tastes a little different.'

'Hmm.' Mitch's gaze met hers and once more Elizabeth was mesmerised. He put his bottle on the table and leaned towards her, his gaze never wavering. Then, he took her bottle and put it next to his. 'Do you know your eyes sparkle vivid green when you're angry...or excited?' He brushed the backs of his fingers over her soft cheek and she gasped at the touch. 'It's rare and beautiful and I'm enthralled by it. I'll do anything to see that vivid flash—even if it means razzing you up.' His voice had dropped to a whisper and his mouth was drawing closer with every agonising moment.

She couldn't move. It was a physical and mental impossibility. She sat where she was, waiting, wanting and needing his mouth on hers. Her lips parted in anticipation and when his lips gently brushed across hers, her eyelids fluttered closed, concentrating totally on the sensations he was evoking.

What was she doing? She was letting a strange man kiss her—for the second time! Of course, the first time had been against her will...well, kind of...but this—she should put a stop to it. Stopping now would be the right thing to do. The proper thing to do. The correct thing to do. And Elizabeth always did the correct thing.

Why? a little voice inside her asked. Why did she always have to do the correct thing? Why couldn't she be reckless for once? Throw caution to the wind? She'd wanted Mitch to kiss her again. In fact, she'd been hard pressed not to think about it all day long, and now here he was, wanting to kiss her.

Her heart rate increased, her adrenaline surged as she grabbed hold of her courage to live on the edge—just this once. She shifted slightly and was surprised when he started to draw back. 'No,' she whispered urgently, and reached up to touch his face.

He didn't move, didn't dare breathe as she gently rubbed her fingertips over his parted lips. The blue of his eyes was as intense as a bright morning sky. She shifted her hand and slid her fingers into his dark brown hair, urging his head down so their lips could meet once more.

This time she opened her mouth to him, matching the hunger he exuded, both of them eagerly taking from each other.

She felt wild, reckless and for the first time in her life...totally free.

It felt good.

It felt exhilarating.

It felt as though she was playing with fire and right at this moment she didn't care if she got burnt.

CHAPTER FOUR

The sound of the front door being opened penetrated the haze in Mitch's brain but he chose to ignore it. Ever since he'd pressed his lips to Elizabeth's the other night, he'd been wanting to do it over and over again, wanting to find out exactly who this woman was. She had hypnotic eyes, soft skin and the most delicious mouth, which begged to be kissed. Right now, she tasted like pure sweetness... mixed with ginger beer. It was a heady concoction.

She wasn't pulling away so obviously she didn't mind that her mother had walked into the house and was probably watching them with astonishment...or she hadn't realised it yet. Mitch knew, as much as he wanted to stay right where he was, he couldn't do it. He knew she would probably be embarrassed and that was the last thing he wanted.

Slowly, he drew away, noting the confusion as she looked at him.

'Mitch?' The question was hardly audible as her hand slowly slid from his hair to fall lifelessly into her lap. Her eyelids fluttered closed again as she sighed, relaxing into the cushions. How could this man make her feel this way, and why on earth had he stopped?

'Nice to see you're settling into Coober Pedy,' Maude said from the doorway.

Elizabeth's eyes snapped open and she spun her head round so fast she jarred her neck. She disregarded the pain as she shifted quickly in the cushions, desperately trying to sit up straight. 'Mum!' Embarrassment and shame flooded right through Elizabeth and, although she was desperate to see how Mitch was handling this situation, she dared not look at him.

She jolted to her feet and stepped away from the lounge. Hopefully, putting distance between herself and Mitch might help her to get control of the situation. She looked at her mother and realised Maude was smiling.

'Jet lag's all gone, then? Don't let me interrupt. Carry on.' Maude closed the front door and headed into the kitchen. 'Did you leave me a coldie?'

'Sure did,' Mitch called out, and stood. He looked at Elizabeth. Her back was rigid, her eyes were as wide as saucers and he could tell she wasn't happy with the turn of events.

'Lizzie,' he said calmly, and reached for her hand.

She spun to face him. 'Don't call me that,' she said between clenched teeth. He grinned, which only infuriated her even more. 'And don't you dare laugh at me, Mitchell O'Neill.'

'I'm not laughing at you.'

'No. You're goading me, so you can see how brilliantly my green eyes shine.' With that, Elizabeth spun on her heel and stormed to her room, feeling completely humiliated.

Mitch stood and watched her, the smile slipping from his lips. He shoved his hands in his pockets and stared down at the floor. What had he done wrong? Sure, she might be a bit embarrassed but they were all adults.

'Has she gone to her room?' Maude asked quietly, and Mitch turned around.

'Yes.'

'Don't worry about her. Elizabeth isn't used to colouring outside the lines.' Maude sat on the lounge and sipped at her ginger beer. Mitch picked his up and took a swig. 'You've got to understand, Mitch, she's been raised in a very conservative manner. Australia, Coober Pedy—you—it's all a bit much for her to handle at once. Her life was confusing when she left England, now she'll probably see it as worse.' Maude sighed. 'If only I'd been able to get to her sooner.'

'Meaning?'

'If her father had let me have access.'

'She's a grown woman, Maude, and has been for over ten years.'

'I know and we've been in contact since she was seventeen years old, but only by letter. Then she went to medical school and did the rest of her training but if I'd been able to have her here with me, for holiday breaks and such, perhaps it would have made a difference. Perhaps she wouldn't be so afraid to try something new.'

Mitch listened and filed the information away. He liked what he'd seen of Elizabeth and he sensed there was more to her beneath the surface. If only she'd let him pick and noodle a little, maybe he'd strike it rich.

Mitch glanced at Maude to find his opal partner smiling. 'What?'

'So you like my daughter, eh?'

The smile came easily to Mitch's face. 'Is it obvious?'

'Should I be asking whether your intentions are honourable?'

He drank his drink, stalling. 'Probably not.'

Maude chuckled before she eyed him carefully. 'I feel as though I should warn you.' He raised a quizzical eyebrow and she continued. 'I feel like telling you not to play around and break her heart.'

'But?'

'I don't think you're the playing-around type.' Maude paused, looking closely at him. 'You haven't dated or been interested in anyone since you came to Coober Pedy. I've never heard you brag about your conquests, the way some other guys do, but most importantly I trust you because you've told me about Sonja and how much she meant to you. I take it as a compliment that you're interested in my daughter.'

Mitch finished his drink.

'Is she like Sonja?'

'Lizzie?' Mitch smiled sadly and placed the empty bottle on the table. 'No, she's quite different...but, then, I'm quite different from who I was back then. I can't explain it, Maude, but there's something about your Lizzie which has made a big impression on me and I've learnt over the years to follow my gut instinct.'

'It's nice to see you're not running away from it.'

'It's not easy. After that first kiss in the pub, I was more than ready to run.' He checked his watch. 'And right now I'm running away from this conversation. Tell Lizzie I'll pick her up tomorrow morning at seven o'clock.'

'So early?'

'We're having breakfast.'

'And she knows about this?'

'Not entirely but I think she'll enjoy it.'

Maude stood. 'I'll pass on the message.'

'Thanks—oh, and thanks for the drink.'

'Hey, no problems, partner.'

Mitch glanced in the direction of Elizabeth's bedroom before opening the front door. 'See ya.'

Maude waited until he was in his ute and reversing out the driveway. 'OK. You can come out now. He's gone.'

Elizabeth opened her door and peered around it, just in case her mother Was tricking her. She listened closely but, no, there was no conversation going on any more. Cautiously, she headed out and finally found her mother in the kitchen—all alone.

'You OK?' Maude glanced at her and then continued to dig around in the freezer.

'I'm fine. Thank you.'

'Want to talk about it?'

'No. Thank you.'

Maude laughed. 'So polite, my darling daughter.'

'Would you have me be otherwise?'

'Oh, Lizzie, I'm not criticising you, merely stating a fact. If you don't want to talk about Mitch, then that's fine with me. If, on the other hand, you change your mind—I'm a willing listener.'

'Would you like some help with tea?'

'Yes.' They worked in the kitchen side by side and before long sat down to eat. 'So, if you don't want to talk about Mitch, how about telling me what happened with your boyfriend in England?'

'Marcus?'

'Yes. Obviously things aren't going too well if you're kissing Mitch.'

'No. Things weren't going well at all—at least, not for me. He's one of the reasons I wanted to get away. I need time to think.'

'So where have you left things?'

'Marcus and Dad were strategically discussing our marriage. Marriage! I haven't even been asked yet. I told Marcus I wanted a break. I wanted time away by myself and that meant not having to stay in contact with him while I was here in Australia. He and Dad are as thick as thieves and sometimes I feel...' She trailed off, feeling as though she was whining. 'Never mind.'

'No! Please, Liz, tell me what you were going to say.'

She pushed the food around on her plate. 'No. It's wrong to dump my troubles onto other people.'

'I am not "other people". I'm your mother. I may not have been there while you were growing up but I'm your flesh and blood. You were a part of me once and I desperately want to be a part of you now. Let me inside, Liz. Please?'

Tears welled in Elizabeth's eyes as she reached out to grasp her mother's hand. 'I feel as though Dad and Marcus are just planning out my entire life without even asking me.' Maude squeezed her hand in sympathy. 'I like Marcus, I really do, but...'

'Something's missing?'

'Yes. For example, when he kisses me...' Elizabeth shook her head. 'I don't feel...anything much and I try, I really do, Mum, but...' She shrugged sadly.

'And Mitch?' Maude asked the question quietly.

Elizabeth put her fork down, realising she wasn't hungry any more. Mitch? How did she feel about Mitch? She bit her lip and lowered her gaze. 'He...he's all wrong for me.'

Her mother chuckled. 'Oh, I know that feeling,'

Elizabeth looked up quickly. 'You do?'

'Oh, yes. The first time Stu kissed me I knew I'd come home.'

'But you said he was your soul mate.'

'Yes.'

'But he was all wrong for you? Is that what you're saying?'

'Stu was loud and obnoxious at times and energetic and fun. The typical Aussie bloke—at least he was to me. He made me feel things I never thought I'd ever feel and it was...liberating. I thought he was all wrong for me.'

'So you're saying that Mitch might not be wrong for me?'

'I'm saying you need to figure this one out on your own, darling, but, please, use me as a sounding board if you need to. Tell me more about Marcus. How did you meet?'

'Dad introduced us. He was a junior partner with Dad's law firm.'

'So he obviously has your father's blessing.'

'Yes, which really takes a weight off my mind. I didn't think there was anyone Dad would approve of for me. Marcus is very kind, a gentleman. Knows the right people, says the right things and is always attentive to me when we go out. He respects the fact that I like my work and doesn't hold it against me if I have to work long, strange hours.'

'He sounds perfect.'

'Sometimes I think he is and that...well, that scares me a little because I'm not. I feel as though he puts up with my flaws because he's not quite sure how to fix them. It's nothing bad but sometimes I feel as though I'm working to please him and then I'm working to please Dad and then I'm working to please my bosses at work. I always do what's expected of me and now I don't know if I have the courage to do anything else.'

'You're here, aren't you?'

Elizabeth smiled. 'Yes. Yes, I am.'

'That took a lot of courage.'

'Not really. It was an opportunity to work in a different country as well as see you. It's not as though I'm here all by myself, doing something pointless, spontaneous—reckless.'

'Is that important to you? To do something like that?'

'I think it might be. I still feel a little out of my depth.'

'Is that why you kissed Mitch today? Something reckless?'

'A little.'

'Don't use him, Elizabeth. He's not some toy for you to experiment on.'

'It's not like that.'

'Then you like him.'

'I hardly know him.'

'Yet you know him well enough to kiss him?'

Elizabeth let go of her mother's hand and stood to pace the room, 'I'm...attracted to him. He appears to be attracted to me. A...moment happened between us today and I wanted to kiss him—so I did.'

Maude smiled and clapped her hands together. 'Good for you! And how did you feel?'

'Oh, Mum, it was amazing.' She slid back onto her seat. 'Not only Mitch but the feeling of letting go and doing something for me.'

'So what are you going to do about it?'

'Do about what?' She frowned a little.

'Do about Mitch.'

'Mitch? Do I need to do something?'

'Yes. You need to make up your mind what you're going to do about this attraction you feel for Mitch.'

'Nothing.'

'Nothing?'

'No. Nothing. Today was a once-off. A momentary giving in to the urge type thing.'

'And if the urge strikes in the future?'

'Then I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.'

Maude watched her carefully for a moment. 'OK. If that's the way you're playing it.' She started to finish her dinner.

'Am I supposed to wonder what that cryptic comment means?'

'No and it wasn't cryptic. Eat up, darling. I bought a tub of decadent ice cream to share for dessert to celebrate your first day at work.'

'That's awfully nice of you. Yummy.' Elizabeth looked down at her food before saying rather apologetically, 'Would you mind if I went straight for dessert without finishing my first course?'

Maude laughed. 'You have got it bad. Of course you don t have to finish your meal. You're not a child any more.

'No. I'm twenty-nine, but sometimes it doesn't feel that way.'

'Let's both go for dessert.' Maude cleared the plates and returned with the carton of ice cream and two spoons. 'Here's to your first day working in outback Australia.'

'Here's to forging a true and lasting relationship with my mother.' They clicked their spoons together before diving into the delicious chocolate and honeycomb dessert. 'Dessert in the desert. I could get used to this.' Elizabeth laughed.

'Set your alarm early. Mitch said he'd pick you up at seven.'

Those had been her mother's final words before calling goodnight. Now Elizabeth sat outside her mother's front door again, watching the sunrise, blanket tucked around her legs. She was showered, dressed and ready to go whenever Mitch arrived but still, she couldn't relax. She finished her coffee and put the cup on the ground, lest she should break another one.

She'd been thinking about what her mother had said. What was she going to do about Mitch? It was true. She never should have kissed him the way she had yesterday. She shouldn't have even let him kiss her in the first place. It wouldn't work. She could see that now, regardless of how attracted she was to him.

The last thing she wanted to do was to use him and she'd been flabbergasted when Maude had warned her against hurting Mitch. Although, if she was truthful with herself, she could see how she might be tempted to do that. Mitch was spontaneous and reckless—otherwise, why would he have kissed her in the bar the other night? He'd been dared to kiss someone. They'd had a bet on it. She'd never bet on anything in her life.

'Is that frown for me?'

The deep, masculine tones startled her beyond belief and she sat there for a whole minute, pressing a hand to her chest hoping it might calm her heart rate down, while Mitch apologised profusely.

'I thought you'd heard me pull into the driveway. Open, close the door, that type of thing.'

'No. I was...um...thinking.' About you, she almost confessed. 'Which direction did you come from?' He pointed the opposite way from where she sat. 'No wonder I didn't see you.'

Mitch pulled up a chair close beside her. 'No problem. So long as you're all right now. Can't have our new doctor suffering from heart palpitations all day long.'

'No.'

'Has Maude got any coffee going?'

'She's still asleep. The coffee's made, though.'

'Beauty.' He disappeared and Elizabeth quickly checked her hair, making sure it was tidy and that no wisps had escaped from her ponytail. She wished she could be one of those women who didn't care about how she looked but she'd been raised to always look her best, regardless of where she was. She checked her watch, noting he was fifteen minutes early.

Mitch reappeared a moment or two later and sank down into a chair, holding a warm cup of coffee between his hands. 'Chilly out this morning, isn't it?' he said by way of conversation.

'It's a little brisk but still very nice.'

'I guess you're used to cooler weather but wait until summer—woo-ee, is it hot here!'

'Something I'm not looking forward to.'

'Ah, never mind, you'll adjust. You'll live underground like the rest of us where it's a lovely constant temperature. Then you go from the cool dugout to an air-conditioned car, then to the air-conditioned hospital and so on. Actually, you've picked a good time to come here and acclimatise yourself.'

'Yes.' Elizabeth glanced down at her hands, knowing she needed to talk about the kiss they'd shared yesterday but not quite able to get up the courage. 'Yes, it's quite, nice here, although the flies in the middle of the day are a bit annoying.'

Mitch smiled at her over his coffee-cup. 'They're ten times worse in summer.'

Elizabeth groaned. 'Don't tell me that.'

Mitch chuckled. 'Look on the bright side, at least you get to exercise your arm muscles by doing the Australian salute.'

'Australian salute? What do you mean?'

Mitch moved his arm as though swatting a fly. 'That's the outback Australian salute and everyone who comes to Coober Pedy becomes an expert at it, whether they like it or not.'

Elizabeth smiled. 'Gosh, I can hardly wait.'

Mitch looked at her and slowly shook his head. 'You can't help it, can you?'

The smile slipped from her face as she noticed the intensity in his eyes. 'Help what?'

'Being irresistible.' He leaned closer and she could smell the freshness from his morning shower. She closed her eyes for a moment and felt him move closer. No. She couldn't do this. It was wrong to want him to kiss her when she knew basically nothing about the man. Although he made her feel recklessly alive, she knew it wouldn't work out between them. They came from two very different worlds.

Elizabeth opened her eyes, looking directly into his. She held up her hand and placed it gently on his shoulder. 'Mitch...' Her voice faltered and she quickly cleared her throat. 'Stop. We can't.'

There was confusion and agony in her gaze and it was that which stopped him from taking what they both so desperately wanted. He'd thought about her all the way home last night, he'd formed a thousand or two questions he wanted to ask her and he'd dreamt about her...yet he, too, knew it was crazy.

'Moving too fast?' he asked as he slowly drew away.

'Way too fast,' she replied as she shook her head. 'I...I can't get involved with you, Mitch. My life is too... complicated now as it is.'

'There's someone else,' he stated.

'No. Well, yes but no.'

'Which one is it?'

'I had a...a boyfriend before I left England.'

'What happened?'

'He wanted to take things to the next level and I—'

'You didn't want to.'

'That's just the point. I don't know what I want. I feel like an actress in a play who has been fed her lines all her life and now...here...I have the opportunity to write my own words, to improvise a little, but I'm not quite sure how to do that.'

He opened his mouth to speak but once more, she held up her hand to stop him. 'Please. I've been trying to figure out how to tell you this all night.' She slowly let out a breath, trying to steady her pounding heart. 'There's...something between us. Both of us feel it but...' She sighed and searched again for the right words.

'But we don't know each other.'

'There is that but...' She paused and took another breath. 'I don't want to use you.'

'Use me? How?'

She smiled at his confusion. 'You're...different. You're wild and reckless and kiss strange women when they walk into a pub.'

'Now, that was an isolated incident. I've never done that before and it was also circumstantial. The guys were ribbing me about not having gone out with anyone since I came to Coober Pedy. They said I was biased against the local girls, which I naturally denied. From there the discussion ended with a bet that I wouldn't kiss the next woman who walked in the door. Well...a bet's a bet, especially when I know I can win it.' He grinned at her. 'You just happened to be the girl.'

'You see. That's what I'm talking about You ...do things. I don't. I never have. With you...' She laughed, a little embarrassed. 'You...make me want to do things.'

'Isn't that good?'

'I guess so but I'd still be following your lead and...' Elizabeth covered her face with her hands and sighed. She looked at him again. 'I don't want to end up using you while I find out who I am.'

'You're talking about that kiss yesterday.'

'Yes. I knew it was wrong but I wanted it.'

'Hey. So did I.' His tone was soft, gentle and she tried hard not to respond to it.

Elizabeth shook her head. 'It won't work, Mitch.'

He thought about it for a moment. 'I'm happy to help you, you know. I'm happy to help you step outside those chains which have been holding you captive. I'm happy to suggest things, to be the leader of the "help Lizzie become more spontaneous" club—if that's what you want. We'll be working together for the next six months and we're already starting to become friends. If the kissing or intimate side of things bothers you, let's not do that. Let's be friends.'

'Friends?' she asked sceptically.

'Yes. Men and women can be friends, Lizzie.'

'Can they? I don't think I've ever had a real friend who was a man.'

'What about your work colleagues? At the hospital?'

'That's all they are—colleagues. We work together but I don't socialise with them.'

Mitch nodded. Her words had come out in her usual haughty manner but he was beginning to realise that was not how she'd intended them. It was more that she was uncertain, out of her depth and shy.

'Well, I have plenty of women who are just friends. Your mother is one of them.'

'Yes, but you're not attracted to my mother.' She looked at him with raised eyebrows as though her statement was also a question.

'You're right. I'm not, but if you and I both agree to work hard, to avoid...you know, intimate situations, then there's no reason why we can't be friends. I know you're confused about your life right now and I don't want to be an added complication so let's simply remove that complication and be friends.' He placed his coffee-cup on the ground and stood. 'And the "help Lizzie become more spontaneous" club is about to have its first meeting. We need to go.'

Elizabeth unwrapped herself from the blanket and stood. 'Go where?'

'To the hospital. To see two little boys and feed them chocolate-covered cereal.'

Elizabeth smiled. 'You're really going to do that?'

'No. I'm not going to do it. We're going to do it. I'll take the cups inside, you get your bag or whatever and then we'll go.'

'You're crazy.' She laughed.

'See, I'll be a good teacher.' He gathered the cups and headed inside. Elizabeth followed him and hurried to her room. She checked her appearance in the mirror, smoothing her hand over the russet red linen skirt and cream coloured shirt. She fiddled with her hair and checked her make-up. She'd never been one to wear a lot, just mascara and lipstick, and out here, that was all she needed.

Taking a soothing breath but trying to contain her excitement at doing something out of the ordinary, Elizabeth fought for composure. A woman always had to be poised to display her elegance. The words from one of her finishing school tutors drummed in her head. What she really wanted to do was to pull her hair out and mess it up. She raised her hands and fiddled momentarily with the band of her ponytail.

'No.' She couldn't do it. Not yet. Sneaking into the hospital with chocolate-covered cereal was going to have to be enough for today. She smiled at her reflection, delighted that Mitch hadn't been annoyed with what she'd said. She hadn't been sure how he would react and she was pleased he wanted to be her friend.

'Lizzie?' he called, and she realised she'd been longer than she'd anticipated. She grabbed her bag and hat and headed out Mitch was standing by the front door, talking to Maude.

'Good morning, Mum.' Elizabeth kissed the other woman's cheek.

'Enjoy your breakfast,' Maude replied, glad to see the sparkle in her daughter's eyes. 'Don't let Imogen catch you.'

'It's under control.' Mitch grinned, holding the door open for Elizabeth before they walked out to the ute. He walked her around to the passenger side and hefted opened the door for her.

'Service today? And here I'd been practising how to open the door by myself.'

He laughed. 'You've caught me in a good mood.' He closed the door and walked around to the driver's side, climbed in and put the key in the ignition.

'Found your keys, I see.'

'Yes.' He started the engine and reversed out of Maude's driveway. The windows were down and the early morning breeze whipped in, messing up her hair, and by the time they arrived at the hospital she realised it would have been better to wear it loose. Once Mitch stopped the car, she pulled out a brush and quickly retied it.

Mitch was out of the ute and was foraging around in the tray. Elizabeth climbed out. 'What are you doing?' She stared at him in amazement as he tied a camouflage bandanna around his head, pulled on a pair of big combat boots and smeared boot polish over his face. He held it out to her.

'Ah, no. Thank you.'

'Lizzie,' he warned.

'I am not smearing that stuff on my face.'

'It'll wash off.'

'With what? Metholated spirits? That's not really good for the complexion.'

Mitch laughed. "The boys are expecting it. Here, I brought a bandanna for you as well but I didn't bring an extra pair of combat boots.' He stopped and grinned at her. 'I didn't know your size.'

Elizabeth laughed and shook her head, her eyes wide with astonishment. 'All this just to eat breakfast?'

'You should see what I do for dinner. I pull out all the stops.'

She laughed again, amazed at how easy this friend thing seemed. She watched him again, wondering if she had the courage to do as he asked. Could she really do this? The bandanna—yes. She eyed the boot polish again, still unsure. She tied the bandanna around her head, wishing she had a mirror.

'Come on, Lizzie,' he said once he was finished, and held the polish out to her. 'A little bit of camouflage never hurt anyone. Remember, I'm head of this club.'

She frowned at him. 'Did we actually vote on that? I would have brought proper make-up if you'd told me—that way it would have come off more easily.' She sighed, wanting to do it but also not wanting to. What would her father say? He'd be downright shocked and appalled to find his daughter behaving in such an unfitting manner. What would her mother say? Elizabeth smiled. If Maude were here, she'd have already smeared the paint on by now. 'OK. Do you have a mirror?'

'Here. I'll do it.' He walked over and stood before her, the tips of his fingers already black and waiting. 'Close your eyes.' His tone had dropped a little and he cleared his throat.

She did as she was told, trying not to react to the soft touch of his fingers on her face. Every time she breathed in, his fresh morning scent—now mixed with the smell of boot polish— mingled with her senses. 'That's enough.' She stepped back but he just stepped forward so they still had the same distance between them.

'Patience.' The roughness of his voice made Elizabeth realise that he, too, was affected by their close proximity. Would this friends thing really work? Right at this moment she wasn't so sure.

He cleared his throat again and took a step back. 'Done.' When she opened her eyes, he read the uncertainty there. Mitch wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and to tell her everything would be fine. He wanted to press his mouth to hers, to feel her body go soft and pliant against his. Instead, he took a huge step away and turned to wipe his hands. 'You'd fit right in at an army camp,' he joked. 'Let's synchronise our wristwatches.'

'Pardon?'

'Just getting into the part.' Mitch checked his watch. 'Five past seven. Perfect.' He grabbed a plastic shopping bag from the tray. 'Hide this behind your back.'

'I beg your pardon?'

'Hide it behind your back,' he repeated, holding the bag out to her.

'What is it?'

'Everything we need. Milk, sugar, plastic bowls and spoons.'

'Is that really necessary?'

'We don't want to leave any incriminating evidence.'

'I see. So why do I need to carry it?'

'Because Imogen won't be expecting you to be involved.'

'Won't my face be a dead give-away?' Elizabeth felt so ridiculous she couldn't help but laugh. Mitch joined in.

'Probably. Let's move 'em out, soldier. We're on a mission to rescue two little boys from health food.' Mitch ducked down and ran quickly towards the door of the hospital, looking all around him as he went. 'Come on.' He beckoned over his shoulder and Elizabeth walked normally up to the door.

'You look ridiculous.'

'You have to get into the part, Lizzie.'

'I am into the part. You smeared polish on my face and I'm carrying the incriminating evidence. That's enough for now.'

Mitch looked at her, From her flat-footed shoes, up her long, gorgeous legs—glad she'd worn a skirt today—all the way to her perfect hair with the bandanna tied around her head. 'Yes. I guess it is.' He took a deep breath, trying to control his body after the quick appraisal. He noticed the small flush creep into her cheeks and knew she'd felt that unmistakable pull as well. Focus. With a nod he said, 'Here we go.' He opened the door and, still crouching down, scoped out the scene. 'Coast is clear. Go—go, I'll cover you.'

Elizabeth walked in, cereal behind her back, and headed to the ward. 'Stay close to the wall,' he called, and she did as she was told. Mitch wasn't far behind her and soon he was pressed up against the wall outside the ward.

'We've made it this far.' He checked around them again. 'No staff anywhere. I'll go first and cover you.'

'Right.'

'Hey—remember, Lizzie. This is for the boys.'

'Right,' she said again, grasping his meaning. She took a deep breath, unable to believe she was about to do this.

'Go.'

Elizabeth slipped around the corner into the ward and hurried down towards the two boys' beds. She went between them and ducked down. Both boys looked at her with astonishment. 'Shh,' she said, holding her finger over her lips. 'Look.'

They turned to watch as Mitch somersaulted into the room before hiding behind a bed at the end of the ward. He then raced over to the other side and hid behind another bed. He kept checking around him, making sure no one was coming. Finally, he reached them. Danny and Timmy were beaming from ear to ear.

'You came!' Timmy said, but Danny quickly shushed him.

'We made it,' Mitch said. 'All right, soldier,' he said to Elizabeth. 'You get this breakfast set up while I make soldiers out of these men.'

'Yes, sir.' Elizabeth pulled over the table trolleys for each boy. She took everything out and poured choc-pops into the bowls, added milk and, to her disgust, heaped some sugar on top. She grimaced, wondering how she was going to get through a bowl of her own.

While she worked, Mitch pulled two bandannas out of his pocket, as well as the boot polish, and made the boys up.

'Right, men. Oh, and lady.'

The boys giggled.

'Let's eat!'

Danny and Timmy dug into their breakfasts with absolute delight. Elizabeth poured herself a small bowl, added milk but passed on the sugar. Mitch helped himself, his bowl filled to the brim. When all of his choc-pops were gone, he tipped his bowl up, drinking the milk from the rim. Elizabeth almost choked on her mouthful as she watched him in shocked astonishment. Oh, he'd go down a treat at one of her father's formal dinners!

Mitch swallowed and put his bowl down before grinning at Elizabeth. 'Man—what a sugar rush.'

The boys quickly finished their food and Elizabeth collected up the evidence, putting it all back into the bag. 'Quick. You go deal with that...' Mitch pointed to the bag '...before Sister comes round.'

'Right.' Elizabeth walked back through the ward, checked around the corner into the corridor before heading straight across to the kitchen. She put the milk in the fridge, the remaining cereal in the cupboard and binned the plastic bowls and spoons. Next, she headed over to the ladies' toilets to rub the ridiculous polish from her face.

She'd just managed to get it off when she heard Imogen yell at the top of her lungs, 'Mitchell O'Neill! What have you done to my patients?'

Elizabeth was shocked. Never in her life had she been in a situation like this before and her first instinct was to run for the hills, only there weren't any hills in Coober Pedy...just mullock heaps and they didn't really count. She removed her bandanna and cautiously opened the door, peering into the corridor.

It was empty.

She crept along, towards the ward, feeling strange because she wasn't sure whether she was still in fake commando mode or not. She peered around the door to the ward to see Imogen with her back to the boys, desperately trying to smother a laugh.

Elizabeth let out a sigh of relief. It was all an act—a charade—and the two boys were loving every minute of it.

Imogen turned back to Mitch, her face now composed. 'Go. I'll clean this mess up. You just go. Out of my hospital.'

'Yes, Sister,' Mitch said meekly, and after winking at the boys he headed towards the corridor. When he spotted Elizabeth he smiled brightly and slipped his hand around her arm to propel her away from the door. He let go as they headed to the nurses' station.

'I see you've already removed your disguise. Very good, soldier. Apart from the red parts on your face where you scrubbed to get the polish off, I doubt Imogen will even guess you were part of this conspiracy.'

'Are the boys all right?'

'Sure. They'll be little angels for Imogen until their mothers come to pick them up and they'll have the memory of a brilliant morning. Thanks for being a part of it.'

'Thank you for asking me.'

'So how do you feel?'

She thought for a moment. 'A little shaken, a little nervous, but for the most part still unable to believe I took part in such a ridiculous scheme.'

Mitch smiled. 'Glad to be of service.' The phone on the desk rang and he quickly picked it up. 'Steve-o. What can I do for you, mate?' Instantly, his expression changed. 'When?' He grabbed a pen and wrote notes. 'Where?' He listened. 'Do we need to come down?' Another pause. 'Thanks. We'll meet you there.' He hung up the phone as Imogen came out of the ward.

'Contact the mine rescue squad. We've got an emergency. A miner is trapped.'

CHAPTER FIVE

They all congregated at the mine rescue squad shed which held the equipment they'd need. Steve-o was already there, as were a few other people she'd seen around town but hadn't yet met. Mitch made brief introductions, to her relief telling people her name was Elizabeth and not Lizzie.

'Here you go. Should be your size.' Mitch handed her a pair of overalls. 'You can get changed over there in the outhouse.' He pointed to a small rectangular building standing on its own. It didn't look big enough for her to stand in let alone get changed in. Elizabeth eyed him carefully to make sure he wasn't pulling her leg and after a moment figured he wouldn't be teasing her when things were so frantic.

She followed his directions and opened the old wooden door to discover a toilet and washbasin inside. 'Ah. Outhouse,' she mumbled. She recalled reading about them, never thinking she'd one day be in one. She took off her skirt and folded it neatly before pulling on the overalls. It felt rather strange but, then, there weren't many things since she'd arrived in Coober Pedy which had felt normal. When she emerged, she headed back to Mitch's ute and left her skirt there. Next she was handed a thick pair of socks and boots.

'If you need to stuff the toes of the boots with another pair of socks, let me know,' Mitch stated.

'Yeah, and if you want to clean your boots,' Steve-o added, 'just rub them on Mitch's face.' They all laughed and Mitch joined in. 'Doing your commando routine again, mate?'

'Did you go in through the window again?' someone asked. It appeared Mitch's antics were widely known.

'Nah. Imogen wouldn't let me. She said I made too much mess last time.' Again there was a round of chuckles as they continued to pull out the equipment they'd need and loaded it into their vehicles.

'All right, how are we doing?' a loud voice boomed. Elizabeth turned and came face to face with Pierre Knowles, the man who'd been drunk the night Mitch had kissed her at the bar. 'G'day, Doc.' He nodded to her before walking past. It was then she realised he was dressed the same as she was— in the mine rescue squad's 'uniform'. She hoped he was sober. She glanced at his hand where Mitch had stitched it but he was wearing gloves so she couldn't tell if it was still bandaged or not.

Pierre walked over to the others and was handed a clipboard. 'Right. Listen up. We've been notified that a woman by the name of Tanya is down the bottom of a mine-shaft out near BlueSky. Her husband has raised the alarm and is out there, waiting for us. Let's go down the checklist.' He began to rattle off the equipment that was needed and when everything had been accounted for, he split them up into groups.

'Steve-o, you lead the way. Mitch, take the new doc with you. Grozer, do the marking. I'll be driving the equipment truck and the rest of you guys can follow behind. Let's move it out.'

Elizabeth went with Mitch to his ute and climbed in, slowly getting used to the way she needed to open the door. 'Sorry about not helping you,' he stated as he climbed in. 'Valet doesn't work when there are emergencies.'

Elizabeth smiled. 'I quite understand.' She waited until they were pulling out behind Pierre in the equipment truck before she glanced at Mitch. 'Would you mind running through things with me, please? I confess I'm a bit nervous and I have no idea what's going on.'

'Sorry, Lizzie. I keep forgetting this is your first time. As Pierre said, a woman is trapped in a shaft. Pierre is the coordinator so once we get out to the site he's the one calling all the shots.'

'Is he sober?' she asked, voicing her earlier thought.

'I hope so. I really hope so.' They soon turned off the main road and made their way out to the mine.

Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder. 'Why does that other ute keep stopping?'

'Hansel and Gretel, Lizzie. He's marking the way we're headed. It means when Ryan brings the ambulance out, 'he knows exactly where we are. When we arrive, just stick close to me.'

She looked at him and, feeling bold, decided to test him. 'Why? I thought we'd decided just this morning to be friends.'

He turned sharply to look at her, his eyes surprised. 'Are you teasing me, Lizzie?'

She giggled, feeling silly and foolish and wonderful.

'I'll take that as a yes. Actually, there are a few reasons why you should stay close to me but the main one is so you don't fall down a shaft yourself. There are several holes out in the middle of nowhere and they're easy to miss.'

'And the other reasons?'

'Fishing?'

'No. Merely curious.'

They were slowing down now. 'Well, I'm the person you know the best out of everyone here. We're the doctors so if I require medical assistance you're the one I'll be calling on. Also, because having you close means I can drown out the grubby smell of the people around me and concentrate on the refreshing and revitalising scent you seem to exude regardless of whether you're hot or not. Hot as in body temperature, I meant,' he quickly clarified as he stopped the ute. He turned and gave her that heart-melting smile she was becoming familiar with. 'Not that you don't have a hot body, you do,' he added, and before she could think of anything to say he'd climbed out and was walking towards Pierre.

Elizabeth sat where she was for a minute, subliminally aware of the activity around her but also stunned to learn that Mitch thought she had a 'hot' body. A smile crept onto her lips. No one had ever told her that before and she realised it was something she liked hearing. What woman wouldn't want a desirable and sexy man to tell her that?

'Lizzie,' he called, and beckoned her over. She climbed out and, mindful of his words, checked carefully where she walked. 'Chances are we're going to need you to go down the shaft,' he said, and watched as her eyes appeared to protrude right out of her head.

'Down there?' She pointed to the shaft.

'You don't suffer from claustrophobia, do you?'

'No...er, no. It's just I've never done anything like this before.' As they spoke, people were busy setting things up— things which looked as though they belonged on another planet. Other people set up barriers around the area to protect everyone.

'They're rigging up the hand windlass now,' Mitch said. 'It's the winch that will take us down.'

'You seriously want me to go down,' she stated.

'Yes. Nervous?' He handed her a harness and helped her to secure it before putting on his own.

'Yes.'

'So am I and I've done this before. Nervous is good. It means you're not over-confident and therefore shouldn't make silly mistakes, because you're constantly questioning and double-checking. They'll send the phone system down first so communication lines are open immediately. Then I'll go down and check things out. If the woman needs to be dug out then a few more people will come down and we'll start digging. You'll only come down if I need you. Chances are, I may not.'

'I wouldn't mind going down, actually,' she heard herself say, and realised it was true. Mitch was looking at her as though she'd grown another head. 'It's just that I'm here now, ready to go, and in some ways I'd rather get it over and done with, if you know what I mean.'

'I do, but if I don't need you I won't be calling for you.'

'I realise that. I was just telling you how I felt.'

Mitch looked at her closely. 'Thanks, Lizzie. Thanks for sharing your feelings. I appreciate it more than you know.' Mitch took a step towards her, reaching out to lightly brush his fingers across her cheek, his gaze intense. The rest of the world seemed to disappear at that moment and he wanted nothing more than to kiss her and kiss her good and proper.

'Mitch,' Pierre called, and like a flood the fact that they weren't alone came rushing back. He stepped away and walked over to the MRS controller. 'We're ready for you to go down.'

'Right.'

Elizabeth watched as he was hooked up to the winch and slowly lowered down the shaft. His gaze met hers and his smile encompassed her once more. Her nervousness increased as he disappeared completely from view.

The few minutes were agony but finally the report came through that he'd reached the bottom of the thirty-metre shaft. Elizabeth shifted the mining helmet on her head and swatted a fly. At least it wasn't night-time but the bright morning sun was beginning to shine warmly down on them. She doubted anyone else here felt the heat, but in the MRS overalls she was definitely feeling it. Or was it her concern for Mitch that was heightening her body temperature?

Mitch soon reported that he'd found Tanya and she was conscious. 'There was a bit of rubble on her but nothing I couldn't get off. She said the edge of the seat attached to the winch cable caught on the metal emergency ladder on the side of the shaft as she was descending this morning. She made the mistake of reaching out to stop it and subsequently caught her thumb. The winch kept sending her down and a section of ladder came away from the wall completely, landing on top of her head. When I got down here, the ladder was still on top of her and she hadn't long regained consciousness.'

'What are her injuries?' Pierre asked.

'Probable concussion, right thumb has almost been completely ripped off and will need a lot of work, and right leg feels fractured. Send down the first-aid kit, paraguard stretcher and a cervical collar. I'll need Lizzie down here to help me strap her leg then we can get her out of here.'

'Right. Sending down equipment now.' Pierre barked out directions left, right and centre and Elizabeth realised that even if he was rolling drunk, he was a man who knew how to do his job and she was thankful for that. The equipment went down to Mitch and Pierre signalled to Elizabeth.

'Ever done this before, Doc?'

'No.'

He grinned. 'First time for everythin', then.'

She was hooked up to the winch and then told to edge herself into the hole. Elizabeth stopped and said a quick prayer before digging up the courage from somewhere to follow through on an aspect of her job she hadn't realised she'd be doing so soon.

Elizabeth closed her eyes at the first sickening lurch as the winch began to lower her down.

'Open your eyes, Doc, otherwise you'll get dizzy. The last thing Mitch needs right now is a pile of vomit landing at his feet.' The rest of the rescuers laughed but Elizabeth merely obeyed.

The light started to fade as she left the top and she was glad for the light attached to her helmet. The smell became dank and musty. It took a while to accustom herself as she continued to descend. Soon she started noticing other things, such as the groove marks the drill had made as the shaft had been sunk and the ladder Mitch had mentioned on the wall. It was obviously for the miners to climb out in case the winch stopped working. Thankfully, that wasn't happening today because she'd just passed the section of wall where the ladder had broken off. The piece below it didn't look too stable either and she made a mental note to mention it to Mitch when she reached the bottom. If she ever reached the bottom.

Just when she thought the ride couldn't get any longer, she heard Mitch's voice from below. 'She's almost down,' he was saying, and it was true. Within another second she could feel the ground beneath her feet.

Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief and almost collapsed into Mitch's arms as he freed her from the winch and took her away from underneath the shaft opening. 'Never stand beneath the shaft,' he advised. 'Tanya's over this way. I've checked her for spinal injuries and, apart from her right leg, she can move quite well. We'll get her on the stretcher directly but first I would like you to check out her leg. Feels to me as though the right tibia and fibula are fractured. Then could you have a look at the thumb?'

Elizabeth crouched down beside the woman. 'Hello. I'm Elizabeth. How are you holding up, Tanya?'

'Better since the two of you arrived,' she said, her voice radiating exhaustion and mild anger. Mitch had secured the cervical collar around her neck in order to keep her still. 'It was a foolish thing to do, touching the ladder like that, but it was just instinct. Pure instinct,' she said.

'How's the pain?' Mitch asked as he opened the medical kit and started setting up an injection.

'Excruciating,' Tanya told him.

'I can imagine.'

Elizabeth took off the thick, heavy-duty gloves she'd been given and pulled on a pair of medical gloves before starting with her examination. 'Yes. Right tib and fib feel fractured.' She continued to run her hands over Tanya, checking for other broken bones. 'Does it hurt anywhere else?'

'My thumb and my head,' she said.

Elizabeth tenderly unwrapped the large handkerchief which was around the thumb. She looked before quickly wrapping it up again.

'Doesn't look good, eh?'

'My guess would be that your thumb will require microsurgery. You're lucky it hasn't come off completely.'

'I thought it had to start off with,' Tanya confessed, as Elizabeth felt the woman's skull for any swelling. 'Then I realised it was still there so I held it together as tight as I could, but I don't remember much after that until Mitch came down.'

'Understandable,' Elizabeth replied.

'We're going to splint your leg, Tanya, wrap your hand and then get you into the stretcher so we can get you out of here,' Mitch said.

'Sounds good,' Tanya whispered. 'Do you have anything for my pride?'

Mitch smiled. 'Sorry, I don't, but it's a good thing you can joke about it.'

'It was a foolish accident and one which could have been avoided,' Tanya said bitterly.

'Stop beating yourself up. We all make mistakes,' Mitch pointed out.

Elizabeth and Mitch did exactly as he had said they were going to and Elizabeth was highly impressed with the portable stretcher.

'What did you say it was called?'

'A paraguard stretcher. It's lightweight and versatile and a joy to work with on these types of rescues. They use them in other areas of rescue such as from caves and things like that. The fact that it can be folded into two parts means it's far more portable than any other type of stretcher.'

Elizabeth watched and assisted where necessary as Mitch bound Tanya onto the stretcher. There were tapes and flaps and each one had a specific purpose to ensure the patient was secure.

'OK. Now, the next step is getting her upright. Then I'll attach myself to the stretcher and up we'll go. We're almost there, Tanya. How are you feeling?'

'Better. Whatever you gave me is working a treat,' she said, and Mitch laughed.

'Glad to hear it.'

'I'm sorry. Did you say you'd go up with her?' Elizabeth needed to clarify this.

'Yes. She can't be left alone as the winch might swing her, she might hit her head, she might lose consciousness, scrape herself. She's completely immobilised so I need to go with her.'

'But I'll be down here by myself.'

Mitch gazed into her eyes and smiled reassuringly. 'You'll be fine. The worst part was letting the winch take your weight, wasn't it,' he added rhetorically, but Elizabeth still nodded. 'See, you've conquered that. You can do anything. Clip the first-aid kit to your harness and that can come up with you.'

'OK.' She nodded, hoping she looked brave for his sake because she certainly didn't feel it. He was right, though. Tanya did require someone to be with her at all times as she ascended the mine-shaft.

Elizabeth watched them go and soon the only light in the area was the one on her helmet. She made sure the first-aid kit was secure and ready to go as the minutes seemed to tick on forever.

Finally, she received word that they were at the top and she breathed a sigh of relief. Soon. She would be out of here soon; She needed to be out of here soon because she could feel her self-confidence slipping away.

Elizabeth listened closely to Pierre's instructions on how to attach the winch and then she felt herself being pulled upwards.

When she eventually reached the top, a few of the people around her clapped.

'Well done, Doc,' Pierre said, and clapped her hard on the back, so hard she thought she'd topple over and end up at the bottom of the shaft again. She waited patiently for them to unhook her and take the first-aid kit before she tested out her legs and headed over to the ambulance.

'How is she?' she asked Mitch.

'She's doing quite well, considering. How about you?'

'Me? Oh, I'm fine.'

He grinned at her. 'Sure, Lizzie. Pull the other one, it plays "Jingle Bells".'

Elizabeth laughed and felt the tension leave her. 'Let's get to work, Doctor,' she said as she climbed into the back of the ambulance. 'I'll stay here with Tanya while you follow in your ute.'

'Good idea.' And because he couldn't control it any longer, he pressed his mouth quickly to hers in a lip-smacker of a kiss. 'See you there, Lizzie.'

The ambulance ride was uneventful and Tanya slept, although she was easily roused. Once they arrived at the hospital Imogen took over, taking the patient off for X-rays to check the damage. It appeared the break to Tanya's tibia and fibula were quite clean and the bones hadn't broken the skin.

'A cast and you're done,' Mitch told Tanya.

'What about my thumb?'

'You've been extremely lucky there. It's come off at the knuckle so your actual thumb isn't broken at all.' He held up an X-ray so Tanya could see. 'We've stabilised you for now but you'll be transferred to Adelaide soon because you'll need microsurgery to fix it properly.'

'All right. Where's Wilheim?'

'He's in the other room with Lizzie. He almost passed out when he first walked in here. You know how he hates hospitals.'

'He's hopeless. He's no good with medical situations.' She chuckled.

Mitch was glad to see a smile back on his patient's face. 'I'm going to give you a local anaesthetic in your leg and then we'll get Lizzie, our new resident orthopaedic doctor, to manipulate the tib and fib back into place. We'll do a check X-ray and then we can apply the cast.'

'So the new doctor's good, then?' Tanya asked.

'She's had a lot of experience in emergency medicine and has set many a fractured leg before,' he stated as Elizabeth walked into the room. 'Ah, there you are, Lizzie. We were just talking about you.'

'I hope it was all complimentary,' she muttered before they set to work.

An hour or two later, Tanya and her husband were off with the Royal Flying Doctor Service on their way to Adelaide. 'I hope Wilheim begins to feel better soon. Does he hate to fly as well as hating hospitals?' Elizabeth asked.

'I hope, for Tanya's sake, that he doesn't,' Mitch answered.

'I don't know about you but I need a drink.'

'Sounds good. I'll go write up the casenotes. Two sugars and a dash of milk, please,' he added before walking off to sit at the nurses' station.

Elizabeth went to the kitchen and switched the kettle on. She leaned against the bench and sighed. What a day, and Mitch was still wearing boot polish on his face, although now it was mixed in with a healthy helping of dirt and sweat. She shook her head and smiled. He was certainly a character. That thought reminded her of the kiss he'd pressed to her lips before he'd closed the ambulance doors. It hadn't been a passionate or endearing kiss but merely one in triumph of a job well done, and she'd appreciated it more than he'd ever know. The kettle had just boiled when she heard someone calling her name. She came out. 'Did you want me?'

'Phone,' Imogen said, holding the receiver out to her. 'It's your fiancé.'

Elizabeth glanced at Mitch as she walked over to get the phone.

His jaw was clenched and his eyes were like steel. She quickly looked away. 'Hello?' she said tentatively into the receiver.

'Darling. There you are.' Marcus's deep English tones rang down the line with the slight delay.

'Yes. How did you get this number?'

'It wasn't difficult. I merely searched the Internet for Coober Pedy and there it was. I had my secretary place the call and now I'm speaking to you. Isn't technology wonderful? I've missed you so much, Elizabeth.'

She cleared her throat and turned her back to Mitch. 'That's nice.'

Marcus laughed. 'Aren't you going to say you've missed me, too?'

'Of course. Of course I've missed you.' She was aware of Mitch mumbling something to Imogen before he walked off. She glanced over her shoulder only to see him disappear into the kitchen. Why did she feel so wretched?

'Elizabeth? Elizabeth? I say, are you still there?'

'Yes. Yes, I'm here, Marcus.'

'You sound tired.'

'We've just been out on retrieval because we had to rescue a patient who was at the bottom of a mine-shaft.'

'Please, Elizabeth.' His voice held a hint of disgust. 'Don't go into any details about your work. It always makes me queasy.'

'Yes. I forgot. Sorry.'

'Well? Aren't you going to ask me how your father is?'

Elizabeth sighed, knowing the answer already. 'How is he?'

'Not good. Not good at all, I'm afraid. He's really taken it quite badly—you leaving, I mean. I must admit, I was never hot on the idea myself but you still went.'

'Yes, I did. I had to leave the nest some time.'

'Did yew? 1 don't think you realise how much he relies on you. He draws strength from you, Elizabeth. He's given you everything you've ever needed and it's all right here.'

It's not! Elizabeth wanted to scream. He didn't give me my mother, or the chance to make my own mistakes. She looked over to the kitchen doorway to find Mitch lounging against the doorframe, sipping his coffee and talking to Imogen. Why was it she could sense his displeasure? Although he appeared nonchalant, she felt it was an act—or maybe that was wishful thinking on her part.

She turned back. 'Listen, I have to go. Because of the emergency, the rest of the day will now be a total shemozzle.' It was then the time difference dawned on her. 'What time is it over there?'

'Just after four o'clock in the morning.'

'What are you doing up so early? I hope you don't end up sleeping in and being late to the office. My father loathes tardiness.'

'He's working from home at the moment so I'm going around there to assist him with the caseload.'

Elizabeth closed her eyes. If Marcus had wanted to make her feel guilty, he was doing a good job.

'As to why I'm up so early...the answer is simple. I miss you.'

Elizabeth didn't say anything but she felt her eyes begin to mist with angry tears. Why had he called her? This wasn't fair. She didn't want to feel guilty about leaving. She'd tried to explain things to both her father and to Marcus but neither of them had understood. It had only been because Maude had been, expecting her that Elizabeth hadn't given in and stayed. She'd been waiting her whole life to meet Maude and although they knew each other from the letters they'd written, holding her mother in her arms had been a lifelong dream and one she hadn't been prepared to forgo any longer.

'I have to go,' she whispered.

'Give me the number of your residence and I'll call you there later.'

'I.. .1 don't know the number,' she replied honestly. 'But I'll find out what it is and let you know. You probably shouldn't call the hospital again because we need to keep the line open for emergencies.'

'All right. I'll wait to hear from you, then. Goodbye, Elizabeth. I love you.'

Elizabeth found it difficult to speak so she mumbled, 'Goodbye,' and quickly disconnected the call. She stood at the desk for a moment, desperately trying to compose herself before she had to face Mitch.

'Ready to go?'

Elizabeth spun around, surprised to find him behind her as she hadn't heard him walk over. The first thing she noticed was that he'd finally washed his face but she looked away quickly, hoping he wouldn't see her tears. 'Would you mind giving me a minute?' Before he could answer, she turned and went to the change rooms.

Once there, she locked herself into a cubicle, put the lid down on the toilet and sat, burying her face in her hands. She needed to get control and she needed to do it now. She dragged in a deep, cleansing breath and slowly let it out. Mentally, she locked Marcus and her father away so she could concentrate on her job. She would deal with her thoughts about them later.

What about Mitch? Did she need to lock him away as well? Elizabeth shook her head, unsure what to do about him. She unlocked the door and peered at her reflection. Her mascara hadn't run, her nose wasn't pink but her cheeks were devoid of colour. She gave them a little rub, making them pale pink, and although she wanted to refresh her lipstick, she didn't have her bag with her. She finger-combed her hair and tied it back once more before taking another deep, calming breath and straightening her shoulders.

When she reappeared, she was calm and composed. Mitch took one look at her and realised the ice queen was back. Whatever she'd had to do to restore her equilibrium, she'd done it. She walked over to him with that haughty look she'd worn the first time he'd met her. Was this just her armour? Her way of dealing with things? He watched as she collected her bag from the locked drawer, straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin with a hint of determination.

'I'm ready now. Thank you for waiting. Goodbye, Imogen.' Elizabeth smiled at the nurse and, without waiting for Mitch, strode out to his vehicle. She managed to open the passenger door by herself and was putting on her seat belt when he climbed in.

'Everything all right?'

'Of course.' She smiled politely at him.

'Liar.'

'Perhaps.' Elizabeth shrugged and looked out the window.

He started the engine and drove to the clinic, neither of them saying a word on the short drive. Once there, they headed inside. Elizabeth could feel him watching her with curiosity and concern but she wasn't ready to talk about her problems with him. She wasn't sure she was ready to talk to anyone about them. The way her father and Marcus made her feel so guilty for daring to do something different sounded so...trivial when she said it out loud—even to herself.

'Concentrate on work,' she mumbled.

'What?' Mitch asked, and she turned, surprised he was behind her.

'Oh...nothing. Just mumbling to myself.' She greeted Daphne and glanced down at her clinic list before calling her first patient through. She worked steadily, refusing to let thoughts of either Mitch or Marcus enter her head. The reason she'd come to Coober Pedy had been to be with her mother and also to find out about herself.

But Mitch is helping you do that, she rationalised and a smile came to her lips as she remembered their early morning activity.

'You OK, Elizabeth?' Daphne asked when Elizabeth had come out to call another patient through but instead had stood staring at the set of casenotes on the top of the pile with a ridiculous grin on her face. She quickly composed herself, cleared her throat and called the next patient in.

Finally, the clinic was over and Elizabeth closed her eyes, massaging her shoulders and the back of her neck. She still had the ride home with Mitch to get through when all she wanted to do was to lie down and relax. A good book and time to read it. That was what she needed the most. She made a mental note to look through Maude's bookcase because she was sure her mother would have something she could unwind with.

There was a knock at her consulting-room door and she quickly opened her eyes as Mitch strode in. 'Ready?'

Elizabeth dropped her hands back to the desk and composed herself once more. 'Yes.' She stood and picked up her bag and the completed casenotes. 'I'll just take these out to Daphne.'

Mitch followed her out getting a sense of her uneasiness around him. He wondered, as they said goodbye to the receptionist, whether he'd be able to get her to open up and talk to him. Perhaps they'd be able to have a chat when they arrived back at Maude's house. He checked his watch. Maude would definitely be home now so that idea flew out the window.

He drove her home, wondering how he was going to ask her about her fiancé. She'd said she'd had a boyfriend who had wanted to take things to the next level and he'd simply thought she'd meant a physical relationship. Now he realised she'd been talking about marriage. Was she engaged? Was she trying to figure out if she really wanted to get married? This morning she'd said she didn't want to get involved with him but not because of another man. When Imogen had announced it was Elizabeth's fiancé on the line, Mitch had felt like someone had punched him. He'd felt annoyed and slightly jealous where he really had no right to be either.

'So you're engaged?' he blurted out as he rounded the corner into Maude's street. A moment later, he pulled up in the driveway. He cut the engine and closed his eyes for a moment. He hadn't meant it to come out sounding so harsh and accusatory.

Elizabeth took a slow and steady breath before turning her head to look at him. 'No. I am not engaged. I have never received a proposal of marriage and therefore have never accepted one. If I had been engaged, I would have mentioned it this morning.'

He exhaled and raked a hand through his hair. 'I guess I was...surprised when you received that phone call.'

'You weren't the only one.'

'Do you love him?'

Elizabeth frowned. 'Frankly, I don't see that as any of your business.'

'You're right. It's not. That was way out of line and I apologise.' The frustration he'd been feeling since that phone call continued to mount. He started the engine. 'I'd better get going.'

Elizabeth took the hint. 'Thank you for driving me around today.'

He nodded, accepting her words, as she climbed from the car. 'Goodnight, Elizabeth.' Once she'd shut the door, he reversed and drove off.

Elizabeth stood in the driveway for a moment, watching until his utility disappeared from view, conscious of the fact he'd used her full name. She swatted a fly, bringing her back to reality, and headed inside. She went to her bedroom and changed before going in search of her mother.

'Hi, there. Mitch not coming in for a drink?' Maude stood at the bench, preparing chicken schnitzels for tea.

'No.'

'Everything all right?'

'Of course.'

'Liz, remember who you're talking to. I may not have seen you since you were a baby but you're more like me than you realise. Come on. Out with it.'

'Marcus called the hospital today.'

'Oh.' Maude faltered for a second in what she was doing. 'How did you feel?'

'Annoyed.' Surprise lit her mother's face. 'Annoyed that he'd called me at work, annoyed that he made me feel guilty.'

'Why did he make you feel guilty?'

Elizabeth looked down at her hands. 'He said Dad hasn't been well since I left. He said he's missing me and is working from home.'

Maude nodded. 'So you felt annoyed and guilty.'

'Yes.'

'Was Mitch there?'

'Yes.' Elizabeth sighed. 'It's ridiculous, Mum. I felt so self-conscious talking to Marcus on the telephone in front of Mitch, which is silly because I hardly know Mitch.'

'Yet you're attracted to him.'

'Yes,' she said despondently. 'We had a talk this morning and I told him I didn't want to use him and he said we could be friends and we had a great time giving the boys breakfast this morning but now...just now when he dropped me off, he said, "Goodnight, Elizabeth".'

'He called you Elizabeth?'

'Yes. Do you think he's upset at me?'

'I don't know, darling. Perhaps he was simply tired and couldn't be bothered teasing you.'

'Oh, Mum.' Elizabeth slumped forward onto the bench, almost knocking over the crumb mixture her mother was using. 'This is all wrong. Everything's wrong,' she wailed, and straightened up again. 'And then when Marcus called, he announced himself as my fiancé. I could have throttled him.'

Maude looked at Elizabeth and then laughed. 'Oh, dear.'

'Mum, this isn't funny.'

'You're right dear, and I'm not laughing at you. It's more the circumstances you find yourself in. You've been in town for five full days and I'd say that Coober Pedy's charms are certainly working on you.' When Elizabeth frowned at her mother, Maude continued. 'You wanted to find out who you are and look at what's happened to you already!'

'Couldn't I have had time to settle in first?'

Maude smiled. 'Why don't you go and run yourself a nice, soothing bath while I finish getting tea ready? I don't need to cook them now if you're not hungry so take your time.'

Elizabeth gave her mother a hug. 'Thank you. You are just what I need.'

Mitch looked out over the grassless golf course and took a sip of his ginger beer. The stars were out and shining bright. Shining bright—just like Elizabeth's eyes after she'd received that phone call. Her eyes had been glistening with unshed tears and for some reason that look on her face had made him feel... worthless.

It was ridiculous. Of course she missed her father and her fiancé—boyfriend, whatever he was. Any woman would, especially when she was stuck out here. Mitch shook his head. He knew she'd come here to see Maude but would it be enough? Was Maude enough to help Lizzie adjust to the harsh climate of the outback?

She had people waiting for her back in England—another life. A life he knew nothing about. He closed his eyes, unable to believe he'd asked about her boyfriend but, still, he'd really wanted to know.

Did she love him?

He hoped the answer was no. She'd said that morning that her boyfriend had wanted to take things to the next level. Was that next level marriage? Was he letting her come to Australia for six months but expecting to marry her when she returned? Did Lizzie want to get married?

Mitch drained his drink. He'd told her they would be friends but for the next few days—maybe longer—perhaps he should pull back. Put a bit of distance between them. He would be polite, of course, friendly—as he would be to anyone else who lived in the town—but no more silly stunts like this morning, he warned himself. He'd planned to initiate Lizzie slowly to the joys of spontaneity but if he continued with that plan, he'd probably end up head over heels in love with her and that was the last thing either of them needed.

He'd been in love before and it had ripped his heart out when Sonja had died. He'd emotionally self-destructed—and he didn't ever want to find himself in that position again. He shook his head in disgust as he recalled his behaviour the year after Sonja's death. No one had been able to get through to him. Not his friends, his colleagues or the counsellors the hospital made him speak to.

Slowly, in his own time, he'd come out of the haze of pain and anger but he never wanted to go back there again. Never!

He liked Lizzie. She was a beautiful, desirable woman and he could get used to having her around—permanently. He'd vowed after Sonja's death to keep a firm hold on his heart. Giving it to another woman would only open him up to further pain should she ever leave him, and he knew right now that Lizzie would leave him at the end of her contract.

'No.' Mitch shook his head with determination. He might like Lizzie, he might be attracted to Lizzie, but he refused to fall in love with her. Days like today, where she'd laughed and joined in the fun, needed to be few and far between because Mitch couldn't recall a lovelier sight than Lizzie smiling up at him, her green eyes sparkling with unrepressed happiness.

The problem was, he liked having her around...and maybe, just maybe he could convince her to stay on at the end of her six months. She didn't appear to be in any hurry to return to England and, of course, Maude was here. But then what? What would happen next?

If it was marriage she wanted...could he provide that? It wouldn't be as though he was risking his heart—just sharing his life with a woman. Companionship... And, of course, the physical side of the relationship. There was no doubt in his mind that he wanted her and from the way she had responded when he had kissed her, he knew the feeling was mutual.

It was definitely something to ponder. But one thing he vowed to do was to keep control of his heart.

'And I will,' he said firmly into the darkness.

CHAPTER SIX

Two and a half weeks later, Elizabeth sat down with Fred and Jean Caplan. They'd both booked in for a double appointment. Elizabeth had seen Fred at the end of her first week and was happy with the improvement in his lung function. It still wasn't the best but he was slowly getting there.

Jean needed a repeat prescription for her arthritis medication and Elizabeth took the opportunity to have a good look at the woman's gnarled fingers. 'I've had several operations on my knuckles and there should be a letter in my file from my rheumatologist because I saw him only last month.'

Elizabeth smiled and nodded. 'I've had a quick read of the letter and he's very happy with your progress. If there's any change in your pain, please, come and see me.' She wrote out the prescription and then turned to Fred. 'Now, how have you been doing since I saw you last?'

'Better, I think.'

'He's not coughing so much at night now,' Jean chimed in.

'That's good news. I'll get you to do a spirometer test again for me, please, Fred.' Elizabeth handed him the device he needed to blow into to check his lung capacity function. 'Yes. Better than the other week. The prednisolone's done its job and the inhaler is helping to open those bronchioles.' She pulled out a new spirometer and a little booklet before handing it to Fred. 'I'd like you to keep a diary for me—just for a week. You need to breathe into this, the same way you did before, every morning and every night. Record the level on the graph in the booklet. You have your preventative inhaler to be used morning and night and the reliever when you need it. Write down how many times per day you need the reliever so we can keep track of it. The booklet's fairly straightforward but if you have any questions, give me a call.'

'Why do I need to do this?' Fred asked. 'I've never had asthma before.'

'I know, Fred, and I also know this is quite disconcerting for you, but keeping a track of your daily breathing will help us prescribe at the right level for you in the future.'

'Why have I got it now? I just don't understand.'

'Unfortunately, it's allergy related. The fact that you've never smoked is definitely in your favour. But you seem to be feeling the cooler weather more than in previous years and I don't want to risk you getting a chest infection. That would be the last thing you need right now.'

'She's only trying to help, Fred,' Jean said, patting her husband's hand. 'It's such a blow to him, you understand. It's just come out of the blue.'

'Actually, it may have been building up for quite a while but you didn't notice it.'

'So she knows what she's talking about,' Jean interjected. 'Don't you worry, Elizabeth. I'll make sure he does what he's supposed to.'

'Call me if you have any problems. Or Mitch, if you'd rather speak to him.'

'No. We're quite happy with you,' Fred said, and his words warmed Elizabeth.

'Thank you. That's very nice to hear.'

She walked them out to the door and said goodbye before turning to her pile of casenotes. There were none left.

'All done?' she asked Daphne.

'Your last patient cancelled.'

'So that's it?'

That's it for the day,' Daphne replied, as Mitch came out of his room, saying goodbye to his patient.

'Are we all done?' he asked Daphne once the patient had left.

'Yes.'

'Great.'

'Great?' Elizabeth was puzzled. In fact, Mitch had been puzzling her for some time now. Ever since the day Marcus had called, Mitch had been polite but mildly aloof. He hadn't suggested any more crazy schemes—much to her disappointment. Perhaps he was just giving her time to adjust to her new way of life in the Australian outback—at least, that was the rationale she'd come up with.

'Yes. Friday morning clinics are usually quiet. The last two since you arrived have been busier than normal because everyone was still curious about you.'

'And now they're not?'

Mitch shrugged and smiled...although it didn't quite meet his eyes. 'Your novelty has started to wear off.'

Was he talking about the people in the town or the attraction they'd both felt? Elizabeth pushed the thought away.

'Let's leave Daphne to close up and go and see Maude.'

'Maude? But she'll be mining by now.'

'That's right,' Mitch said, patting his pockets for his keys. Elizabeth spotted them on Daphne's desk and held them up.

'Looking for these?' She dangled them from her finger, and this time the smile did reach his eyes.

'Thanks. Ready?'

'I'll just get my bag.' Elizabeth walked back to her consulting room, not at all sure she wanted to visit another mine so soon. Two and a half weeks wasn't a long time for her to overcome the experience of being winched up and down a mine-shaft.

She returned and together they said goodbye to Daphne and went out to Mitch's ute. He'd been picking her up and dropping her off every day but in the mornings he never joined her for a coffee any more and in the evenings he never came in for a cold ginger beer.

At least he hadn't continued calling her Elizabeth Somehow, on the rare occasions he'd used it, it hadn't sounded right coming from his lips. Other than that, he always called her Lizzie and she'd come to see it as a sign of acceptance. Besides, it made her feel special.

'We'll stop by your place so you can change,' he said.

'Er...it's all right. Actually, Mitch, I'd rather not go down. It's taken me a while to get used to the dugout and the fact that there's no natural light coining into the place except through the front door.'

'But you've already been down a mine.'

'That's right and that was because I had to, it was my job. Now you're expecting me to choose to go down?'

'Going down the shaft is the worst part, you know that now. You'll be fine after that.' He pulled up outside Maude's house and turned to face her. 'Trust me, Lizzie. I'll be up the top, Maude will be down the bottom and that's all there is to it. A few minutes of being uncomfortable and then...over!'

'You've discussed this with her, haven't you?'

'Yes, but not necessarily about today. We discussed wanting to show you the mine. You've only been in a mine, you haven't really experienced one. Today is the day the opportunity has presented itself. Go get changed. We'll swing by my house then pick up some lunch for the two of us before heading out.'

'We're going to your house? Why?'

'So I can change my clothes, Lizzie.' A twinkle of humour sparkled in his eyes. 'I don't usually go down the mine in my good jeans. What do you think I am? A complete yobbo?'

'Yobbo?'

'Unsophisticated idiot.' For the first time in weeks his smile was heartfelt and Elizabeth couldn't help responding to it. 'Get changed and let's go and surprise your mother.'

She smiled and climbed from the car. Actually, she wouldn't mind checking on her mother today. Maude had woken Elizabeth up in the earlier hours with a coughing fit. When Elizabeth had checked on her, Maude had told her she was all right and not to worry. As Maude had settled back down to sleep, Elizabeth had drifted off as well but had been quite restless and had checked on her mother a few times.

Now she looked at her reflection as she changed into a pair of jeans and long-sleeved shirt. It was what she'd seen Maude wearing in the mornings but even as she checked her reflection, she realised she still looked too good—too neat. On impulse, she went into Maude's room and found some clothes which were worn and covered with the reddish-brown stains of outback dirt. Elizabeth changed quickly and pulled her hair back into a low pony tail before hunting for an old pair of Maude's shoes.

When she reappeared, Mitch simply stared. He'd climbed from the ute and was now leaning against the bonnet, waiting for her. His wait hadn't been in vain. For the first time since they'd met, he felt as though she was...real. She had always looked like something out of a dream but this woman, this woman who was walking towards him, was real.

'Something wrong?' she asked, when he didn't move.

'Ah...no. No.' He cleared his throat. Get a grip, O'Neill, he lectured himself as Elizabeth eased open the passenger door and climbed in. He slid behind the wheel and drove on autopilot to his own dugout. 'Won't be a moment.' He was out and around the car before his manners caught up with him and he turned to face her. He walked back to her door and she wound down the window. 'Would you like to come in?'

Elizabeth was curious but politeness made her refuse.

'Come on, Lizzie.' He opened her door. 'I can tell you want to but you're just being polite.'

'Know me that well, do you?' She climbed from the car and he shut the door for her.

'I'm getting there.' He tossed the words over his shoulder as he headed inside, forcing himself to keep the situation light and friendly. 'Why don't you grab us a couple of drinks from the fridge?' Mitch called as he headed off down a side tunnel. 'I'll be with you in a second.'

Elizabeth did as he asked and slowly walked through Mitch's house—dugout, she corrected herself. She was getting used to the underground decor. She found the kitchen and switched on the light before crossing to the fridge. Ginger beer lined the door-shelves and she smiled as she removed two, wondering why he didn't drink alcohol.

She headed back the way she'd come, remembering to turn off the lights she'd switched on, but she must have taken a wrong turn as she found herself in the living room. Right around the wall was a shelf—not one that had been put up but one that had been dug out of the wall. It held all sorts of things like trophies, books and photographs.

Elizabeth went over to take a closer look and peered at a photograph of two young boys, playing together on a see-saw'. The boy who was marginally bigger was pulling a silly face, the other boy smiling sweetly.

'My brother and I,' Mitch said, and she spun around to look at him.

'I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry. I got lost.' He'd changed his clothes and was now wearing old, ripped jeans with a baggy T-shirt and had an old baseball cap on his head. Every article of clothing was covered with the same dust as her borrowed clothes from Maude. He now looked more like the man she'd met at the pub that first night in town. The first time he'd kissed her. The memory made her turn away and she desperately tried to focus on something else.

'You're not prying, you're looking.' Mitch walked over and picked up the silver frame. 'He was about six, I was seven— just. There's eleven month's between us.'

'That would have been a handful for your mother.'

'I was the handful...all on my own. Little brother here was the angelic child.' His word? were said without resentment yet Elizabeth heard the hint of sadness as well.

'Did something...happen to him?'

Mitch laughed without humour and put the picture back. 'Yes. He grew up, Back then, things were easier. Now...' He shrugged and took the drinks from her. 'That photo was taken the last time I saw him. We're very different people. Come on. We'd better get going.' He headed out. 'Would you mind turning off the—?'

Elizabeth turned out the lights before he'd finished speaking and followed him out.

'Maude's dugout is quite straightforward compared to yours. Why do you have so many hallways?'

'Twists and turns. I like them. I'm actually building on another room,' he said as they climbed into the ute. 'I'll show you next time or you could even come and help me dig.'

'You're allowed to do that?'

'Why not? It's my home. No mining is allowed within the city limits but adding a room isn't mining, it's just making more space.'

'Do you mean to tell me you built your home?'

'No. Well, not entirely. When I bought it, there was the kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms—one of which was used as the sitting room.'

'So, that living area?' Elizabeth was astounded. Was this what doctors here did in their spare time? Add rooms to their houses? Go down mine-shafts? She shook her head. It really was a whole new way of life.

'I built it.'

'By yourself?'

'Yes. Didn't take long. I've added another bedroom with an en suite bathroom and the room I'm doing now is going to be my billiard room.'

'You mean your play room.'

Mitch grinned and looked at her as they drove along. 'See! You're getting to know me quite well, Lizzie.'

They stopped and bought some food before heading out to the mine. As they drove, Elizabeth stared at the mullock heaps. Seeing them at a distance was one thing but driving up right beside and past them was another.

'I can't get over how different this place is. It's like I've moved to the moon.'

Mitch chuckled. 'Several people have described it like that.'

'What does Coober Pedy mean?'

'Loosely translated, it means "white man in a hole" which as the majority of people live in dugouts, is quite apt. The Aboriginal words are "kupa piti" so that's where it originated.'

They drove past another sign warning tourists about the danger of falling down a mine-shaft. 'I can't believe haw many holes there are around.'

'We put up signs but either people can't read or they think the signs are a joke because every year we have several tourists trapped down abandoned mine-shafts.'

'Really?' Elizabeth was astounded. He stopped the ute next to Maude's pickup truck then got out. Elizabeth followed suit.

Mitch was standing by a large hole in the ground which had a winch cable going down the shaft. It was a similar setup to the mine rescue squad's.

'So my mother's down there?'

'Sure.' He walked over to Maude's truck and grabbed a couple of mining helmets. 'Here, put this on.' He handed her one, placed the other on his head and rubbed his hands excitedly. • 'This is good. I have a very good feeling about this.'

Elizabeth peered down the shaft again. 'I'm glad you do because I certainly don't.'

'Opal is in the air.'

'How do you know?'

'I just do, that's all.'

'Have you felt it before?'

'Yes.'

'And did you find it?'

'Yes...well, Maude did but I knew it in my gut.'

'So what makes you feel it today?'

Mitch shrugged and grinned at her. 'Don't know. Perhaps it's you... Lady Luck.'

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. 'Superstitious?'

'No.' Immediately, Mitch bent, picked up a handful of dirt, tossed it over his shoulder and spun around.

Elizabeth laughed. 'Sure.'

'It's true, I'm not superstitious. I was just mucking around, although I must tell you that a lot of miners are so it's better not to joke about it.'

'I wasn't. You were.' She glanced down the shaft again. 'How do you get the opal out?'

'A lot of different ways. Yesterday, Maude would have blasted. She makes a potent sausage.'

'Sausage? Wait a minute. I'm confused.'

'Not meat sausage—dynamite sausage, as in explosives.'

'What?'

'Relax. It's all part of mining life. She's very careful and takes every precaution, but once she's blasted, no one's allowed in the shaft for twenty-four hours.'

'Why?'

'Because of the gases released into the air.'

'So she's been down there all morning?'

'Probably.' He looked at her with pure excitement. 'Come on. We haven't had a meeting of the "help Lizzie to be more spontaneous club" for a while. Consider this your next challenge.'

'What about lunch?' Elizabeth asked, trying to stall for time.

'Are you hungry?'

'Er...no. Not at the moment. I'm too nervous to be hungry.'

Mitch grinned. 'I'll call down to Maude on the radio so she can supervise your descent. I'll be at the top, she'll be at the bottom.' He shrugged. 'Nothing can go wrong.'

He did as he'd said while Elizabeth tried to calm her nerves. There was no way he was going to let her get out of this and she could quite understand it. She needed to get used to going down mines. It would be part of her work and this time there wasn't a patient at the bottom but her mother—in perfect health.

'All set,' he said a few moments later. 'Maude's down the bottom, I'm up the top, let's get you sorted out. Trust me, Lizzie.'

Elizabeth was amazed to discover that she did. She trusted Mitch! She hadn't known him that long and yet she trusted him. She'd known Marcus for the past few years or so and still she'd never felt this way about him. She shook her head. Now was not the time to dwell on it.

She edged out over the opening of the shaft, her heart pounding fiercely beneath her ribs.

'You'll be fine, Lizzie,' Mitch said as he started the winch. The cable jolted and Elizabeth's breath caught in her throat. She swallowed over it and looked up at Mitch, giving him what she hoped was a confident smile.

Soon daylight began to disappear and for a while, in the thirty-metre drop, there was only the light from her helmet around her. It was a long way down and she felt strange just sitting there, being lowered down. She was blindly trusting a man she'd known for a few weeks to winch her down a mine-shaft! What had she been thinking? Had she gone completely insane on this continent? Because she was positive that she would never have done anything like this back in England. »

'How much further?' she asked softly.

'You're almost there, darling, and you're doing a great job,' Maude called.

'I'm not doing anything,' Elizabeth insisted. 'Your powered winch is doing it all.' Soon she was down the bottom and never had she been more happy to feel the ground beneath her feet. Unable to control her emotions, Elizabeth waited while Maude helped her off before embracing her mother warmly.

'That was terrible,' she said, moving away from the shaft.

Maude laughed. 'You get used to it. In the olden days, they had to pull themselves in and out. At least we have the winch.' She radioed up to Mitch and then showed Elizabeth the mine. It was just as Mitch had said. Tunnels. Underground tunnels were everywhere. 'Follow me,' her mother said.

'Shouldn't we wait for Mitch? He might get lost.'

'Ha. Mitch? Down here? No way. He'll find us.'

'How?'

'Probably by following that amazing perfume you're wearing. And I must say that my clothes don't look too bad on you.'

'Thank you.' It was then Elizabeth realised it was quite light in the tunnels. Lights were hooked up to the walls with an electric cable running back up the hole she'd just descended. Funny, she hadn't noticed that before.

Maude took her to where she was currently digging and Elizabeth forgot all about being so far beneath the surface and looked carefully at the rock face her mother was telling her about.

'Today's the day,' Mitch said as he joined them. 'We're finding opal today.'

'I think you're right,' Maude added. 'Lizzie's our good luck charm.'

'Oh, not you, too.'

Maude laughed and shrugged but didn't say any more. She showed Elizabeth the area she'd blasted the previous day and the pick work she'd done that morning.

'No wonder you have such good arm muscles,' Elizabeth commented, and Maude laughed.

'Yes, I guess it is one way to keep in shape.'

'Here.' Mitch held out a pick to Elizabeth. 'Maude will show you how to do it and then you can have a go.'

'Are you sure? I don't want to hit the wrong thing or damage the rocks in any way. I read in one of your mining books, Mum, that it's quite easy to pick too hard at a spot and completely destroy the opal.'

'Aha! The woman has hidden talents,' Mitch said as he leaned against the wall.

'I'd hardly call reading "hidden", Mitch.' Elizabeth smiled at him. Maude laughed and then started coughing. She reached for a bottle of water and took a sip. 'Are you all right, Mum?'

'Yes, dear, I'm fine. Mitch, I might leave my daughter in your capable hands and go up for a bite to eat and some fresh air.'

'OK,' Mitch said after Maude had left. 'Hold the pick like this and then—'

'What's wrong with her?' Elizabeth asked with determination.

'Pardon?'

'You heard me. What's wrong with her?'

'I can't tell you that, Lizzie,' he said softly, lowering the pick. 'You know that.'

'I've seen her file at the clinic and it's quite thick, which means something is going on.'

'Why haven't you asked her?'

'I have. She said she has asthma and that's all. You're treating her for it but it's more than that.'

'Intuition?'

Elizabeth shrugged. 'Yes, and the fact that she was up early this morning, coughing.'

'What happened?'

'She said she forgot to use her inhaler, took it and settled back down to sleep. I checked on her a few times and she appeared fine.'

'Get her to talk more. That's all I can offer you because she's asked me not to tell anyone and I have to respect her wishes. Rest assured that I am keeping a very close eye oft her.'

'Well, that confirms my suspicions that it's something more than just asthma. Thank you.'

'You're welcome.'

'Now, show me how to use this thing. If you're so sure we're going to find opal today, we'd better get to work.'

Mitch showed her how to hold and swing the pick while Elizabeth tried hard to focus on what he was saying rather than the way his biceps flexed beneath his T-shirt. Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea after all.

It was just the two of them down here, way down beneath the surface, all alone. She watched him work, his back muscles flexing, his hands working the pick. Elizabeth started to feel hot and flustered and rather breathless all at the same time.

She forced herself to concentrate and to swing the pick as he was instructing. She had a go but the sharp end didn't make much of an impact in the rock face. They both continued to work for the next ten minutes and Elizabeth was glad to focus on what she was doing rather than the man beside her.

'This still doesn't feel as though I'm doing it right,' she wailed as she stopped, swiping her hand across her forehead.

'It takes some getting used to. You need to use more of the muscles in your back and you're holding it wrong. Here.' He put his own pick down and came up behind her. He moved her hands so she was gripping the handle correctly, his body brushing against hers.

Elizabeth tensed and sucked in a sharp breath. Slowly, she turned her head to look at him over her shoulder and it was then her brain registered how extremely close he was.

Millimetres. Their lips were now millimetres apart and she felt the breath rush out and her mouth go dry. Her gaze flicked up to meet his and she read the same intense desire in his blue depths as she knew was reflected in her own.

'I'm sorry.' His words were barely audible but they didn't need words to communicate what they both wanted. Her heart tattooed a wild, intense rhythm and the urge to give in—to be reckless—was overpowering.

'I have to.' Again, it was as though no sound had come from him and his lips had hardly moved but she knew exactly what he was talking about.

Her eyelids fluttered closed as his mouth finally made contact with her own. The pick slipped slowly from her hands and landed on the ground with a soft thud. She turned to face him and the pace started to increase. They gathered each other close, Mitch leaning in hard and Elizabeth finding herself against the wall.

His mouth, although urgent, remained gentle and testing. He knew Elizabeth was confused about things and he didn't want to add an extra level, especially when he'd already told her they'd be just friends. But...oh...how incredible she tasted. Her body was warm and firm against his and it was becoming more difficult with each passing second to hold on to his restraint.

A light shining in their direction was the first inkling Elizabeth had that they weren't alone. She opened her eyes and looked over his shoulder...at her mother. Gently she eased back, telling herself not to feel bereft when his arms dropped back to his sides.

'I think I should wear a bell around my neck,' Maude said. 'At least that way you'll both know I'm coming.'

Elizabeth looked down at the ground, surprised that she didn't feel as embarrassed as she knew she should. She glanced up at Mitch. He was grinning at his opal partner.

'I was just showing Lizzie the correct way to hold the pick and, well...we kind of got distracted.'

'Hmm. I see,' Maude replied. 'I thought you two were going to be just friends.'

'We are.' Mitch spoke before Elizabeth even had time to open her mouth. 'The...er...moment just got the better of us. It won't happen again.' He turned and looked at Elizabeth. 'Will it, Lizzie? We'll make sure we control ourselves from now on.'

Elizabeth was momentarily too stunned to speak. What was that emotion she was feeling? Regret? Did she regret Mitch saying it wouldn't happen again? It was ludicrous. She knew he was right. She knew they shouldn't be kissing any more, especially as they'd already discussed the reason why they shouldn't. But still...right now she wasn't sure they should stop, and that was downright confusing.

She turned away and collected the pick from the ground, giving herself an extra moment to regroup. 'Mum. Perhaps it's better if you come and show me how to use this thing.'

'Definitely safer,' she heard Mitch mumble.

Maude came over and showed her the correct way to swing it at the wall and in which area she wanted Elizabeth to strike. She set to work. Maude and Mitch talked a few things over while Elizabeth continued to do the hard labour.

'Keep going,' Mitch said after a minute or two. 'Don't slow down now, you're doing a good job.'

'Easy for you to say,' Elizabeth grumbled as she continued to work.

Mitch laughed before grabbing another pick and helping her. They all worked for another fifteen minutes before Elizabeth asked, 'What exactly am I looking for?'

'Why?' Mitch stopped working.

'Well, the colour here is starting to change.'

'Where?' Maude and Mitch said in unison. Elizabeth pointed. Her mother stepped forward, examining the rock face carefully before raising her pick to ease a part of the coloured area away. 'Crystal,' she said triumphantly.

'Crystal? Is that good?'

'It's opal crystal,' Mitch replied anxiously, watching Maude's every move. 'It's what you find before you reach the opal.'

'Ooh.' Elizabeth's eyebrows shot up and a moment later Maude chipped a piece of rock into her hand. She put her pick down and studied the specimen more closely. 'Is that it? Have we found it?'

Maude was brushing the dirt from the rock before licking it away. Elizabeth pulled a face and then Maude put it in her mouth, sucked off the dirt and spat it out again. She held the small rock up to the artificial light and they all looked at it. 'That's it, my girl. That's why I stay here.'

'This is it? We found opal?'

'Yahoo!' Mitch threw his arms around Elizabeth and pressed his mouth to hers in a lip-smacking kiss. 'I knew it. I knew you'd be good luck.'

Elizabeth laughed. 'I thought you weren't superstitious.'

Mitch kissed her mother's cheek. 'She's quite a gem all on her own,' he told Maude. 'Ah...Lizzie,' he said, turning his attention back to her, 'I could just kiss you.'

'You already have.' Elizabeth couldn't keep the silly schoolgirl grin off her face.

'I know but I think I need to do it again.' And he did. 'You little bea-uty.'

Elizabeth looked over her shoulder to where Maude was once again chipping away at the rock face. Mitch shifted, keeping his arm about her shoulders. 'How far does it go?'

'You mean there's more?'

'Your mum's following the seam to see how deep and how long it is.'

Elizabeth watched in amazement 'How many times have you found opal?'

'Quite a few.' Maude's tone was absent-minded as she continued her work.

'How much will this be worth?'

'Not sure,' Mitch said. 'There's no standard price for opal so it depends how well you bargain.'

'Do you do that? You know, as silent partner?'

'No way. Maude's the best at getting the buyer to up the price.' As he spoke, Maude started to cough and Elizabeth felt him tense a little. 'How about giving me a turn to check the seam?'

'It's fine.' Maude coughed again. 'I can do it. I just breathed in at the wrong time. Too much dust down here.'

Elizabeth looked at Mitch and she could see the concern in his eyes even though he'd relaxed his body. It was his 'doctor' look. She knew this because she had a 'doctor' look of her own. Her anxiety began to increase as she continued to watch her mother. Maude chipped a bit more and coughed again.

'I'll get you some water.' Elizabeth went over to where she'd seen Maude's bag and pulled out a bottle of water. 'Here you go, Mum.'

'Thanks, Liz.'

'Do you need your asthma inhaler?'

'I'll be fine.' Maude took a sip and went straight back to work. 'I think that's it.' She continued to check all around for another twenty minutes before declaring the find official. 'You did good, Liz. You did good.'

'She did better than good. Now, how about we pack it in for the day and head back up the shaft so we can celebrate in style?'

'Sounds like a plan to me.' Maude laughed, securing the opal in a sealed plastic bag. 'Let's get going.'

It took a while for all three of them to get up the shaft and get things packed up.

'I'll take Lizzie home so she can spruce herself up for the occasion.'

'I'll call the dealer,' Maude added with a laugh. 'You two go on ahead. I won't be far behind.'

'All right, then.' Mitch and Elizabeth climbed into his ute and headed carefully back towards the road. When they turned left onto the tarmac, Elizabeth looked back to where her mother's vehicle was.

'Stop, Mitch.'

'What is it?'

Elizabeth felt the hairs on the back of her neck prickle. 'Something's not right. Go back.' He did a U-turn and headed back the way they'd just come. 'Where is she?' Her gaze scoured the area. 'Where is she?' she asked with more alarm. Mitch had barely brought the vehicle to a halt before she was out like a flash. 'Maude?' No answer. 'Mum? Where are you?'

Elizabeth turned her head and it was then she saw her mother, lying on the ground next to her vehicle. 'Mum!'

CHAPTER SEVEN

Elizabeth raced over to Maude's side and checked her breathing. Mitch was by her side in an instant before disappearing again and returning with his medical bag.

'What's wrong with her, Mitch? Tell me,' she demanded. 'I'm treating her now so I have a right to know.' Her hands were feeling her mother's head. 'Mum? Mum? Can you hear me?'

He left the medical bag with her and raced back to the ute before returning with a portable oxygen concentrator. 'She's struggling for breath.'

'Mum?' Elizabeth called again and this time Maude's eyelids fluttered open. She looked at her daughter in panic. 'It's all right,' Elizabeth reassured her as she put the stethoscope into her ears and quickly unbuttoned her mother's shirt. 'I'm just going to have a listen to your chest.' She closed her eyes and concentrated on listening. Then she looked at Mitch.

'There are no breath sounds on the right side and there's increased hyper-resonance.'

'No temperature, breathing is laboured.'

'Pneumothorax.' Elizabeth's eyes were wide with fear and shock when she looked at Mitch.

'But how? Maude, did you hit yourself? Hurt yourself in anyway?' Mitch had the oxygen mask ready for her and placed it over her mouth and nose.

'Yesterday,' Maude gasped. 'Hit chest with handle of pick.'

Elizabeth felt the skin, checking the ribs carefully. 'Why didn't you say something before?' she scolded softly.

'Didn't want to worry you.'

'Oh, Mum.' Elizabeth shook her head sadly. 'You're a goose.'

'We need to get you to the hospital, Maude, because your lung is collapsing.' Mitch squeezed his partner's hand. 'Just hang in there. Lizzie's dealt with plenty of these in the past, haven't you?'

'I most certainly have,' she told her mother reassuringly.

'There's no point in ringing for an ambulance,' Mitch said. 'See if she's hurt anywhere else while I clear out the tray of the ute so the two of you can go in there. That way, she'll stay supine.'

Elizabeth did as he suggested and was pleased to report that there were no other injuries. Mitch had placed several blankets onto the tray to make it more comfortable for them and had taken out the petrol, water and other emergency supplies he carried and put them in the cab.

With their help, Maude managed to get into the tray and lay down again, Elizabeth at her head.

'Hold on, you two,' he said as he secured the tailgate and headed around to the driver's side. Mitch drove carefully back to the tarmac and once there picked up speed. Elizabeth heard him call ahead to the hospital, informing Imogen of the situation.

'How are you doing, Mum?' Elizabeth checked the oxygen levels and listened to Maude's chest again. The left side sounded better, the oxygen ameliorating the air deprivation Maude had suffered from. 'We'll give you a bronchodilator at the hospital but after we've taken care of your right lung.'

Maude looked at her, her eyes questioning and frightened.

'Would you like me to run through what's going to happen?' she asked.

'Yes.'

'When we arrive at the hospital, you'll have a chest X-ray. We need to confirm that it is pneumothorax—which means lung collapse—before we treat it. The lung collapses because there's a collection of air between the chest wall and the lung in the area called the pleural cavity. You said you hit yourself with the pick handle yesterday?'

'It was silly,' Maude gasped.

'Yes, but it's done more damage than you've realised. In essence, you punctured a little hole in your lung so when you breath out, some of that air is going into the pleural cavity.

Once the chest X-ray has confirmed the diagnosis, we'll insert a chest tube. This goes through your chest into the pleural cavity and then we apply a suction tube to suck the air out. Once we've re-established the negative pressure within the cavity, the lung will expand again and everything should be fine.'

'You've done this procedure before?'

'Have I done this before?' Elizabeth checked that was the question her mother was asking and Maude gave a little nod. 'Yes. I've done it quite a few times. Due to the cold weather in England, we have a lot of breathing-related complaints at the hospital, so there's no need to worry.'

They arrived at the hospital and were met by Imogen and Ryan with a barouche. They transferred Maude over with the patslide before wheeling her directly through to X-Ray. Imogen explained everything to Maude as she went, Elizabeth staying with her mother while Mitch set up the treatment room.

'Pneumothorax,' Imogen stated after she'd processed the film. She handed it to Elizabeth who confirmed this.

'Let's get her through to the treatment room,' Elizabeth said, and walked beside her mother to where Mitch was waiting for them. The X-ray was hooked up onto the viewing box and Elizabeth scrubbed and pulled on a sterile gown while Mitch manoeuvred Maude into position. He needed the affected side elevated and Imogen helped him to do this. They prepared the area with antiseptic solution and Mitch administered a local anaesthetic.

'Ready, Mum?' Elizabeth asked, and smiled reassuringly at her mother before pulling her mask into place. She tested the area to ensure the anaesthetic was working and when it was, she made a small incision into the pleural space. Mitch inserted a catheter through the second intercostal space to remove the air. The tube went down into an underwater-seal drainage bottle.

Elizabeth sutured the tube to the chest wall and then covered the wound with an airtight dressing. The tubes were kept clamped while they performed the surgery and once it was done, they activated the drainage system.

Both Elizabeth and Mitch had kept up a constant light-hearted chatter while they'd worked, keeping Maude informed of what they were doing and why.

'You should only need this in for the next twenty-four hours or so, depending on how things go, and then we'll take the tube out.'

'But only if you're a good girl,' Mitch warned, and smiled at his opal mining partner. Maude was now exhausted but forced a smile before closing her eyes. Teena was called in to keep an eye on Maude during the evening and after she was settled in the ward, Elizabeth sat beside her mother, watching her breathing closely.

Mitch came up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. 'I'll take you home.' Elizabeth didn't move. 'Come on,' he urged gently. 'She's asleep now. Time for you to get some rest, too.'

'I want to stay here.'

He dropped his hands and came around the chair to face her. He squatted down, bringing himself to her eye level. 'I thought you might. First of all, though, let's get you home. You can shower and change, pack a bag for Maude and some clothes for yourself and I'll bring you back.'

'What about her things and her truck out at the mine?'

'Already taken care of. Steve-o's got that all in hand. We locals like to help each other out.'

'And the...' She looked around the ward and leaned in a little before whispering, 'opals? Where are they? We wouldn't want them to be stolen.'

'I have them,' he said, patting his jeans pocket.

'What good is that? You lose your car keys so often, why should I trust you with the opal?' she whispered fiercely. 'Give them to me and I'll find a safe place for them.'

He raised an eyebrow and she could tell by the glint in his eye that he was about to tease her. It was amazing how good she was getting at reading his expressions. 'And what if a band of criminals decides to attack you in the night and steal the opal right out of your safe place? No. It's all right, Lizzie. I promise not to lose them. Besides, there are only three people who know about the find and we're all staying here the night.'

'You're staying here, too?'

'It's my job, Lizzie.' He smiled tiredly. 'So let's get going.'

Elizabeth looked at her mother. 'I'll be back,' she whispered as she stood and placed a kiss on Maude's forehead. She turned to Mitch. 'Let's go.'

They headed out to the ute, neither one talking. The silence was comfortable and Elizabeth was amazed that she felt so comfortable with Mitch, especially at a time like this. At least Maude had stabilised and the long-term prognosis looked good.

Mitch pulled up outside Maude's place. 'You go in, shower, and so on, and I'll be back to pick you up in fifteen minutes.'

'All right.' Elizabeth opened the door and turned to face him. 'Thank you.'

'It's cool.'

'No. Thank you. Not only for what you did for my mother today—'

'What we did.'

'All right. What we did, then—but what I'm really thanking you for is for being there for her during the past year. You've been a good friend to her, Mitch, and that means a lot to me.'

Then Elizabeth did something out of the ordinary. She reached over, put her hands on either side of his face and pressed her lips to his. It wasn't because she was being reckless. It wasn't because she wanted to let loose.

It was because Mitch O'Neill was starting to become a very important person in her life and she wanted to let him know that.

Elizabeth swung her legs over the bed and sighed. It was no use. She was never going to sleep. Her mind was working overtime, trying to decipher everything that had happened in the past twenty-four hours, and at the moment she was sick and tired of thinking about it.

She checked Maude's drains and read the chart Teena had written up only half an hour before. Her mother was sleeping peacefully and Mitch, who was in the bed opposite, sounded as though he was about to snore. It wouldn't bother Maude as the analgesics Mitch had prescribed would ensure their patient slept through until morning.

Elizabeth ran a hand down her silk pyjamas and decided it was too warm to slip a robe on over the top. Besides, she looked respectable...and Mitch was asleep. She headed out to the nurses' desk to ask Teena if she wanted a cup of tea.

'Tea would be lovely. Can't sleep?' Teena asked, looking up from her book.

'No. My mind is too busy.'

'Understandable. Your mother's going to be fine, thanks to you and Mitch.'

'I know.' Elizabeth smiled.

'I'll make you that cuppa,' Teena said, but Elizabeth quickly stopped her.

'You'll do no such thing. Tell me how you like it and continue reading your book.' Elizabeth soon had the kettle on and was putting sugar into a cup for Teena. She leaned against the bench and crossed her arms over her chest, her mind still racing.

Neither she nor Mitch had said anything about the kiss she'd given him. When they'd finally drawn apart, they'd stared at each other for a moment before Elizabeth had gone inside to shower and get the things she needed for herself and Maude.

When he'd returned to pick her up, they'd driven back to the hospital in a comfortable silence...which she'd found strange. How could she be comfortable with a man who unnerved her? He made her think and feel and tremble and blush.

Before they'd settled for bed, they'd stood side by side, both in their nightwear, and he'd squeezed her hand reassuringly. That had been all. He hadn't pushed her for another kiss or looked at her in an intimate way. It had been as though he had sensed her confusion and was giving her the space she needed.

The kettle switched itself off and Elizabeth made the tea. She took Teena's out to her before returning to the kitchen. She sat down and sipped at the relaxing drink, hoping it would help slow her thoughts down.

'Any water left for me?'

She looked up over the rim of her cup and immediately wished she hadn't. A sleepy-eyed, tousle-headed Mitch stumbled into the small kitchen, filling it with his presence, and wandered over to the kettle. He looked...irresistible and she couldn't take her eyes off him. She nervously smoothed a hand down her own hair, hoping it wasn't sticking out the way his was, and wasn't surprised to discover her heart rate had increased the instant she'd laid eyes on him.

'Can't sleep either, eh?'

That made her laugh. 'What on earth do you mean—either? You were practically snoring.'

'Was not.'

'Was, too. Ask Teena.'

'Uh, sure, like I'm going to believe the two of you.' He made himself a drink and sat down. 'I heard her do the obs half an hour ago.'

'So did I. I checked the drain when I got up just now.'

'So did I.' He grinned and lifted his legs onto a vacant chair, stretching out. 'You know what we are, Lizzie?'

'What?'

'A couple of over-achievers.'

She returned his smile. 'Because we both checked the drain? I think that shows we're good at our jobs.'

'It does. It does show that, but that's not what I meant. We've both worked hard, striving for things that are important. Sometimes they're more important to other people but, still, we do them. We want the best for ourselves and will continue to head in that direction until we run out of steam.'

'Have you run out of steam?' she asked curiously.

'Yes.' Mitch looked down into his cup before glancing at her. 'Want to see one of my favourite places?'

'What? Now?'

'Sure. Maude's doing better than fine and we'll be on the end of the sat phone if Teena needs us.'

'We won't be going too far, will we?'

'Far? In Coober Pedy? Everywhere takes five minutes, Lizzie.' He drank his tea and stood. 'Let's go.'

'But I'm in my pyjamas!'

'That's all right. You don't need to change.' He stopped and shook his head. She was so beautiful—especially with her blonde hair floating softly around her shoulders. It was then he' realised he'd never seen her with it down before and now that he had, the only thing he wanted to do was to bury his face in her neck and breathe in deeply.

The silky nightwear would probably pass for a fashionable suit at a Hollywood movie premiere, but for outback Coober Pedy she'd stick out like a sore thumb if anyone were to see them. Besides, he'd be able to control himself more easily if she was dressed in her clothes. Definitely a bonus. 'Actually, scrap that. Get changed and we'll head off.'

'Where?' She gulped the tea down, not caring that she was supposed to sip it slowly if she wanted to relax.

'It's a surprise.'

'Mitch, it's almost five o'clock in the morning;'

'I know. The town will be up and buzzing within the hour so we'd better get a move on.' He headed out of the kitchen and Elizabeth tipped the rest of her tea down the sink. She wasn't in the mood to relax any more.

They both changed, Elizabeth into jeans and T-shirt, tying her hair back, and Mitch into a pair of shorts and a cotton shirt buttoned up only halfway. She tried not to stare at the expanse of chest revealed below his neck but was finding it increasingly difficult. They checked on Maude and left her in Teena's capable hands. Elizabeth climbed into his ute. 'Do I need my seat belt or will we be there by the time I've buckled it?'

Mitch laughed. 'Put it on. Better to be safe than sorry.' He buckled his own belt up and started the engine. True to his word, five minutes later he brought the ute to a stop.

'Where are we?'

'Coober Pedy's grassless golf course.'

'And this is one of your favourite places?'

'Sure is.' He climbed from the ute and waited for her to do the same. Without another word, he took her hand in his and started walking. The golf course was as barren as the rest of the area when it came to grass. There were squares of artificial turf at the tee-off points but, apart from that, no grass to be seen. He stopped walking and let go of her hand, making her feel lonely all of a sudden. 'Have a seat,' he said, indicating the ground.

Elizabeth raised an inquisitive eyebrow at him but sat nevertheless. 'Well done.' He chuckled. 'You're sitting in the dirt. Another triumph for the "help Lizzie to be more spontaneous" club.'

She laughed as he sat beside her, their thighs almost touching. 'Why do you like it out here so much?'

'It's peaceful.'

'And?'

'And that's it. I can think out here.'

Elizabeth looked up at the stars shining bright in the sky. She wanted to ask what it was he thought about. She wanted to know all about this man. Did he have any family, had he been married before? Did he have any children? It hit her hard—she really didn't know much about him at all.

'Can you see the Southern Cross?' he asked, pointing up at the sky to the famous southern-hemisphere constellation. 'When I was a kid, I used to look for it every night before I went to bed. I used to hate winter because there were nights when the clouds covered the sky and I couldn't see it. Then again, I hated it even more when we lived overseas for a few years and I couldn't see it at all!'

'How old were you?'

'Five when we left here and seven when we returned.'

'We?'

'Me and my mum.'

Elizabeth knew she didn't have to prompt. Mitch obviously felt the same way she did—that they didn't know each other enough, and by all indications it looked as though he was trying to rectify that.

'She died when I was twenty-two. Cancer.'

Elizabeth reached out and took his hand, squeezing it reassuringly. He was happy at the contact and squeezed back. 'It was a long time ago... Ten years...'

'But you still miss her,' she said softly.

'Yes. My father is...somewhere. I'm not sure. Don't even know if he's alive.'

'Does that bother you?'

'Sometimes. I didn't like the way he treated my mother back' then and it took me quite a while to get over it.' He paused. 'My father had a professorship offered to him at Oxford. The job was initially for two years and my mother was happy to go. After all, it was only two years.'

'But it wasn't?'

'No. He wanted to stay and she didn't. They couldn't work out their differences so she and I came back to Sydney and my brother stayed in England with my father.'

"That must have been hard for everyone concerned.' She paused. 'I had no memories of my mother.'

'It must have been nice to finally track her down.'

'I cried. When I received the first letter back from her, I cried. I was seventeen and a half and I cried like a baby. It was one of the best days of my life. Every time I'd receive a letter from her, I'd feel overjoyed. I'd also feel guilty because I knew my father didn't want anything to do with her.'

'She ran out on him, didn't she? At least, that's what Maude told me.'

'Yes.' Elizabeth shook her head. 'I'm in awe of her. She was practically forced to marry him—he had the right social standing, class, and their parents expected it. She would have let too many people down if she'd failed to marry him.' Elizabeth tipped her head back and looked at the stars. 'Maude once wrote that she'd watched her mother shrivel away into nothing and she wasn't going to end up the same. She didn't dislike my father—he simply wasn't her type.' She looked at Mitch and smiled. 'So she left. Her parents cut her off, my father quietly divorced her after receiving full custody of me. She told me that it broke her heart to give me up but she knew, under the circumstances, that living with him would be better for me. He was able to provide for me and I guess that's what any parent wants for their child.'

'He never remarried?'

'No. He's an extremely private man. I have no idea if he has any particular lady friend or not. I was raised by competent nannies and, as I grew older, housekeepers tended to my needs.'

'He wasn't around much?'

'No. I think I reminded him too much of Maude—I have her green eyes and blonde hair. Don't get me wrong. He's a nice man, he's just not... the spend-time-with-the-daughter type of father. I think if I'd been a boy, it might have been different.'

Her words were said without any malice or regret—just good old British matter-of-factness. Mitch chuckled.

'What? What's so funny?'

'You're just... so different.'

'Different from whom?'

'From girls I'm usually attracted to.'

'I think that's a compliment.'

His smile grew. 'It is.' Mitch leaned closer, cupping her cheek with his free hand. 'Very attracted to.' His lips were soft and gentle on hers and she opened her mouth willingly, her need for him mounting with every passing second. She let go of his hand and shifted slightly to face him, her fingers plunging deep into his hair.

His hand followed her lead and soon he'd pulled the band from her hair and was fulfilling his fantasy of running his fingers through her silky locks, his mouth turning hot and hungry on hers. Elizabeth couldn't shrink from the most passionate kiss she'd ever received in her life but instead matched him. She wanted this more than she'd wanted anything in her life and, surprisingly, the thought didn't scare her. She felt...safe with Mitch.

The emotions seemed to swamp her, one after the other, and she welcomed them. She felt alive in his arms, with his mouth firmly on hers, their torsos pressed together. His hand fisted loosely in her hair, ensuring her head stayed in place as he gently eased her backwards.

He shifted slightly, his masterful mouth never leaving hers for a second as he continued to drug her senses. She slid her hands lightly over his shirt, edging down until she found the hem of his shirt. Putting her hands beneath it, she groaned as her fingertips made contact with his hard, muscled back. It was smooth and warm and firm and she wanted him closer...much, much closer than they were now.

Mitch groaned as she lightly trailed her fingernails down his back, arching like a cat. He broke his mouth free from hers, both of them panting wildly as he buried his face in her neck, breathing in the scent of her hair. It was so amazing to finally be able to give in to his desire to touch her this way. To have the silky strands of her hair brush lightly against his face as he nuzzled her neck.

Elizabeth smiled and slowly opened her eyes, the bright stars all blurring into twinkling lights. She still moved her hands up and down his back as they both started to come back to earth, loving the feel of him.

'Lizzie,' Mitch breathed, and slowly sat up, bringing her with him, his gaze firmly on hers. 'I don't want to hurt you or rush you or confuse you, but I can't help how much I want you.'

'I know. I want you just as much but we can't.'

'No,' he confirmed. 'We can't because there are still a lot of obstacles in our way.' He shifted closer, his arms protective around her. Elizabeth looked out into the early morning, her face set with concentration. He knew she was gathering her thoughts and he waited patiently.

'Have you ever been in love?'

He raised his eyebrows at her question. It wasn't what he'd expected her to say. 'Er...yes.'

'What happened?' She didn't look at him but leaned her head on his shoulder, snuggling in.

He took a deep breath and slowly let it out. 'She died.'

'When?'

'Four years ago. Her name was Sonja and she was a tree surgeon.'

Elizabeth pulled back to look at him. 'A tree surgeon?'

'Yes.' He smiled at the puzzled look on her face. 'We didn't meet at a medical conference, if that's what you're thinking.'

'Oh, no, no. I wasn't thinking anything of the sort,' she quickly protested, and he pressed his lips briefly to hers.

'Sonja was passionate about the outdoors. We met when I was forced to take leave from the hospital. I went to Tasmania and ended up doing a nature hiking tour. Sonja was there to treat some of the trees and we started talking. The rest, as they say, is history.'

'Did you want to marry her?'

'Yes. I transferred to the hospital in Hobart and we were planning our wedding. Two weeks before the big day she was killed. She was heading home, it was raining and...and her car ended up wrapped around a tree. She died instantly.'

'Oh, Mitch.' Elizabeth caressed his cheek. He looked deeply into her green eyes and was thankful he didn't see sympathy, only heartfelt compassion. She reached up and pressed her lips to his and he felt...reassured somehow. It was amazing. Lizzie was amazing.

He put her from him, knowing there was more to be said. 'Don't you want to know what happened next?'

'Do you want to tell me?'

'Yes. I hit the self-destruct button, took a year's leave from the hospital and drank myself stupid.' She nodded. That explained why he no longer drank alcohol. 'After that year, things started to get better—very slowly but still, better. I wasn't settled, though. I worked in most of the major hospitals around the country and finally ended up in Adelaide. I still couldn't settle because everywhere I went...' He paused and shook his head. 'It's ridiculous...you'll laugh.'

'I won't.' And he knew she wouldn't.

'Everywhere I went, there were trees. I was constantly reminded of Sonja and her love for them and the fact that one had ultimately claimed her life.'

'And then you found Coober Pedy.'

'Yes. A place practically devoid of trees. He landscape looks more like the surface of the moon—as you said—and for the first time since her death, I felt...relaxed. The headaches I'd had stopped and I started to feel alive again.'

Elizabeth smiled at him. 'I'm really happy for you. It must be...amazing to feel that way. Liberating.'

'Are you seriously telling me you've never felt that way before?'

Elizabeth looked down, wondering how to tell him she'd only ever felt that way when she'd been with him, in his arms, with his mouth firmly on hers. She shook her head. 'My life has been...controlled is the best way to describe it. Getting on the plane, coming here to meet Maude, is the most adventurous thing I've ever done and even then it was after great and tiring debates with my father and Marcus.'

She felt Mitch's body tighten and knew she shouldn't have mentioned Marcus. Any woman should know never to bring up an old boyfriend when she was with a man who made her feel so...special.

'Marcus?'

'Yes.'

'The... fiancé?'

'He's not my fiancé.' Elizabeth pulled away to look at him. 'I've already told you that, and before I left England I told him I wanted a break. I didn't want to have to explain anything to him or my father.'

'Anything?'

'Maude.'

'Your father doesn't know you've come here to see Maude?'

'No, and I'd rather he didn't know. I don't need that complication in my life.'

'Has...Marcus called you again?'

'Yes.' She sighed heavily.

'You don't want him to call you?'

'I just want time out. I want to find out who I am.'

'And who are you?'

She chuckled without humour. 'How can I tell?'

'Are you happy?'

She thought about Maude, about finding the opal, of sneaking into the hospital to feed choc-pops to two little boys. She thought of Mitch and she smiled. 'I like it here.'

'And Marcus?'

She shook her head. 'I don't want to think about him.' Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Mitch and held him close. 'Not now.'

'What's his surname?'

'Who?'

'Marcus. What's his surname?'

'Wetherby.'

Mitch shook his head and put her from him. 'Unbelievable.'

'What is?'

'Marcus Wetherby.'

Elizabeth looked closely at his face, her eyes slowly growing round with shock. 'You know him?'

'More than that.' Mitch stood and brushed the dirt off himself. He held out his hand to Elizabeth and helped her to her feet. 'He's my little brother.'

CHAPTER EIGHT

Elizabeth was stunned beyond belief. 'Your...your brother!'

Mitch turned and stalked back to the ute. Elizabeth couldn't move. She was glued to the spot and watched him, his words slowly sinking in. He reached the vehicle, climbed in and thumped the steering-wheel.

Shaking his head, he called out, 'Are you coming, Lizzie, or are you walking back to the hospital?' As though to prove his point, he started the engine. Elizabeth finally found the impetus to move her legs and walked over to the ute. She climbed in and the instant she shut her door he reversed, swinging the car more forcefully than was necessary.

'Well, if you're going to drive like an idiot, perhaps it would be safer for me to walk.'

That haughty tone of hers was back and although he didn't appreciate it, Mitch was thankful for her words. Somehow they'd managed to penetrate the fog of unrealistic disbelief and anger which had been clouding his thoughts. He checked himself and drove off in a more sedate manner.

They were back at the hospital in next to no time and Elizabeth turned in her seat to look at him. 'Are you sure?'

'Of course I'm sure. I know my own brother's name, Elizabeth.'

That stung. When she'd first met him, all she'd wanted had been for him to call her by her given name, yet now...it meant he was upset with her. The light-hearted 'Lizzie' was all she wanted to hear from his lips. She forced her mind to concentrate. 'But your surname is O'Neill.'

'My mother's maiden name. After my father divorced her, she reverted back to it and I changed my name by deed poll as soon as I was old enough.'

'And Marcus kept your father's name,' she mumbled. It made perfect sense—a family torn apart. It also explained quite a bit about Marcus and why he had never, in all the time she'd known him, mentioned his mother.

'Your father is Sir Iain Wetherby.' Her words were soft and she'd said it more to herself than to him.

'So he finally got his title. I hope he's finally satisfied,' Mitch said bitterly, and glanced out the window. 'I hope it was really worth the break-up and loss of his family.'

'Mitch.' Elizabeth placed her hand on his arm but he shrugged it off. She recoiled as though he'd slapped her, her eyes widening in bewildered hurt as they started to fill with tears. Her throat went dry and a lump started to form but she drew in a breath and worked hard to regain her composure. Now was not the time to fall apart. Mitch would probably think she was doing it on purpose to manipulate him and that was the last thing they both needed. Later...much later, she'd let herself fall apart, but not now. Crying had always been frowned upon by her father and so she'd always done it in private.

She cleared her throat and tried to speak to him again, but this time she made no effort to touch him. 'Mitch, I know this has probably come as a shock to us both but let's just settle down and discuss this calmly.'

'Calm!' he spluttered. 'You be calm. You're always calm! It would never do for the poised little princess to lose control now, would it,' he asked rhetorically.

'Why is this my fault?' she demanded, her resolve to remain calm disappearing in the face of his attack. 'Don't take your family frustrations out on me, Mitchell O'Neill. The fact that I know your brother—'

'Know him! Lizzie, the man thinks he's engaged to you,' Mitch said with rage. 'That's a heck, of lot more than just knowing him.'

'Well, he's never asked me to marry him,' she responded, her own voice rising with mounting anger.

'And if he did?' Mitch challenged. 'What would you say?' he demanded, turning to face her.

Elizabeth stared at him, unable to think clearly. She shrugged and spread her hands out. 'I don't know.'

'You don't know?' he said in disbelief. He glared at her, his usual laughing blue eyes now as cold as steel. 'You don't know!' With a shake of his head he opened the door, climbed' from the vehicle and slammed the door shut. He stalked up the ramp to the hospital.

'Mitch,' she called, and followed him. He didn't stop. 'Mitch, you're being irrational and immature.'

He spun around and stared. 'And why can't I? Why, Miss Hospital Corners? Why can't I be irrational and immature if I feel like it?'

Elizabeth shrugged. She had no comeback to his question. He had every right in the world to behave however he wanted. She was the one who'd been restricted by rules and regulations all her life, and in that one second she envied him because he was giving his emotions free rein and he didn't seem to care what anyone thought. She sighed, feeling her anger beginning to dissipate.

'And besides,' he said, his own tone more calm although it still held a sting, 'at least I'm honest with myself.'

'What's that supposed to mean?'

'If you can't figure it out, then you're in bigger trouble than I thought.' With that, he turned and walked away—again.

Elizabeth couldn't follow him and not only because the tears in her eyes were blurring her vision. She was a very private person—mainly because she'd had no one to share her emotions with for most of her life—and right now she needed to regain her self-control and composure before she faced anyone.

Well, perhaps she could face Maude, but her mother was inside. Although she wanted nothing more than to run to her, to be held tightly and to cry her heart out, she couldn't do it— especially with Mitch and the rest of the hospital staff watching.

She needed to get away.

Elizabeth looked around, her gaze quickly focusing on Mitch's old ute. The need to escape was becoming overwhelming and she found herself walking back the way she'd come. She opened the driver's door and looked down at the ignition, he hadn't left the keys behind. Then she noticed the wires poking out from beneath the dashboard.

Could she?

She stared at the wires. She'd watched Mitch do it. Surely it couldn't be that hard. It wasn't as though she was stealing his car...merely borrowing it. Her heart was pounding wildly, the sound reverberating in her ears as she reached out shaking hands towards the wires.

Elizabeth withdrew them quickly and wiped them down her clothes before trying again. She held the wires in her hands but still couldn't do it. She sat in the driver's seat and closed the door. Sighing heavily, she shook her head. She just couldn't do it. The fight, the anger, the confusion—all the emotions she'd been feeling drained out of her, to be replaced by depression.

She'd been programmed to do the right thing. She'd been the perfect student at school, the best in deportment classes, elocution lessons—and at keeping her mouth closed when her father spoke. Saying she wanted to go to medical school had been a big issue for her to face her father with but with thanks to an old medical professor who was a great friend of her father's, he'd finally given his consent.

Elizabeth had studied hard and had done exceedingly well...and now here she was, sitting in an old, smelly ute in the middle of Australia. The flies were buzzing and her head was spinning with a multitude of thoughts. Top of the list was that she didn't like it when Mitch was angry with her.

'At least I'm honest with myself.' She whispered his words out loud. Elizabeth wasn't sure how to be honest with herself. She'd been afraid to have an individual thought for most of her life and now, just as she was starting to gain some insight into herself, Mitch was there, confusing things for her even more.

Why had she let him kiss her? Why? Why? Why?

She closed her eyes and rested her head on the steering-wheel, answering her own question. It was because his kisses were perfect and wonderful and exhilarating and made her feel...special. 'But you didn't tell him that,' she whispered, and the feeling of loneliness swamped her again.

Elizabeth lifted her head. She needed to get out of there. The car was becoming claustrophobic and it wasn't too far to walk to...to where? The clinic? The shops? The pub? She didn't' want to be around people. She wanted to be by herself.

'So do it,' she commanded herself. With a powerful surge, she reached down and grabbed the wires, fusing them together. The old engine turned over and the ute leapt forward. Elizabeth dropped the wires and the connection was broken. She grabbed the gear lever and put her foot on the clutch, thrusting it into neutral. Then she held her breath and tried again.

Success! The engine started and she raised shaking hands back to the steering-wheel, the feeling of accomplishment washing over her. She put her foot on the clutch, released the handbrake and shifted the gear lever into reverse.

If she'd thought her heart had been pounding wildly before, it was nothing compared to now! Total exhilaration swamped her. She'd done something wrong—something naughty—and she'd done it on purpose! Wow. So this was what it felt like to be...bad.

Laughter bubbled up from deep within her lungs and she let out a whoop of joy as she drove out of Coober Pedy township. She had no idea where she was going and right at that moment she didn't care.

It felt good. It felt right. It felt...liberating.

She drove past some large excavators where people were working their mines. Several people waved, obviously recognising Mitch's ute, and, not caring, Elizabeth waved back. The window was down and her hair was blowing in the breeze.

She drove for another twenty minutes on the main highway before a ringing sound startled her. The phone. The satellite phone. It brought her back to earth with a thud. She slowed the ute down and pulled over on the side of the road. She picked up the phone, connected the call as she'd seen Mitch do and climbed out of the car to stretch her legs.

'Hello?' she said tentatively.

'Lizzie. Where are you?' He didn't sound mad. Was that a good thing?

'Urn...' She looked around her and shrugged. 'It appears I'm in the middle of nowhere.' It was true. There was not a tree or a bush or anything other than flat dirt and the road she'd been driving on. No blue-tongued lizards, no kangaroos—no nothing. Only herself, the ute and flies. She grinned to herself. There were always flies!

'Which way did you head when you left town?'

'Up past your mine.'

'Right. You're on the road to Alice Springs. Good.'

'Good? Aren't you cross I took your car?'

'Let's not get into that now.'

She picked up the tension in his voice. 'What's wrong? Mitch? Is Maude all right?'

'She's doing fine. There's been a car crash about one hundred kilometres out of Coober Pedy. Cameron Davies, his wife Leeanne and their twin daughters have hit a roo. Leeanne radioed the hospital to raise the alarm. They're not far from you. She said Cameron is unconscious and the girls are upset.'

'Naturally.' Elizabeth's voice was filled with sympathy. 'Are these the girls who were conjoined twins?'

'Yes.'

'I saw them on my first day here.' She nodded, a clear picture of Leeanne and her daughters forming in her mind.

'They can't be too far in front of you. Check the petrol gauge.'

Elizabeth's mind was whirring with the information. 'Uh... petrol.' She turned and peered inside the car at the gauges on the dashboard. 'It's about half-full.'

'There's more petrol in a container in the back, plus water and my medical bag. Keep on the road you're on and give me a call when you find them. We're on our way but you'll get there before us. We're just packing up supplies and getting the plane ready.' He paused. 'Lizzie?'

'Yes, Mitch?'

'I thought you'd dropped out far a moment there. Everything OK?'

'Yes.' She was already climbing back into the car. 'I guess I'll see you there.'

'I guess you will,' he replied, then disconnected the call. Elizabeth wasted no time, putting the phone back in its holder and starting the engine. There was a family out there who needed her and—thanks to her first-ever act of spontaneity— ' she would hopefully reach them soon. She put her indicator on and checked for traffic—then smiled to herself. What was she indicating for? There was nothing—as far as the eye could see, there was nothing. Still, old habits died hard and some weren't worth getting out of.

Elizabeth resumed her course—straight ahead—and as the sun was now rising, she picked up Mitch's sunglasses from the dashboard. Her mind was whirling with different scenarios of what she might find and what the triage steps would be. If Leeanne and the girls were all conscious, then Cameron would require her attention first. She sighed, glad she was confident when it came to her work. She only wished she could be as confident about her personal life.

'You're working on it,' she said firmly, and as there was no one else around, she put the pedal to the metal and zoomed up the road.

Twenty minutes later, she could see something way up in front. It was blurred by the sun reflecting off the black bitumen road but there was definitely something up there. She put her foot down harder to get there quicker, the ute shaking under protest at the high speed.

As she drew closer, Elizabeth slowed to a more reasonable pace, her gaze taking in everything before her...and it wasn't a pretty sight.

The front of the family sedan was buckled beyond belief. The windscreen had shattered, leaving bits of glass everywhere. The big kangaroo was still lying on the road in front of the car and there seemed to be an enormous amount of flies surrounding it. It was sad that the first kangaroo she'd see in this country was a dead one. Elizabeth felt her stomach churn and was glad she hadn't yet had breakfast.

Not looking at the roo, she pulled slightly off the road and stopped Mitch's ute. Quickly, she grabbed the sat phone and rushed around to the tray to collect Mitch's medical bag and some blankets. An outback doctor must always be prepared—

she was beginning to learn that and she was thankful that Mitch was prepared.

She raced to the car and saw Leeanne twisting around in the front seat to talk to the girls in the back. Something wasn't right. Why was she still in the front? 'Leeanne. How's Cameron?' Elizabeth asked as she peered inside the car, noting both the front passenger and driver's windows had smashed as well. Then she realised Leeanne's legs were trapped beneath the twisted metal.

'He hasn't come around,' Leeanne said, muted fear in her tone. 'The girls and I have been playing I Spy.'

Elizabeth looked at the identical twins in the back. 'Hello, girls.' She kept her tone light and was glad that Leeanne had been able to settle her children down, but they were still anxious and rightly so. Elizabeth knew this because their eyes were wide and both of them were clutching their identical teddy-bears tightly.

Elizabeth looked over at Cameron again, trying to figure out the best way to get to him. He was leaning back against the seat, his head at an angle, his seat belt still holding him in place, his arms limp by his sides.

'I've been checking his pulse,' Leeanne said softly. 'It's still there but I just can't move to do anything more than that.'

'Can you wiggle your toes?' Elizabeth unfolded a blanket and put it through the window, carefully placing it over Leeanne.

'Yes.'

'That's a good sign. Keep doing that every now and then. Any pain?'

'I'll be fine. Just deal with Cameron,' she whispered.

'Mummy. It's your turn to guess,' one of the girls said.

'Uh...' Leeanne's voice wavered and Elizabeth realised that the woman was about to fall apart. Someone had come to help so there was no need for her to be brave any longer.

'Why don't we let Mummy have a little rest for the moment?' Elizabeth said as she went around to the driver's side of the car. She tried the door and thankfully was able to get it open—not much but enough for her to manoeuvre through. 'What letter does it begin with?'

'B,' both girls said in unison.

'Hmm. B,' Elizabeth said as she quickly pulled on a pair of gloves and checked Cameron's pulse. 'Bushes?'

The girls giggled. 'There aren't any bushes out here.'

She pulled out her medical torch and shifted around so she could check his pupils. Both equal and reacting to light. That was a good sign. 'Oh, yes. You're right. How about blue sky?' Elizabeth could see that Cameron's feet were trapped beneath the pedals. She took his blood pressure—it wasn't very good. He was losing blood from somewhere and as there didn't appear to be any signs of it externally, it meant he was bleeding internally. She felt along his back, arms and legs, checking for fractures, but couldn't feel anything. 'Cameron?' she called loudly.

'That doesn't begin with B,' one of the girls said.

There was no response from their father. 'Oh. How about...bears?'

'Yes.' They were happy. 'Now it's your turn.'

'All right but first I need to call Dr Mitch on the phone. How are you doing, Leeanne?' she asked, and when she didn't receive any response she said more loudly, 'Leeanne. Stay with me now.'

The other woman roused and opened her eyes. 'Stay with me,' Elizabeth repeated. 'How are you feeling?'

'Tired.'

She rang through to the hospital and reported the situation to Imogen. 'How much longer?'

'Another five minutes or so,' the nurse replied. 'I'll pass the message on.'

Elizabeth disconnected the call, hoping the five minutes would hurry up and pass. She needed Mitch there now. Both Cameron and Leeanne would need to be cut from the car. It appeared both the girls were fine, although one of them had a small cut on her forehead which had bled for a while before clotting.

Elizabeth checked the medical bag and was overjoyed that Mitch kept it so well stocked. She'd seen him checking it daily and was glad there was a bag of saline there. She started to rig up the drip. 'I spy with my little eye, something beginning with...' What could she possibly say? They were in the middle of nowhere. There weren't that many things to spy. 'L.'

'Um...door.'

'That begins with a D.' Elizabeth sounded the letter phonetically. 'L, as in lick.'

'Lick,' one said.

'No.' Elizabeth rigged the bag of saline onto the car aerial before starting on the IV line. 'Try again. Remember, the first letter is L.' She pronounced it phonetically again.

'Lollies.'

'You're right. Lollies do begin with L but that's not what I can see. You have to be able to see what you're thinking of. How are you doing, Leeanne?'

'Leeanne,' came the call from the back.

'Good, but not what I was thinking of.' Elizabeth glanced across at Leeanne. 'Come on. Stay with me,' she called again, and Leeanne opened her eyes once more. "They'll be here soon. I promise.'

'Light!' one of the girls said triumphantly, pointing to the interior car light.

'Yes. Well done,' Elizabeth praised. 'You girls are certainly good at this game. Now let's play I Hear With My Little Ear. What can you hear?'

Both girls strained to listen and Elizabeth taped the IV line in place and started the drip. She checked Cameron's pupils again as well as his blood pressure, which had dropped since the last time she'd taken it.

'I can't hear anything.'

'You have to listen very carefully; don't you, Leeanne?'

'Uh...' Leeanne roused again and looked vague.

'Do you know where you are?' Elizabeth called, her concerned gaze watching the other woman carefully.

'In the car. We hit a roo,' Leeanne replied softly.

'Come on, girls? Tell Mummy what you can hear.'

Elizabeth could hear it—the glorious sound of the plane— and it was getting closer and closer.

'I can hear something. I can hear something,' one of the girls chanted.

'Me, too. Me, too.' They both clapped.

'It's Dr Mitch and his friends who have come to help us out,' Elizabeth explained.

'Yay! It's a plane.'

'Very good. You both win that game. Now, I need you to listen very carefully. You need to stay here where you are. Try not to move around too much and soon we'll have you out of the car. Leeanne, how is your feet-wiggling coming along?'

'Good. I can do it.' She sounded exhausted and Elizabeth didn't blame her. The plane had landed on the road and Ryan, Teena and Mitch were headed towards them, all carrying equipment. Elizabeth wriggled free from where she'd been crouching beside Cameron and stood, -massaging her lower back. Mitch headed around to her.

'Fancy meeting all of you out here,' he said, his tone bright and jovial. Teena tried the rear doors but both were locked. She waved to the girls and then headed to the back of the car.

'I'll get them out through the boot,' she told Mitch.

'Good. Ryan, check the roo and then we'll start cutting these people out.' Mitch bent and looked in at Leeanne. 'How are your legs?'

'I can wiggle my toes,' Leeanne pronounced proudly, just like one of her daughters. Elizabeth smiled. Mitch was there and she felt more comfortable with the situation. She'd been out before on retrieval in London but the equipment and services had all been readily available. Out here it was you, whatever you had with you and the elements. Thank goodness they weren't too far from Coober Pedy and Mitch had been able to get there sooner rather than later. 'I was just about to give her something for the pain.'

'Good. How's Cameron's BP?' Mitch asked and Elizabeth checked once more.

'Slightly improved since I took it last.' She stepped out of the way so Mitch could get in and check Cameron. She looked up and saw Ryan walking back from the plane with a shotgun in his hands. Her eyes widened in shock and she was glued to the spot. What on earth was going on?

The nurse walked over to the roo, aimed the shotgun and fired.

Elizabeth jumped out of her skin and started trembling. What had he done that for? She had been hoping someone had contacted a vet or an animal rescue person to come and deal with the roo.

Mitch stood up and looked at her, noticing she appeared stunned. He put his hands on her shoulders and forced her to look at him. 'Lizzie. Lizzie?' She wasn't moving and her eyes were starting to fill with tears. 'Elizabeth.' His voice was firm and she snapped her head around so their eyes could meet. 'He had to do it. It's the most humane thing. The roo wouldn't have survived the impact and the fact that it was still alive meant it would simply lie there and have to endure a slow and torturous death.'

'But...but...why couldn't we help it?'

'Because it was beyond help.' He gathered her close, pressing his body firmly against hers in reassurance. 'It's the way things are out here. Cameron and Leeanne are not beyond help.' He pulled back and looked at her again. 'I need you, Lizzie. I need you to focus on your job.'

Elizabeth glanced across at the roo but he turned her head back to face him. 'Don't look at the roo. Focus on what you need to do here. It will take us a while to get Cameron and Leeanne out and by the time we do, the RFDS should be here to take them on to Adelaide, but we need to get them out first. Forget the roo for now.' His tone was firm yet understanding.

'All right. It was the only thing to do?'

'It was the only thing to do,' he clarified.

'All right,' she repeated, and closed her eyes, trying to compartmentalise her thoughts and emotions. She'd done it before and she could do it now. Opening her eyes, she looked over to where Teena had pushed the back seat forward and was in the process of helping the girls to climb out of the car through the boot. They thought it was great fun.

'Set up a bag of plasma for Cameron.' He pointed to a medical kit he'd brought with him. 'Ryan and I will start peeling' this car open like a tin can.'

'How do you do that?'

'We'll peel the roof back first, which will allow us better access to the rest of the car. Then we start chopping pieces out until everyone's clear.'

'And you do this how?'

'With the jaws of life.'

Of course. She'd seen them at road accidents in London but she'd never seen them in action before.

'Are you OK now?'

'Yes.' She squared her shoulders and flipped her hair out of the way, wishing she had a band to tie it back with.

'Good.' He went around to Leeanne's side and gave her something to help with the pain, then he crossed to Ryan and they started talking, pointing at the car and working out where they needed to begin.

Elizabeth bent down beside Cameron again, checked the drip and started getting the plasma ready. She'd have to put it in his other arm and use the car aerial once more to hang the bag on. This time she needed to lean across to insert the IV and things took a little longer.

'Cameron,' she called again as she started on his obs once more. 'Can you hear me?' Still no response. Mitch had placed a cervical collar around Cameron's neck to help stabilise his head. Elizabeth felt his scalp again, checking for swellings. There was one at the back and one at the front. He'd obviously hit his head on the steering-wheel as well as the headrest. Whiplash.

Ryan bent into the window on Leeanne's side and secured a neck brace around her as well. 'We're getting there, Leeanne.'

'I'm not going anywhere,' the woman tried to joke, and it was good to see her keeping her spirits up. 'The girls?'

'They're over with Teena,' Elizabeth replied. 'They're fine. One of them has a cut on her head but nothing that a plaster won't fix.'

'I'm so glad they're both all right.' Tears welled in Leeanne's eyes. 'If anything had...' She trailed off.

'It didn't,' Elizabeth said firmly. 'They'll be fine. They didn't even flinch when Ryan...you know.'

'They know about roos and that if they're badly injured the best thing to do is to put them out of their misery. They've seen it before.'

Elizabeth shook her head. 'This outback life is so completely different from anything I've ever known.'

Leeanne gave her a wobbly smile. 'The outback has her moods but she also brings a lot of benefits as well.'

Mitch came over to the car and spoke to Leeanne. 'The plane's going to take Teena and the girls back to Coober Pedy. I'd like them to stay in hospital for a few days so we can make sure they won't have a delayed reaction. We're not busy so it's no problem and Imogen would love to have patients to fuss over, especially two gorgeous girls.'

'What about us?'

'The two of you will go straight to Adelaide. You're both going to need specialist care.'

Leeanne glanced across at Cameron. 'Is he...?'

'I don't know. He's bleeding internally and until we get him out we're not going to know what the damage is. We're boosting his fluids by giving him saline and plasma, which will give him the best fighting chance possible.'

'Good.' She sighed and closed her eyes.

'Once you're stable, you can come back to Coober Pedy and we can monitor you from the hospital and outpatient clinics so you shouldn't need to be in Adelaide too long, maybe a few days.'

'Good,' she said again, but didn't open her eyes.

The men took their time peeling back the car and when the RFDS arrived, they all pitched in and soon Leeanne and Cameron were out and being carried on stretchers to the plane. They'd needed to cut the car pedals away in order to get Cameron out and both of his feet were badly crushed.

'Take care of my girls,' Leeanne told Mitch after she'd been secured into the plane. Both of her lower legs were broken and would require surgical intervention to fix them. Thankfully, there was no sign of any spinal injury.

'They'll be fine. You concentrate on getting better. I'll be speaking to the head of orthopaedics, Sam Chadwick, who's a friend of mine, and he and his wife Penny will personally take care of both you and Cameron.' Leeanne smiled at his words. 'Ryan will be going with you to make sure everything is fine. Personally, I think he wants an excuse to stop in and see that dietician he's had his eyes on for the past few months.'

Leeanne gave a small chuckle.

'I'll be ringing to check up on you so make sure I hear favourable reports.'

'I will.'

'See you in a few days.'

Elizabeth was waiting outside the plane when Mitch disembarked. 'All done?'

'All done.' They walked back to his ute and watched as the plane taxied and took off, once more using the road as a runway. The local tow-truck driver from Coober Pedy had arrived and he and his mate began the task of getting the Davieses' car back to town.

'Guess we'll leave you to it, fellas,' Mitch said.

'Yeah, that'd be right. You get rid of the patients and then leave the rest to us,' the driver teased.

'You're the experts.' Mitch grinned as he finished packing the equipment into the tray of his ute. 'Ready to go, Lizzie?' he asked, punching in a number on the sat phone. 'Imogen,' he said a moment later, and gave her the update of the situation. 'Lizzie and I are heading back to town now so we'll see you in about forty minutes.' He disconnected the call and climbed behind the wheel. 'Uh...sorry, Lizzie. Did you want to drive? You can hot-wire my car again if you like.'

She frowned at him, unsure whether he was serious or teasing. She opted for the latter. 'I've had enough spontaneity for today. You can drive. I'll relax.'

He chuckled. 'Fair enough.' And bent to hot-wire the ignition.

'How long will it take for the plane to get to Adelaide?' she asked after they'd been driving for a while.

'About two hours. It's almost ten o'clock now so Cameron should be in Theatre this afternoon.'

'I heard what you said about your orthopaedic friends taking care of them. That's nice.'

'I find it helps if my patients know I know the doctors who'll be looking after them. I've known Sam for years and he often looks after my orthopaedic patients when they're in Adelaide.'

'That's nice.' She leaned her head back on the headrest and closed her eyes. 'It's a pity about the roo.'

'It is,' he agreed, 'but it was the only thing to do.'

'I know. I was just shocked.'

'You should probably learn how to handle a gun while you're here.'

'Going down mine-shafts, shooting half-dead native animals.' Elizabeth shook her head. 'I don't know if I can take this different lifestyle any more.' She opened her eyes when she felt Mitch's hand on hers.

'Out here everything is stripped back to basics. Honesty is the biggest and best commodity. There's nowhere to run to and nowhere to hide, especially when it comes to facing yourself.!

'Is that what you've done?'

He nodded. 'I think I've become more in tune with who I am since I arrived here. So did Maude, and you are too. I've already noticed a lot of changes in you, Lizzie. You'll get there.' He squeezed her hand once more and when she thought he'd let it go, she discovered she was wrong. Instead, he kept a firm hold and placed their entwined hands on his thigh as they drove.

Sparks zinged up her arm at the warmth and contact but she didn't want to break it...so she didn't. His words had made sense but talking about something and doing it were two different things. Had she changed a lot already? She thought for a moment and agreed with that assessment. She was happier than she'd been in a long time and right now the thought of returning to England made her cringe. She hadn't liked her life before coming here but she hadn't been able to see it.

Neither of them said much else and when they pulled up, outside the hospital Mitch lifted her hand and pressed his lips to her fingers. 'Let's go check on the girls and your mother.'

'Good idea.' They walked into the hospital and Elizabeth crossed to her mother's bedside, glad to see her looking better. 'Good morning, Mum.' She picked up the chart and read it before checking the drain. 'This is looking good.'

'It's annoying,' Maude grumbled.

'Well, if you'd told me on Thursday night what had happened, chances are you might not have needed it,' she chastised softly, and sat on the bed. 'Why didn't you tell me?' Her tone had softened.

'I didn't want to worry you.'

'I'm your daughter. It's my job to be worried.'

Maude smiled. 'I guess it is. I just felt silly, as though it was all a storm in a teacup.'

'In future, Mum, when it comes to medical problems, let me be the judge of that.'

'Yes, Doctor.'

Elizabeth smiled at her mother's words. 'Now, I would like you to rest.'

'Only if you do.'

'I intend to. We'll probably be able to take the drain out tomorrow and then in a few days' time you can come home.'

'What about the mine?'

'What about it? It will still be there, waiting for you when you are fully recovered and Mitch has given you the all-clear.'

'And the opal?'

'Mitch has it.'

'Don't leave the wheeling and dealing up to him. He's terrible at it.'

'Would you like me to see if we can arrange for someone to come here and speak to you about it?'

'Yes. The sooner the deal's done, the better.'

'All right. I'll see what I can do.' Elizabeth stood and kissed her mother. 'Now rest.'

'Yes, Doctor.'

Elizabeth spoke to Imogen and explained Maude's request.

'That shouldn't be a problem. I'll speak to her about it and get it organised.'

'Thank you. Where's Mitch?'

'He's just finished on the phone with his orthopaedic mate in Adelaide and is seeing the girls.' Loud giggles came from the paediatric beds and Imogen rolled her eyes. 'Scrap that. He's not seeing the girls, he's razzing them up. Excuse me.' Imogen headed off and Elizabeth smiled. A moment later Mitch strolled out of the ward, a large grin on his face.

'You just can't help it, can you?' she asked, and shook her head.

'Help what?' His tone was all innocent.

Elizabeth smothered a yawn but smiled at him.

'I think it's time to take you home, Lizzie. I presume you've checked on Maude and everything is to your satisfaction?'

'Yes.'

'Then your chariot awaits.'

CHAPTER NINE

Exhausted, Elizabeth hardly opened her eyes on the drive home. 'What a day,' she mumbled.

'You can say that again,' Mitch said on a laugh.

'What a day,' Elizabeth repeated as he pulled up outside her mother's dugout. She turned and smiled sleepily at him.

'Are you going to be able to make it inside?'

'Yep.'

'Yep? Is that the answer of a debutante?' Mitch chuckled and Elizabeth felt the rich sound wash over her like a comfortable blanket. 'Aw, Lizzie.' His smile disappeared. 'Don't look at me like that.'

'Like what?'

'All sleepy-eyed, mussed up and totally irresistible.' He reached out and brushed his fingers down her cheek, his other hand sifting through her hair. 'I can understand why you don't wear it down when you're working, Lizzie, but I've got to tell you...it feels like heaven when I run my fingers though it. All smooth and silky.'

Just like his voice. Elizabeth was finding it increasingly difficult to keep her eyelids from closing and when she gave in to the urge, the warmth and comfort of Mitch surrounding her,. she felt...safe.

'You're not allowed to kiss me,' she said sleepily.

'Hmm? Why not?'

'Because you were horrible to me this morning.'

He chuckled, the rich sound tingling around her. 'You deserved it.'

She opened her eyes and tried to glare at him but found she couldn't. Instead, she noted the darkness in his eyes, the passion bubbling just beneath the surface, and any annoyance she felt slipped seamlessly away. 'Perhaps we'll have to agree to disagree.'

'Perhaps.' His voice was filled with repressed desire and she allowed herself another smile as a feeling of feminine satisfaction settled over her. She was pleased the attraction that was so strong between them wasn't all one-sided. She was pleased that she could affect him just as much as he could affect her. She was pleased she didn't have the strength to fight him because the one thing she wanted most right at that second was to have Mitch's lips firmly on hers.

Thankfully, he obliged.

Elizabeth sighed, releasing all her pent-up tension and frustrations. It had been an emotional, involving day and it had begun and ended in Mitch's arms. The feel of his hand in her hair, the way his fingers caressed her cheek before slipping down to her neck to tilt her head just a fraction higher, the way his mouth was ever so gentle on her own yet still coaxing and demanding her response at the same time.

He was...amazing.

The way he made her feel was amazing and overwhelming and powerful and scary. She felt as though she could conquer the world, that she could do anything—even stand up to her father. She wanted to stay here for ever because she knew as soon as he left her tonight, she'd start doubting again. Here, with him, there was nothing except the two of them and the way they made each other feel. It was vital. It was important. It was real.

She pulled away and gazed into his eyes. 'Mitch.' His name was a breathless whisper.

Mitch looked down into her eyes, seeing the glazed look of wonderment and delight before he dragged in a deep breath and brought her closer, her head resting on his chest. 'Lizzie, I feel as though I've been hit by a truck.'

'That would hurt.'

'It does.' He laughed humourlessly and raked a hand through his hair. 'I can't seem to keep my hands off you, or my lips for that matter. When I think about you leaving at the end of your contract, my chest constricts and I find it difficult to breathe.'

Elizabeth listened to his heart beating, its rhythm slowly decreasing to a more sedate level. She knew exactly how he felt. She felt the same way, even more so since their talk this morning.

'Lizzie, I want you to marry me.'.

Elizabeth's eyes snapped open and she pushed herself up to stare at him. 'Pardon?'

'You heard. Marry me.'

'Marry you?'

'Yes, marry me.'

'But...' She stopped. 'But...' She shook her head, trying to make sense of things. 'But...where on earth did this come from? We hardly know each other.'

'You know me better than almost the entire township does. I've told you things I haven't told anyone else. You're... special to me, Lizzie, and I don't want to lose that.'

'Marriage?' Elizabeth couldn't help it. He couldn't have said anything that would shock and surprise her more. 'I think I'm beginning to understand that truck feeling. Marriage?'

He shrugged and reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. 'I like having you around.'

His words were wonderful and she felt herself crumbling, but part of the reason she'd come here had been to find herself and the last thing she needed was to get lost in Mitch. 'You didn't this morning,' she pointed out.

'That was just a quarrel. We can sort things like that out with a snap of our fingers.' He snapped his fingers to prove it. 'Anyway, think about it.'

'Think about marrying you,' she stated, repeating the words in the hope that they'd filter into her brain.

'Yes.' He caressed her cheek again. 'I'll walk you to the door.' He climbed out of the ute and came around to her side, not surprised that she was too shell-shocked to open her own door.

'Thank you,' she muttered absent-mindedly and he smiled. Even at a time like this, her manners were still in place.

'Believe me, the pleasure is all mine, Lizzie.'

'You called me Elizabeth this morning.'

'I was cross with you.'

'Why?'

'Because sometimes you're too stubborn. Too wrapped up in the ways of the past. You're a smart woman, Lizzie, which is another thing I admire about you, but at times I'm surprised you can't see past the end of your nose.'

'What's that supposed to mean?' she asked indignantly as she unlocked the door.

He smiled and pulled her into his arms. 'Exactly.' He kissed her forehead. 'That's what you need to figure out.' Mitch bent his head and pressed his lips to hers once more, amazed at how he couldn't seem to get enough of her. She was a drug and he was addicted. 'Think about it, Lizzie. I won't push or pressure you but I would like the opportunity to take you out.'

'So you're declaring your intentions, then, sir?'

He smiled. 'I am. After asking you to marry me, I think you should have a clear indication of what those intentions are.'

Elizabeth kissed him and stepped back, opening the door. 'You asked me? Hmm. That's not the way I remember it.' Mitch frowned. 'You merely said you wanted me to marry you. So why don't I think about it and you think about it and you can take me out to dinner next Saturday—emergencies notwithstanding—and we'll talk some more?'

'Saturday? That's the end of next week?'

'Very good.' Elizabeth smiled sweetly as she shut the door.

Mitch stood where he was for a moment, unable to believe she'd just shut the door in his face. Then he smiled at the way she'd done what she'd wanted to do. Good for her. He drove to his own place and once there he switched on a light and headed for the kitchen. Pulling a ginger beer from the fridge, he leaned against the bench and thought. He'd asked Elizabeth to marry him!

No. Hang on a minute. What had she said? He hadn't asked her—and he realised belatedly that he hadn't. He'd only said that he wanted to marry her and right now he was really glad she hadn't asked why...although he knew the question would arise sooner rather than later.

He walked into the living room and stood staring at the picture of himself and his brother taken all those years ago. Mitch took a swig from the bottle and swallowed. 'So, what does she mean to you, bro'? Is she a ticket to the good life or do you really care about her?'

He stared at the photo for a long time before walking out the room to put his empty bottle in the recycle bin. Had he asked himself those same questions? What did she mean to him? Did he really care about her?

He knew the answer to the second one was yes. She had become important in his life and when they were together, regardless of whether it was underground digging for opal or working together to save a life, Mitch knew in the short time since she'd arrived in Coober Pedy he'd come to depend upon her enormously. He felt good whenever she was around and although they'd quarrelled today, he'd known that it wouldn't last very long. He "was the type of man whose anger cooled quickly. Well—he amended his thoughts—he hadn't been in the past but since Sonja's senseless death he'd come to learn that hanging onto anger didn't do anyone any good.

He'd watched Elizabeth that morning through the windows at the hospital as she'd hot-wired his ute and had been surprised at the rush of pleasure which had come from watching a desirable woman steal his car!

She'd been spontaneous and the look of sheer petrified pleasure which had been on her face as she'd driven off had been amazing. Once more his heart swelled with pride—not because he was concerned that Lizzie might turn into a thief but because she was finally starting to have confidence in herself and in her own abilities.

Of course, she was confident enough when it came to their patients but carrying that over into her private life was something completely different. Now she'd found it, he didn't want her to be hurt by it. Spontaneity certainly had its time and place but he knew she was smart enough to figure that out, but what of her new-found confidence? Would that help her to stand up to her father? Marcus? Would it eventually take her away from him?

That was why he'd mentioned marriage tonight. He didn't want her to leave. He wanted her around. He felt alive when he was in her presence. He'd grown accustomed to her face.

Mitch walked through the dark tunnels towards his bedroom, running his hand along the wall for guidance in the pitch blackness. Is this where I am? In the dark? Is this why I mentioned marriage to Lizzie? Do I need someone to help me navigate the dark tunnels of my past? Am I just wanting her to marry me for my own personal gain? Am I as bad as Marcus?

He flicked on a light and kicked off his shoes before collapsing on the bed. He lay there, looking up at the ceiling, his hands behind his head.

Elizabeth Blakeny-Smith. What a mouthful. And she probably had several middle names as well. He couldn't believe there was still so much he didn't know about her, but one thing he did know was that since she'd arrived in town, since that first moment when he'd pressed his lips to hers, his life had started to make sense again and that hadn't happened in a long, long time. Lizzie might be looking to him to teach her how to have a bit of fun but little did she realise she'd jump-started his heart. He owed her a lot for that and if she accepted his marriage proposal...well, if she thought about what he'd said he wanted he corrected himself—then he would spend the rest of his life a very happy man.

Mitch knew there were risks, of course. He'd lived them. Sonja had been a risk and Sonja had been taken from him. He'd proposed to her, she'd accepted and still he was alone, but this time he was being careful. Although he was attracted to Lizzie and liked spending time with her, he was keeping his heart locked safely away.

He may have taken risks in the past but he'd also suffered rejection and he didn't want that to happen again. First his father, then his brother. Sonja and his mother had died, leaving him alone...and he hadn't liked it one bit.

Because of Sonja, he'd moved as far away as he could get from trees. Trees! He hadn't been able to look at one without being swamped with feelings of regret and remorse. It was ridiculous and he knew it...he also couldn't help it. That was the way he was and he'd accepted that, but now...now... If he gave his heart again and something went wrong, where would he have to move to then? Antarctica?

Locking his heart away was the only way he could think of to protect himself. He was a man who found it easy to give to others, to share with others, and since he'd been in Coober Pedy that was exactly what he'd done. No one judged him on his past and that had been liberating. It had helped him to heal.

Now...there was Lizzie.

He could share his life with her, help her to discover who she was, but that was as far as it would go. There was a lot in it for her, too, he rationalised. She would be able to stay here, close to her mother, where she appeared happy. Also, there was no denying the attraction between them. It was an attraction which he felt growing every time he saw her.

It made him even more determined to keep control over his heart. Otherwise he would end up falling in love with her and he couldn't do that. He needed firm control—and to clamp down on his jealousy.

Sheer jealousy—that's what it had been. It had ripped through him when he'd first realised that Lizzie's boyfriend back in England was his brother! What were the odds? His jealousy had only been further fuelled when she hadn't been able to answer his questions. What did she want? He could feel that she wanted him, that when she'd been in his arms their lips had locked in a passionate longing. She had desperately wanted him...and all he'd wanted had been for her to admit that.

Having Marcus in the equation only brought more questions, more doubt. Was she as attracted to his brother as she was to him? Now that she knew of the relationship, did she see similarities? He clenched his jaw as he mentally pictured her kissing Marcus.

'No.' The word was torn from him and he felt the green-eyed monster creeping up on him again. He couldn't let her go back to Marcus and that one thought was starting to plague him.

He forced himself to relax—physically and mentally. She had another five months and one week here. He was positive, during that time, he'd be able to...to what? Change her mind? Show her that he was the better brother?

Mitch shook his head and stood. How could he stop himself from mentally competing with his brother? It was an old habit, one which he hadn't liked then and certainly didn't like now. It was childish. Elizabeth was not a toy they could fight over. She was a living, breathing, desirable woman who came to life in his arms and as such deserved an honest, hardworking man...not squabbling boys.

He wouldn't mention Marcus to her but if she wanted to talk about him and his brother, he would answer what he could. After all, wasn't that still a way to get to know each other better?

He certainly hoped so and he also hoped he was strong enough to carry it through.

During the following week, Elizabeth found herself growing more and more confused when it came to her personal fife, so she opted not to think about it.

The Davies twins, who were both fine after their traumatic ordeal, had gone to stay with Daphne and her mother who were friends of Leeanne's. Cameron had suffered multiple internal injuries, including a ruptured spleen and an appendix which had burst on the operating table. Two of his right toes had required amputation but the others were now repaired and reported to be healing slowly.

Leeanne had stayed in Adelaide a bit longer, concerned for her husband, and would be transferred back to Coober Pedy early the next week.

On Sunday, Elizabeth and Mitch had removed Maude's drain and a few days later her mother had been discharged home where Elizabeth was keeping a close eye on her. Maude had negotiated the opal deal from her hospital bed so by the time she arrived home she was ready for the prescribed rest.

'I'm glad you're agreeing to take things more slowly,' Elizabeth said on Friday night as she prepared dinner, her mother sitting down watching her. 'I thought I was going to struggle to get you to behave.'

Maude chuckled. 'I must be getting older.'

'Not that anyone would notice,' Elizabeth replied. The phone' rang and when Elizabeth made no move to pick it up, Maude answered.

'Hello?' She paused. 'Just a moment.' She covered the mouthpiece. 'It's Marcus.'

Elizabeth shook her head. 'Please, tell him I'm not available.'

Maude passed on the message before disconnecting the call. 'Did he ring much while I was in hospital?'

'Every night. I don't mind talking to him once in a while but, really, it's starting to become suffocating.'

Maude nodded. 'Understandable. Does he know who I am?'

'He knows you're my housemate.'

Maude nodded again and this time Elizabeth caught the sad look that crossed her mother's face. 'It's not like that, Mum. I'm not ashamed of you. Far from it.' Elizabeth sighed. 'It's just that I wanted to escape for a while. That's why I came here. I wanted time away from Marcus and Dad, and I know as soon as Marcus discovers you're my mother, he'll be telling Dad and then I'll have him on the telephone. And I don't want that aggravation.'

'I know. I know.' Maude walked back into the kitchen and gave her daughter a hug. 'I know it's hard, baby. I know you love me.'

'I do.'

The phone rang again and Elizabeth groaned. 'I'll get it.' Maude replied. She answered again and once more covered the mouthpiece. 'It's Mitch.'

'I don't want to talk to him either.'

'I'm sorry, Mitch, she... Oh, you heard her. She's cooking dinner so perhaps... Of course. Yes, I'll pass on the message. Bye.'

Elizabeth looked expectantly at her mother after Maude had replaced the receiver. 'He says he'll pick you up at seven o'clock tomorrow night for your date.'

Elizabeth closed her eyes and whimpered.

Maude took a ginger beer out of the fridge and opened it.

'What's wrong with going out with Mitch? I thought you two were getting along like a house on fire.'

'Oh, more than that.' Elizabeth angrily stirred her Bolognese sauce. 'We're getting along like an Australian bush fire that is raging completely out of control.'

Maude chuckled. 'Sounds promising.'

'He wants me to marry him.'

Maude spluttered and choked on her mouthful of drink. Elizabeth patted her back as her mother continued to cough. 'What?' she asked weakly, her eyebrows hitting her hairline.

'Last Saturday night he said he wanted to marry me. Didn't ask me, or anything like that. He's just as bad as his brother.'

'Brother?'

'Marcus.'

'Marcus is Mitch's brother!' Maude slumped down into a chair and stared at her daughter in shock.

'Yes. Small world, isn't it?'

'Now I understand why you don't want to talk to either of them.'

'I'm so confused, Mum. I really like Marcus. He's a nice man, if a little overbearing at times, yet he is calling himself my fiancé when he's never actually proposed.'

'Are you interested?'

'I don't know! I think if I'd stayed in England we probably would have drifted into marriage at some point in the future. He has a lot going for him. He's good-looking, he has a good job, he's always polite and attentive towards me and he also has Dad's approval.'

'But does he ring your bell?'

'Mother!'

'It's an important question to ask yourself, Liz. He does sound like a nice man but does he stir your emotions? Does he make you want to soar with the eagles or slump down into a pit of despair, or both? Turn the stove off and come and sit with me.'

Elizabeth did as she was asked. Maude took her hand in hers. 'I loved your father, Lizzie. I really did but it wasn't the Jove a woman should have for her husband It was more of a...companionable love. Our families had always been friends and we'd grown up with each other. After we were married, though, things went wrong. I don't know whether or not he ever loved me in a different way or whether he just went through with the marriage because it was expected of him. But I'll tell you something, coming to Australia and meeting Stu was the best thing I ever did. With him, I...I felt as though I could do anything. It was liberating. It was real and it was honest. Above all, it must be an honest love.'

Maude's eyes were glazed over with tears. 'When Stu died, so did a part of my heart. I honestly believe that if you and I hadn't been in contact at that time, I would have died of a broken heart. But I hung on, knowing that you were out there and that even though it was only in the form of letters at that time, you needed me. Now you're here and I can really be here to support you.'

Tears welled in Elizabeth's eyes and slipped silently down her cheeks.

'I don't want you to be unhappy, Liz, but I also don't want you lying to yourself just so you can avoid hurting others. If Marcus makes you want to fly, that's wonderful, but from what you've told me you don't feel that way with him and I think it's time you gave it some real thought. Mitch is also in this equation and although I might be biased towards him because I know what a fine person he is, you need to make the decision for yourself. You can't ignore them for ever and you can't string them along either. Both of them deserve the truth from you.'

'It's just so...so...' Elizabeth sniffed and stood to get a tissue. She blew her nose. 'When you talk like this, it's easy for me to make a choice and that choice is Mitch. Then I think I'm not being fair to Marcus because he's not here and all I'm getting from him are annoying telephone calls saying he misses me and how he wants me to come home. He even told me the other night that he's found a legal way to terminate my contract earlier. I know he has good intentions and I can understand why he's doing it but...' She trailed off and spread her arms wide.

'But he isn't asking you what you want?'

'Exactly. However, when I think about returning to England, I can just picture Mitch being on the telephone, telling me how much he misses me and that he wants me to come back.' She sat down again. 'I feel like telling them both to go jump. I came here to spend time with you, not to be the winner's prize between two brothers.'

'Then why don't we concentrate on that for a while?' Maude suggested. 'Go out to dinner with Mitch tomorrow night—'

'And you can come.' Elizabeth's eyes lit with merriment. 'I'm sure he won't mind.'

Maude laughed. 'I'm sure he would.'

'Well, it's either both of us or nothing,' she said firmly. 'And he can like it or lump it.'

But when Mitch turned up the following evening to pick her up, he wasn't at all put out.

'Great,' he said, putting an arm around both women. 'I get to take out my two favourite ladies.'

Elizabeth was surprised and at first thought he was just saying that to be polite, but as the evening went on, she realised he really meant it. He laughed and joked with both of them and the three of them had a wonderful time. He accepted the invitation to return to Maude's house for coffee and they chatted until late.

'Come, Lizzie,' he said, pulling her to her feet. 'Your mother has yawned one too many times and I can take a hint. Walk me to the car and then tuck her up in bed.'

Elizabeth smiled, allowing herself to be led outside into the cool night. She shivered a little and Mitch immediately put his jacket around her shoulders. 'Thank you.'

'You're most welcome. I'm glad Maude came with us tonight although if we'd laughed any more, I think she might have popped some of her stitches.'

'They're all healing nicely but I might check them before she goes to bed tonight,' she said, recalling the way Maude had laughed so much she'd had tears streaming down her face.

Mitch leaned against his ute, taking hold of her jacket lapels and drawing her closer. His arms came about her as she snuggled in closer to his warmth. 'It was a good evening, Lizzie.'

'Yes, it was.'

'It was good to see you so relaxed. You've been rather...preoccupied this week.'

'I've had a lot on my mind.'

He felt her tense in his arms. 'I'm not going to pressure you, Lizzie, so you can stop worrying. I am, however, going to kiss you...so you can start enjoying.' With that, he lowered his head to hers and Elizabeth lifted her chin so their lips could meet.

It was what she'd wanted all evening long and finally here was her reward. She sighed and leaned in closer, his arms holding her tighter, possessively as his mouth moved over hers. Instead of letting them both get out of control, he kept the pace slow and gentle and when he pulled back she sighed once more and rested her head against his chest. He was a man of his word. He wasn't going to pressure her and that knowledge made her feel...safe.

He kissed the top of her head. 'I'd better get going. If you stay out here any longer, you're going to freeze and so am I.'

Elizabeth reluctantly took a step away and smiled at him, handing back his jacket. 'I thought you'd be used to these cool desert nights.'

'I am, which is why I know when to go inside and get warm.' Mitch pressed another kiss to her lips. 'Sleep sweet, Lizzie.' She stayed in the driveway and waved as he drove off, a sickening feeling of loss spreading through him as he drove away. After he'd parked the car and headed into his home, he realised he was too late.

'Sleep sweet, Lizzie.' Those had been the words he'd said and on the tip of his tongue to follow those words had been, I love you.

Mitch didn't bother to turn on any lights and slumped into a chair in the darkness. Why hadn't he realised this sooner? He was in love with Lizzie! No. It had to be a mistake: he had his heart under control. But the longer he sat there, the more he realised he'd been lying to himself. His need to have Lizzie around was because he needed her more than he needed air to breathe and that scared him.

Elizabeth had expected Mitch to remain in his light, jovial manner of Saturday night, but as the following week wore on he became more and more elusive, almost to the point where she thought he might be avoiding her.

Now that Maude wasn't going to the mine every day, Elizabeth had transportation of her own so Mitch had stopped picking her up for work... and she missed it. She'd walked past the paediatric ward the previous day and had seen him dressed up as a clown, entertaining the Davies twins while their mother lay back in her bed, relaxing.

Why hadn't he asked her to be a part of it? Had he given up completely on the 'help Lizzie to become more spontaneous' club? The knowledge hurt and it was that, more than anything else, that convinced her he was avoiding her.

She said as much to Maude who also seemed surprised. 'Are you sure you're not imagining it? You yourself said that things had been rather busy at the clinics this week. You've had all those visiting specialists from Adelaide up and it's usually chaos at the hospital when they're there. Then there's also the fact that I can't work the mine and I think Mitch feels obliged to give me a hand.'

'Hmm.'

Marcus had called her twice that week and both times he'd told her how her father was still working from home. 'He misses you, Elizabeth. When was the last time you spoke to him?'

'Yesterday, Marcus, which you would already know as you've been working from his house.'

'Of course.' He cleared his throat and Elizabeth frowned. The connection was clearer tonight. The usual echo wasn't as prominent as it usually was. Perhaps it was because he was calling at a slightly later hour than usual.

'Have you thought any more about that loophole I discovered in your contract?'

'Yes. I'm learning a lot here and at the moment I don't think it would be advisable to do anything untoward. The Professor went to a great deal of trouble to help me secure this placement, Marcus, and it may reflect badly on the hospital if I leave earlier than planned. Besides, I would feel awful leaving them one doctor short.'

'But they'll be able to find a replacement. You're needed here. With me and your father. He's not well, I tell you. Not well at all.'

'I've spoken to him, Marcus, and I've spoken to the Professor, who saw him the other day and said his condition was nothing for me to worry about.'

'You spoke to the Professor?'

'Of course I did. He's been my father's physician for years as well as his good friend. There wasn't much you or Dad could tell me of his medical condition so I called the Professor to help put my mind at rest.'

'And he did that, I suppose,' Marcus stated, and she was surprised that he sounded slightly miffed.

'Yes. I'd better go. I have an early clinic tomorrow morning and if I don't get to sleep now, I'll be late.'

'All right. I'll speak to you soon.' There was excitement in his tone now. 'And I have the most wonderful surprise planned for you. Goodnight, my dear.' And without another word, Marcus rang off.

Elizabeth stared at the receiver before she replaced it in the cradle. 'Odd,' she muttered, before going to check, on Maude. 'How's my patient tonight?' she asked as she slipped into her mother's room.

Maude was lying in bed, propped up on pillows, reading a book. 'I'm hardly your patient any more. I'm fine.' Maude brushed away her concern.

Elizabeth picked up the stethoscope which sat by the bed. 'Humour me.' She listened to her mother's breathing and nodded in satisfaction. 'Good. Nice and clear.' Elizabeth put the stethoscope back by the bed and sat next to her mother.

'Who was that on the phone? Marcus?'

'Yes. He's behaving strangely.'

'How so?'

'He seemed...I don't know...odd somehow. He appeared to be annoyed that I'd called the Professor to find out what was really happening with Dad.'

'Perhaps he thought he could emotionally blackmail you into coming home.'

'I think that was his plan but...' Elizabeth shrugged '...it didn't work. I'd better get to sleep. I have another busy clinic tomorrow. Fridays are usually quiet but not tomorrow.' She stood. 'And I suppose Mitch will find another half a dozen reasons not to be around me.'

'Are you sure you're not just imagining things?'

'I don't know, Mum,' Elizabeth wailed, and fluffed her fingers through her hair in agitation. 'All his reasons for leaving the room whenever we're alone together are quite valid so I have no real evidence.'

'Only a feeling?'

'Yes.'

'Ask him.'

'Pardon?'

'You heard me. Ask him straight out if he's avoiding you.'

'I can't do that.'

'Why not? You want to know, don't you?'

'And what if he isn't? What if this is all just in my silly imagination? Then I'll look like a complete fool.'

'Better to be thought a fool than paranoid.'

'Hmm. I think I'll sleep on it.' Elizabeth kissed her mother's cheek. 'Thanks. Sleep well, Mum.' She let herself out and walked down to her room, feeling her way along the wall. Even though there was a light on, she liked the rough texture of the walls, the feeling of history, of excitement. Now that she'd helped find opal, she was eager to give it another try. Perhaps she could ask Mitch to take her down again so she could have another go. There was no way either of them was letting Maude down there for quite a while so maybe she could offer to help them both out by lending a hand with the pick.

Perhaps that was a way she could see whether or not he was avoiding her. As she readied herself for bed, Elizabeth was more satisfied than she'd been in a long while. Coober Pedy was starting to fit her, she realised...or was it Mitch who was starting to fit?

'Marry him.' She whispered the words out loud, imagining what life would be like if she said yes. She checked that her alarm was set, turned off the light and closed her eyes, allowing herself to dream the impossible dream as she snuggled deep beneath the doona.

'Mitch, are you avoiding me?' She closed her eyes for a fraction of a second the instant the words were out of her mouth. The once-a-month afternoon hospital clinic was over and still she'd hardly spent two seconds alone with him. She had planned on asking him to take her down the mine but her exasperation had won out and the words had just blurted themselves out.

Mitch looked down at the papers on his desk before raking a hand through his hair. 'Avoiding you?' He said the words as though they were completely foreign but then he exhaled roughly and shook his head.

'What? What is it? What have I done wrong?'

He looked at her then, his blue gaze intense. 'Wrong? You haven't done anything wrong.'

'Then why have you hardly spent any time with me during this past week?'

Had she missed him? His heart leapt at the notion and he couldn't believe how sappy he felt, hearing those words from her. He cleared his throat and tried to clear his brain from being in one fuzzy, Lizzie-focused mush. 'Things are hectic, that's all. You haven't experienced the clinics when all the visiting consultants have been here so I guess it may seem a little odd.' He picked up the papers from his desk and shoved them into his briefcase.

'What about now? Do you have anything planned now?'

'I'm heading out to the mine. Sorry.'

'That's fine. I'll go with you.'

'Down the mine?' He sounded incredulous.

'Yes. Is there a problem?'

'But you've already been down.'

'That's right, and as I recall I found it exciting and invigorating.'

'I probably won't find opal today so it will be really boring. Besides, it's almost five o'clock so it will be dark by the time I've finished. You need to check on Maude.'

Elizabeth forced a smile and nodded sadly. 'All right.'

Mitch's heart lurched at the thought he might have offended her and he immediately felt bad. Man, this love thing was turning him into a sap! Mitch stared at her across the room—the desk firmly between them—yet his entire body ached to hold her in his arms.

He stepped out from behind the desk, his gaze fixed on hers. He watched as her expression turned from one of disappointment to one of awareness. Her pink lips parted slightly, her tongue slipping out to wet them in anticipation of the kiss they both knew was only moments away. He looked back into her deep green eyes which seemed to be screaming for him to hurry up.

Both had been too long without water—at least that was the way he felt and he was positive she felt the same way. Why else would she care that he'd been avoiding her? He willed his feet to move faster but his body seemed intent on doing things slowly and carefully. He reached out a hand, hoping to draw her closer as she appeared to be glued to the spot. She held out her hand, their fingers almost touching.

The brisk knock at the door had them both jumping like startled wallabies. Their arms dropped back to their sides and both took a step away before turning towards the door. Teena opened it, glanced briefly at them both before stepping aside.

'Found another patient out there?' Mitch asked, and then cleared his throat as his words had come out deep and uneven.

'Er...no. No.' Teena said, her gaze slightly concerned as she looked at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth looked past the nurse to the person behind and her jaw dropped open in astonishment. A man stepped into the room, dressed in a three-piece, pinstriped suit. He couldn't have looked more (jut of place if he'd tried.

'Marcus!' The whispered word was wrenched from Elizabeth with total shock and horror.

She realised she was gaping and quickly closed her mouth. She swallowed and then closed her eyes tight before opening them again. Yes—he was really here!

'Is that any way to greet your fiancé?' he asked, crossing to her side.

'Uh...well...' She faltered and then realised he planned to kiss her. That was odd because Marcus usually didn't like affection in public. He placed his hand on her shoulder and she quickly turned her head so his kiss landed on her cheek.

'I did say I had a surprise for you, my dear. I was calling from Adelaide last night.'

'Wh-what?'

Marcus beamed down at her and then looked at Mitch. 'Oh, sorry, old bean. Shouldn't have barged in on you like that. I do apologise.' He held out his hand. 'Marcus Wetherby. Elizabeth's fiancé. And you are...?'

Mitch stood stock still and Elizabeth saw his eyes glaze over with repressed pain. He glanced at her, then back to his brother and shook his head sadly. 'Lizzie's colleague.' He didn't bother to shake Marcus's hand but instead pushed past and stormed out of the room.

'Odd fellow. Is he always like that?' Marcus asked, returning his attention to Elizabeth. Teena had left as well so it was just the two of them, and Elizabeth simply couldn't believe what was happening.

'I need to sit down,' she whispered, and slumped into the nearest chair. She glanced at the open doorway, wanting to go after Mitch but also wanting to understand why Marcus was here. In Coober Pedy of all places!

'What a surprise. I knew it would work. I thought perhaps you'd cottoned on last night but obviously not.' He chortled. 'Jolly good show.'

'What... are... you... doing... here?' Elizabeth said each word clearly and with utter disbelief.

'Elizabeth?' Marcus frowned. 'Aren't you pleased to see me? Of course you are. I'm your fiancé and all engaged women are happy to see their fiancés after they've been apart.'

'You are not my fiancé, Marcus,' she said, her disbelief turning to anger. 'Do you have any idea what you've done?' She stood, beginning to feel her mind click over once more. Before he could answer, she said, 'Stay here,' before rushing out of the room. She headed to the hospital and went to the nurses' desk.

'Imogen, have you seen Mitch?'

She pointed to a doorway. 'Took off faster than a brush-tailed possum with its tail on fire.'

Elizabeth raced outside but his ute was gone by the time she got there. Frustration welled up inside her and for the first time in her life she had to follow through with her emotions. Bending down, she picked up a large rock and threw it with all her might. Never before had she ever thrown anything in anger and now that she had...she couldn't believe how good she felt.

Straightening her shoulders, she marched back to the nurses' desk. 'Call him on the sat phone, please.'

'Of course,' Imogen said, and immediately placed the call. 'I don't know if he'll answer.'

'He has to and you know it,' Elizabeth stated. She was right. A moment later, Imogen spoke.

'Hi, Mitch. Elizabeth wants a word with you.' Elizabeth held out her hand for the phone, but Imogen only looked at her in surprise. 'He says he doesn't want to talk to you right now.'

Once more Elizabeth took decisive action and took the phone from Imogen. 'Mitch, I just want to know that you're all right.'

'How can you even ask that?'

'Where are you?'

'I don't want to talk to you right now, Lizzie. I need some space so if you don't need me for a medical emergency, I'm going to hang up.'

Elizabeth sighed with relief. He'd called her Lizzie. 'All right. Just drive carefully.' The phone clicked dead in her ear and she gave the receiver back to Imogen. 'How am I going to sort out this mess?'

CHAPTER TEN

Elizabeth headed back to the clinic where, thankfully, Marcus had stayed put.

'Elizabeth, what on earth is going on?'

She walked in and sat down, urging him to do the same. 'Marcus, why are you here?'

'That's it? That's all the greeting I'm to expect?'

'I've had a busy day. I told you that last night. Why are you here?'

'In Australia?'

'Yes, but more to the point in Coober Pedy!'

'I missed you,' he said softly, and reached out to take her hand in his.

Elizabeth pulled away. She stood and started to pace, shaking her head slightly as her brain tried to process everything that was happening. 'You've come all the way out here just because you missed me?'

'That was one of the reasons, yes.'

She turned and faced him. 'And the other?'

'Elizabeth, dear. Really? Is this questioning necessary?' He paused and looked at her more closely. 'Is there something going on here that you don't want either me or your father to discover?'

'Just tell me why you're here,' she demanded, raising her voice slightly. Honestly, one brother was as exasperating as the other!

'I'm primarily here to see you but I also have to locate a star witness in a case your father and I are working on back home. A man by the name of Pierre Knowles. Do you know him?'

'Uh...yes.'

'Terrific. We need to take him back to England so he can testify, but every time we've tried to contact him, he disappears. I've been trying to discover his whereabouts for some time now and was completely astonished when our Australian private investigator informed us that Mr Knowles had turned up here—in the exact place you are.'

'It's a very small world.'

'That it is. Anyway, your father suggested I come out personally to speak to Mr Knowles and hopefully this time he won't try to run away and change his identity once more.'

'You mean Pierre's not his real name?'

'I'm not sure what it is, my dear. He's quite harmless but I'll admit I would feel better if you didn't go near him. If he needs medical attention, let your colleague deal with him. It's better for a man to deal with things like this.'

'I'm a doctor,' Elizabeth sighed, definitely not in the mood for one of Marcus's 'little women' speeches. The woman's place was in the home. Well, her place was with her patients, regardless of her gender. 'And Pierre is harmless.'

'I have a lead on where I can find Mr Knowles, but it would be good to know if he has medical records here. I presume he does. I may need to subpoena them for the trial.' He took out his personal digital assistant and made a note. 'Perhaps it might be good if you came with me when I go to see Mr Knowles. He may be more receptive to me if you're there. Yes.' He thought the idea through some more. 'Yes.' He nodded.

Elizabeth was amazed. He hadn't asked her if she was available to help and it was then she realised that in the past Marcus had always ridden roughshod over her. She'd gone along with whatever he or her father had needed. The only exception had been her work and as neither of them really understood either what she did or her desire to do it, it was something that was of no interest.

'How long do you plan to stay?'

'Not too long. I need to get the information from Mr Knowles and hopefully persuade him to return to England with us.'

'Us?'

'Of course. That's the other reason why I'm here. To get you out of your contract. I told you I would.'

'And I told you I didn't want you to.'

Marcus looked closely at her and frowned. 'I must say you're acting rather strangely, Elizabeth.' He had his 'solicitor' voice on and she sighed, knowing he probably wouldn't let go until he was satisfied. Mitch was still in the back of her mind and she kept reminding herself that he wasn't cross with her, just needed time to get away. She couldn't blame him. His own brother had had no clue who he was. Of course, if Mitch had introduced himself and given his name, Marcus would have realised at once. So why hadn't he?

'Elizabeth! I'm talking to you and you're blatantly ignoring me.'

'I'm sorry, Marcus.' She switched her brain back to the present. 'What did you say?'

'I said you're different. I'm not sure how but definitely different.'

'The outback will do that to you.'

'All the more reason why we should leave as soon as possible.'

'Marcus, I can't leave. I don't want to leave the hospital and the people of Coober Pedy in the lurch but more importantly...' She reached out and took one of his hands in hers, eager to make him understand. 'I choose not to leave.'

'I don't understand.'

'I like it here. I like the people, my colleagues and then there's my...' She paused, knowing what she was about to say would probably come as a shock to him. She took a deep breath. 'My mother. I'm living here...with my mother.'

'I beg your pardon?'

'Maude. You've spoken to her on the phone a few times.'

'She's your mother! Does your father know?'

'No. I didn't want to upset him,' Elizabeth rushed on. 'He's forbidden me in the past to contact her but—'

'But you didn't listen to him.' Marcus shook his head. 'When did you set this all up?'

'A few years ago.'

'A few years ago? How long have you been in contact with her?'

'Over ten years.'

'Ten years!' He turned away from her. 'And your father knows nothing of this?'

'No.'

Marcus spun around to look at her. 'It's going to destroy him, Elizabeth. Did you think of that?'

Feelings of guilt had started to swamp her but they stopped short at his words. Honesty. She remembered Mitch and her mother talking about honesty and that was what she needed to be now. She needed to be honest with herself, and if that hurt Marcus or her father, she was sorry but that was the way it was going to be. 'Do you think he ever did me any favours by not letting me know my mother?'

'He's given you everything you've ever needed, Elizabeth, and this is how you repay him?'

'He didn't give me my mother! My relationship with Maude has nothing to do with him. He doesn't need to see her or speak to her or anything, but she is my mother. My flesh and blood. I would think you of all people should understand that.'

'Pardon?'

It was then Elizabeth realised what she'd said. She thought quickly, trying to cover the fact that she knew about his mother and his brother. It wasn't her place to tell him about Mitch. 'You never talk about your own mother, Marcus. Why is that?'

'She died. A long time ago.' His words were clipped.

'And do you have any regrets? How long had it been since you'd seen her?' Her voice was soft and compassionate as she desperately tried to make him see her side of the story. 'I don't want those regrets, Marcus. I wanted to find my mother so just before I turned eighteen I took matters into my own hands. We've been writing letters for years—and more recently exchanging e-mails. I wanted to meet her so we decided to combine it with a professional placement which would also increase my medical knowledge. It seemed perfect. I knew it would hurt Dad if I told him...so I didn't. I'm a grown woman, Marcus, and neither of you seem to realise that. I need to make my own decisions, my own mistakes, my own memories, and right now I choose to make memories with my mother.'

'But your father. He's not feeling well.'

'I know. I'll call him tonight and have a long talk with him.'

'You'll tell him about your mother?'

'Yes.'

'Good. He has the right to know.'

'I realise that.'

'So you really don't want to leave here, then.'

'No. Not until my contract is up at any rate.' But what about Mitch? She pushed Mitch temporarily to the back of her mind. There were a few more things she needed to sort out before she got around to analysing Mitch and the way she felt about him.

'What about us?'

Elizabeth took a deep breath. 'I don't know, Marcus.' He hung his head, staring at his shoes, and Elizabeth felt awful. Honesty, she reminded herself. 'Quite a lot has happened to me since I arrived here and I'm still trying to process it all.'

'Is there someone else?' He looked at her.

Elizabeth remained silent but met his gaze. She stared at him, looking desperately for similarities between him and his brother, but the only thing she discovered was the shape of their eyes. Apart from that they seemed to be like chalk and cheese.

'That man,' he stated, after watching her closely. 'Your colleague. Are you...involved with him?'

Again, Elizabeth found it difficult to answer. Was she involved with Mitch? She wasn't even sure what that meant. Finally she took a breath. 'I'm...confused but I doubt whether that answers your question.'

'I see.' He nodded. 'Right. I'll be off, then.'

'Marcus—wait.'

'I'll find Mr Knowles, do what business I need to do and leave you...to your life.' He turned and walked out in his firm, brisk manner.

'Marcus!' she called again, but it was to his retreating back. That was another thing the Brothers Grimm had in common, she realised.

They both walked away from her in exactly the same way.

* * *

Elizabeth walked into her mother's house, surprised to see Mitch's ute in the driveway. Was he here? Then she realised her mother's four-wheel-drive was gone and surmised that Mitch had swapped cars and driven out to the mine.

Still, when she went inside, she listened for his deep, masculine voice and when she heard no evidence of it she headed straight for the shower. She stood beneath the calming spray, trying to make sense of everything, but it all became too hard. She turned off the water and towelled herself dry before dressing and going to find her mother.

'Hi, there. How was your day?'

'You don't want to know.'

'Something happen?'

'You could say that.' Elizabeth turned to face her mother. 'Marcus is here.'

'Here!'

'Yes.'

'In Coober Pedy?'

'Yes.'

'How?'

Elizabeth waved her hands. 'It's a long story but Marcus had no idea who Mitch was.'

Maude thought about this for a moment. 'Just by sight? Mitch didn't give his name?'

'No.'

'Well, then, that's understandable. They haven't seen each other since they were children. What did Mitch do?'

'He walked out.'

Maude nodded. 'And you and Marcus?'

'Marcus is here to find a witness—Pierre Knowles—for a court case, as well as to convince me to leave here. I've told him you're my mother but he has no idea that Mitch is his brother.'

'Wow. You have had a busy day.'

The phone rang and Maude picked it up. A moment later she went as white as a sheet and took the cordless phone into another room, not looking at Elizabeth.

'Mum?' Elizabeth followed her. 'Mum? What's wrong?' Elizabeth went into the sitting room and sat down beside her mother. 'What's the matter? Is it Mitch? Is he all right?'

Maude shook her head but still didn't say much to whoever was on the other end of the phone. Elizabeth stayed where she was, watching her mother closely. Finally, Maude said, 'You have a right to your opinion. She's here if you want to talk to her.'

Elizabeth's eyes widened and a feeling of impending doom swamped her. Maude held out the telephone receiver.

'It's your father.'

Elizabeth's hand started to tremble as she took the phone. 'Are you all right, Mum?' she asked cautiously. Maude nodded. 'He knows who you are?'

'Yes.' The word was a whisper.

'Marcus.' Elizabeth nodded her head.

'No,' Maude corrected her. 'He knew. All along, Liz. He's known about our relationship all along. The letters, the trip here... Talk to him.'

Elizabeth looked at the phone as though it were a completely foreign object. Slowly she raised it to her ear. 'Dad?' she said into the mouthpiece.

'Elizabeth. Are you well?'

'Yes...and you? I spoke to the Professor the other day and he said your blood pressure was up but that it wasn't anything to worry about.'

'Yes. He told me you'd been checking up on me.'

'Well, you are my father.'

'Yes, I am.' He paused, his tone gruff. 'I hope you've been taking good care of your...your mother.'

'Yes. She had an operation not that long ago but she's progressing nicely.'

'Maude had an operation?' He sounded concerned.

'She's fine now. I've been keeping a close eye on her.'

'Just as well you're a doctor, then.'

'Yes.' Silence. 'Dad, I'm sorry I've lied to you but I—'

'It's all right' Her father cleared his throat but she could hear the emotion, even though he was a world away. 'I was wrong, Elizabeth. Wrong to keep you from her. I can see that now. I knew you'd been in contact with her—purely by accident—and I rationalised then that at least it was only a relationship via the mail.' He paused again. 'I'm not good at this, Elizabeth. Expressing my emotions has never been my strong suit, you know that, but I want you to know that I accept your decisions, even if I don't completely understand them. Maude is your mother and you have the right to be with her. I'll see you when your contract is up.'

That was it. Her father hung up and she just sat there, the receiver still in her hand, staring at her mother. Elizabeth's heart constricted at his words. Tears welled up in her eyes and for a fleeting moment she wasn't sure if it was because of his words or the fact that she didn't want to leave here. Going back to England almost made her feel like going back to gaol. She wasn't sure she could do it.

'He knew all along.' She said the words in complete wonderment. 'He never said anything to me.'

'He probably didn't know how,' Maude rationalised as she took her daughter's hand in hers. The phone rang again and they both groaned.

'What now?' Elizabeth asked. She picked up the phone. 'Dr Blakeny-Smith.'

'Elizabeth, it's Imogen.'

'Imogen. Something wrong?'

'There's been an accident at one of the mines.'

Elizabeth felt her breath lodge in her throat. 'Mitch?' She choked the word out, quickly praying that he was all right.

'No. It's out at the BlueStar mine. A tourist has fallen down a shaft. Pierre called it in. Elizabeth, it's your friend from England.'

'Marcus!' She felt her eyes widen. 'Marcus has fallen down a mine-shaft?' she asked incredulously.

'Yes. I'm sorry. Pierre's organising the mine rescue squad but I can't get hold of Mitch. I tried the sat phone but there was no response.'

'No, there wouldn't be. His ute is here and Mitch is at the mine. I'll head out there now with Mum and we'll get Mitch, and meet the rescue squad at BlueStar.'

'All right. I'll let them know.'

Elizabeth put the phone down and turned to face her mother. 'Could this day get any worse? Don't answer that. Let's go.' She stood and looked around for Mitch's keys. 'Mum, did he leave the keys?'

'He didn't give me any. They might still be in the ignition. He's done that before.'

'Or he may have lost them again,' she muttered, as she walked outside to check. Maude shut the door and followed her. 'No keys.' Elizabeth, without hesitation this time, bent down and hot-wired the engine.

'Elizabeth!' Her mother laughed in astonishment. 'You are a surprise.'

Elizabeth merely shrugged and pulled her seat belt on. 'How far is BlueStar mine?'

'Not far past ours,' Maude answered as they climbed into Mitch's ute. 'Are you all right to drive, sweetheart?'

'Fine. You said it yourself, I'm turning into a local and that should include getting used to the terrain.' Soon they were driving out of town, heading for the continuing mound of mullock heaps. Finally, Elizabeth turned off the road and drove carefully to where Maude's vehicle was parked. She pulled up, cut the engine and climbed out.

'What's the best way to reach him?' she asked, her mother as Maude came around.

'My guess...' drawled a masculine voice and Elizabeth spun around to see him on the other side of Maude's vehicle '...would be simply to talk to him.'

'You're up here. Thank goodness.' She watched as his expression changed from tiredness to concern.

'What's wrong?' It was amazing the way they seemed to pick up on each other's body language. They were definitely on the same wavelength.

'Marcus has fallen down a mine-shaft.' Elizabeth watched as his eyes darkened and her heart went out to him.

'Where?'

'BlueStar.'

'Maude.' He nodded to his partner and headed towards his ute. Elizabeth turned to face her.

'I'll be all right here,' she said quickly. 'I'll pack everything up and head back home.'

'Don't you go down there,' Elizabeth warned. 'I'll not have you getting sick again, and definitely not today.'

Maude put her hands on Elizabeth's shoulders reassuringly. 'I won't. Go. I'll be fine.' Mitch had already started the engine and Elizabeth quickly went over and climbed into the passenger seat. She worked hard to clip her seat belt in place as he reversed and swung the car around in a 180-degree manoeuvre which would have impressed the most qualified rally driver.

'What's his status?'

'Not sure. At this stage, it's just a report. Pierre reported the fall and has already mobilised the MRS into action.'

'How are you holding up?' He glanced at her and she melted at his concern.

'I'm trying to stay focused. If I don't, I'll be no good to him.' She paused. 'You?'

'The same. We both need to stay focused.' He shook his head. 'What was he doing out at a mine?'

'Looking for Pierre Knowles.'

'Why?'

'Pierre's a witness in a case my father and Marcus are working on,' she explained.

'So he's come to convince Pierre to give evidence and thought he'd take the opportunity to convince you to weasel out of your contract, eh?'

'Now is not the time, Mitch.'

He exhaled harshly. 'You're right.' He indicated and pulled off the road. 'It's just up here.' Mitch slowed the ute down when he saw Grozer in his MRS uniform just finishing marking the way. 'Everyone's here,' Grozer reported. 'Pierre's taken charge and they're getting the winch ready now.'

'Thanks.' Mitch drove on a bit further and then parked the ute. Elizabeth felt much more confident this time now that she knew the protocol. Mitch grabbed his medical bag from the tray of the ute and headed to where the light beacons were set up. The sun was almost down now and soon they'd be working' in darkness.

'Has anyone gone down yet?' Mitch asked Pierre.

'No. Get yourself into a harness, Doc, and get ready to go down.' Pierre glanced across at Elizabeth. 'There are some overalls in the truck. Get some on and get ready.'

Elizabeth did as she was told, glad that this time she was wearing jeans and could just pull the overalls on top. Much easier. She watched as Mitch secured the harness around himself and was hooked up to the winch, the mining helmet on his head shining its bright light around.

'Is the phone line down?' he asked Pierre.

'Going down now.'

'Right.' He nodded to Pierre and Elizabeth quickly crossed to his side. She put her hand on Mitch's arm and he turned to look at her. 'Keep your focus,' she said softly.

Mitch glared at her for a moment, annoyed that she was questioning his ability, but the look of concern in her gaze made him realise she wasn't trying to be difficult. She was concerned with what he might find when he reached the bottom. It had nothing to do with his skill as a miner or rescuer, and everything to do with the fact that Marcus was his family. 'I'll try.'

'Good.' Elizabeth looked at him, her heart pounding fiercely against her ribs. She had the sudden urge to grab him, kiss him and never let him go. It was a strange sensation and one she'd never experienced so strongly before. His gaze met hers and for a brief moment they were lost in time. Only the two of them existed and they seemed be having a completely different conversation without any words.

Mitch reached out and caressed her cheek. Elizabeth leaned into that soft, sweet touch. 'I will,' he replied to her unspoken plea that he be careful. He turned away, yanked on his gloves and gave Pierre the thumbs-up sign, indicating he was ready.

Mitch went down into the darkness, trying to keep his mind clear and professional. Now was not the time to get emotional about what might or might not have happened to his younger brother. Although they had never really been friends, although they hadn't seen each since they were children, he still didn't want anything to happen to him. 'Marcus?' he called, but received no response. 'You hang in there, little brother,' he said softly as the whirring of the winch sounded around him.

The shaft was about the same depth as the one at his and Maude's mine but somehow this one seemed a lot deeper. Perhaps it was simply his impatience making it feel that way. 'You've got the best team coming to your rescue, bro', so hang in there.'

Finally...finally...he felt the ground beneath his feet. 'I'm down,' he reported, and unhooked himself from the winch. Even though he knew it was important to move away from the bottom of the shaft, Mitch stood where he was. Marcus had fallen straight down so he couldn't be too far from the opening.

He pulled a torch from his jeans pocket and shone it around. 'There you are.' Combined with the light from his helmet, Mitch spotted him not too far from the opening of the shaft. 'There you are.' With two fingers pressed to Marcus's neck, Mitch slowly let out the breath he'd been holding. The pulse was there but it wasn't too strong.

'I've found him,' Mitch called up, and there was a whoop of delight from the crew involved.

Elizabeth sighed with utter relief and it was only then she realised she'd been more anxious for Mitch than she had been for Marcus, who was lying unconscious with heaven only knew what kind of injuries. She covered her face with her hands, unable to believe she was such a horrible person for feeling this way. She couldn't help it. Of course she would be concerned for Mitch—she loved him.

Elizabeth gasped and looked up and around her as she realised the truth of her thoughts. She expected everyone to be looking at her, as though it was obvious to the entire world that she was in love with Mitchell O'Neill, but they weren't. They were all focused on the task at hand—just as she should be. She shook her head, pushing all thoughts except those of the rescue in progress from her mind. Later...much later...there would be time.

'Status?' Pierre asked.

'Just giving him the once-over, mate. Send Lizzie down and the medical kit.'

'OK.' Pierre nodded to Elizabeth. 'Looks like you're on, Doc.'

'There's a compound fracture to his right femur,' Mitch announced. 'Lizzie, his BP's probably low so bring a bag of saline down.'

'Is there one in the kit?' she asked as she was clipped to the winch, helmet on her head. Someone checked.

'Yes.'

'Good. Let's go.'

'Not nervous this time, Doc?' Pierre asked.

'Always nervous,' she told him. 'Just not scared.'

Pierre laughed. 'Good to hear, Doc.'

Elizabeth stepped out over the shaft, keeping her eyes open and concentrating hard. The winch gave a jolt as it started and both she and the medical kit went down together. At the bottom she unclipped herself and stepped away from the opening.

'Over here, Lizzie.'

'Is he conscious?'

'No. He has a few bumps on his head.'

'How's his leg?' Elizabeth opened the medical kit and swapped her gloves over. She reached for the medical torch and checked Marcus's pupils. 'Equal and reacting to light'

'Good.' Mitch wound the BP cuff around his brother's arm. 'It's not as good as I'd like it to be. That femur feels pretty bad. Check it out.'

Elizabeth looked. 'I've seen worse but you're right. It's not good. He has extensive tissue damage with heavy blood loss. Get the saline set up, I'll start on this leg.' Elizabeth reached into the medical kit and grabbed a pair of scissors. She cut away the blood-soaked trousers, knowing Marcus wouldn't be pleased at the state of his expensive suit, but it couldn't be helped. She applied pressure to the wound while she also tried to clean the area as best she could. She needed to see more clearly what was going on and, while these weren't the most hygienic circumstances to be working in, she needed to control the bleeding before Marcus went into hypovolemic shock.

'Give him some midazolam in case he regains consciousness while I'm digging around in his thigh,' she said once the drip had been set up.

'Right.' They discussed the dosage required to give a man of Marcus's height and weight and Mitch administered it. 'How are you doing, Lizzie?'

She looked up at him and smiled. 'Good. You?'

'Good.'

She nodded and returned her attention to her work. When the drug was working, she waited for Mitch to get into position.

'So? What can I get for you?' he asked.

She smiled at him. 'Retractor.'

'Uh...don't have a retractor.'

"Then use your fingers and pass me a clamp,' she said. 'You're the outback doctor here. I would have thought you'd be used to improvising by now.'

His rich chuckle washed over her and it took away the tension that had surrounded her entire day. She concentrated on her work and found the bleeding area. 'Gauze. I can't see properly.' Mitch assisted her and finally she had it clamped. 'Suture. I'll put them in for now and when we get him back to the hospital, I'll fix it properly.'

Once that was done, they applied a padded bandage to the femur and Mitch called for Pierre to send down the paraguard stretcher.

'You go up with him,' Mitch said. 'I'll stay down and get things packed up.'

Elizabeth looked across at him, their gazes meeting. 'All right. You'll need to strap him into that stretcher. I definitely think I'll need training on that at a later date.'

'You can count on it.'

It was difficult to get Marcus onto the stretcher as he was unconscious but eventually everything was in place and Elizabeth's harness was clipped to the winch.

'See you up top.' She smiled warmly at the man she loved, her heart turning over with joy. Did he see it in her eyes? Could he see that he meant the world to her?

'Keep your focus,' he said as the winch started to pull herself and Marcus up. It was a timely reminder. Romantic notions would be dealt with later but now she had a job to do. When she finally reached the top, it was to find Ryan there with the ambulance ready and waiting.

They had Marcus settled in the ambulance by the time Mitch came up, and he rushed over and climbed in. 'Let's get going,' he said to Ryan.

'BP still isn't good,' Elizabeth reported as she set up a bag of plasma. 'He's going to need a transfusion.'

'Cross-type and match as soon as we get in.' Mitch stared at his brother's white face for a moment before turning to look at Elizabeth.

'Well, there's no way I can operate on him. He's my brother! Are you going to be OK to operate on him, Lizzie? You know, because he's your boyfriend.'

'Thank goodness you didn't say fiancé. And, actually, he's not my boyfriend any more.'

'He's not?'

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Mitch looked at Elizabeth in surprise as the ambulance stopped and the rear doors were opened by Imogen and Teena. Mitch pigeonholed the questions he wanted to ask and set about getting things organised for his brother.

'Lizzie, do the cross-type and match, stat. Then he'll go to X-ray while we wait for the blood results. If you need me, let me know.'

'As you say, Doctor.' She went ahead of the stretcher and got the instruments ready for the blood test. Once she was done, they took Marcus off to the tiny X-ray room where ten minutes later Elizabeth received word that he'd finally regained consciousness. She finished what she was doing and headed to see how things were getting on.

'Hi,' she whispered as she handed Mitch the results. 'How's he doing?'

'See for yourself.' He smiled. 'I've given him some analgesics but he's quite a fighter.'

'Good.' She returned Mitch's smile.

'I'll let you talk to him.' He put his hand on her shoulder and squeezed reassuringly before walking out. Elizabeth watched him go and then headed over to Marcus.

'Hello, there, stranger.' She reached up and smoothed his hair back from his face. He didn't like it when his hair was messy and out of place. 'How are you feeling?'

'I can hardly move,' he mumbled.

'You're wearing a neck brace, which generally makes it hard to talk. You won't have to wear it too much longer, just until the X-rays of your spine have been processed.'

'What happened, Elizabeth?'

'You don't remember?' He gave her a blank look. 'Do you know where you are?'

'Well, if you're looking down at me like that, I'm obviously in hospital.'

'You're in Australia—in Coober Pedy. Remember?'

'Pierre Knowles,' he whispered, and she watched as his eyes glazed over as he remembered. 'I went out to the mining place where he works and I couldn't find anyone. The place seemed deserted. I slipped and...and...Elizabeth! I can't remember.'

'That's common, Marcus. Just relax. You fell down a mine-shaft but you're out now and you're going to be fine.' Imogen had been setting up the radiographic film to X-ray Marcus's leg while Elizabeth had kept their patient occupied. Now both women needed to move out of the room so they could take the X-ray.

'All done,' Imogen announced a moment or two later. 'Let me do your obs before we move you anywhere else.'

Elizabeth stood beside him and when Marcus held out his hand to her, she took it and squeezed it. 'You're going to be fine. I promise.'

'How do you know?'

'Because I'll be taking you to Theatre soon and making good on my promise.'

'You're going to operate on me?' he squeaked.

'Don't you trust me?' Even though her words had been spoken lightly and in jest, Elizabeth also realised this was the crux of their failed relationship. Marcus had never had much faith in her—had never urged her to better herself, to strengthen her weaknesses, to stand on her own two feet. Mitch had...and she knew that was one of the reasons why she loved him. She smiled down at Marcus, feeling sorry for him. The next few days, weeks even, weren't going to be easy for him.

'Uh...well...it's not that, Elizabeth. It's just that... What about that other fellow?'

'Shh.' She squeezed his hand once more before letting go. 'Everything will be fine.'

'You have done this operation before, haven't you?'

Elizabeth smiled, tempted to say no, but knew that teasing Marcus was not the best way to help him to relax. 'Many times.' She accepted the chart from Imogen and noted that his BP was still low. 'Marcus, you've lost quite a bit of blood and before I take you to Theatre you need a transfusion.'

'Don't you need to operate straight away? Isn't it critical?'

'No. You're quite stable for the moment. Are you in any pain?'

'No. Your colleague gave me something and that seems to be working.'

'Wonderful. Rest for now.' She placed her hand on his forehead and his eyes closed wearily. 'I'll explain the operation to you later but for now sleeping will do your body the world of good.' She turned to Imogen. 'Let me know when you need me.'

'Will do.'

Elizabeth went to check on Mitch who was sitting at the table in the kitchen, head in his hands. Her heart went out to him. 'Are you all right?' she asked.

He raised his head and held his hand out to her. She took it, giving it a squeeze. 'Sit for a minute.'

'Yes.' She did as he asked, seeing the turmoil within him. 'Will you be all right in Theatre?' If she had any options other than having Mitch assist, she'd take them. 'This can't be easy for you.'

'No. Today has been...' he paused '...gut wrenching.'

'You're not wrong.' She looked down at their entwined hands. 'He'll be fine, Mitch.'

'I know. I have complete confidence in your medical abilities, Lizzie. How's he holding up?'

'He's doing fine. Almost hit the roof when he realised I would be performing the operation but...' She shrugged.

'He's not used to you being so strong. But you know you are, don't you? You know that you have an enormous amount of inner strength, Lizzie, otherwise you would never have left England. It takes a strong woman to take control of her life and that's exactly what you've done.'

'Have I?' Her voice wavered. 'Some days, I'm not so sure.'

Mitch tugged her closer and she stood and leaned over him. 'Why don't you prove it to yourself by kissing me?'

She smiled. 'Prove what?'

'I don't know and I don't care but what I do know is it's been far too long since my lips have been on yours.'

Elizabeth moved in closer. 'I know the feeling.' Her lips parted in anticipation as she lowered her head and when their lips finally touched both of them sighed into the kiss. Mitch was right. It had been far too long and both of them felt it.

'Oh, will you two give it up?' Teena groaned as she came into the room. Elizabeth straightened quickly and looked at the nurse who was grinning from ear to ear. 'It's bad enough that you've been making googly eyes at each other since Elizabeth arrived. Do we need to have the mushy stuff shoved this far down our throats? Gack!'

Mitch laughed. 'Jealous?'

'Sure am.' Teena laughed. 'All right, Marcus's blood transfusion is under way,' the nurse said. 'How many units do you need all up?'

'At least three,' Elizabeth said. 'Just to be on the safe side.'

'OK. I'll get that organised,' Teena said before walking out and leaving them alone.

'Good.' She turned to face Mitch, still concerned about him. 'You are going to be all right to assist me, aren't you? I mean if there was someone else to help, I'd get them but—'

He stood and pulled her into his arms. 'I'll be fine,' he interrupted. 'So long as I'm near you,' he murmured, nuzzling her neck.

Elizabeth smiled. 'You need to get a life, Mitch.'

'I'm trying, Lizzie.'

'Very trying,' she retorted, giving him a quick kiss. 'No more now. I need to concentrate.'

'And you can't do that with me around?' Mitch reluctantly let her go.

Her eyes sparkled as she spoke.

'What do you think?' Before he could reach for her again, she quickly left the room. She had an operation to focus on.

Once Elizabeth was satisfied with Marcus's red blood cell count and she'd explained the operation procedure to him, she checked on Mitch. He had changed into scrubs and was standing at the sink, waiting for her.

'Feeling all right?'

'I'm fine.'

'Good.'

They continued to scrub and gown and soon the operation was under way. She had switched off her emotions the instant she had walked into the operating theatre and was concentrating on work. Even so, she kept a close eye on Mitch.

'How are you doing?' she said.

'How am I doing?' he repeated. 'You want to know how I'm doing? I'll tell you how I'm doing. I'm doing fine and I'll be doing a lot better if you'll stop asking me that question every five seconds.'

Elizabeth glanced at the clock on the wall. 'It's been at least ten minutes, not five seconds, since I last asked,' she said in that haughty tone of hers, and Mitch gave a shout of laughter.

'Ah...Lizzie. Sometimes...you drive me crazy.'

'I'm not going to ask about the other times. Suction.'

'Probably wise,' Imogen interjected.

'I'm just concerned, that's all,' Elizabeth defended herself.

"Thank you. Thank you for your concern.'

'Oh, it's not really concern,' she teased. 'One brother is all I'm planning to deal with today.'

'I guess fair is fair,' he retorted, but wondered whether there was a hidden meaning in her words. Did this mean she didn't want to talk about them! She'd stated in the ambulance that Marcus wasn't her boyfriend any more and then there had been the kiss they'd shared before Teena had interrupted them. Too many questions, he decided. Again he'd picked a rotten time to think about them. He shoved the thoughts aside. If he didn't concentrate, she'd be asking him how he was feeling in under ten minutes.

With his mind firmly back in control, Mitch continued to assist her while she inserted a Grosse & Kempf intramedullary nail into the femur. 'Actually, you're quite adept at orthopaedics.'

'I was considering it as a field to specialise in,' she said.

'I take it you're not thinking of it any more.'

She glanced at him. 'Let's just say I've discovered other...interests. How's Marcus doing, Ryan?'

'Thank goodness she's asking about someone else,' Mitch grumbled good-naturedly.

'He's steady.'

'Well, we won't be too much longer. Almost time to start wrapping this show up.' They worked on and finally she gave the nod for Ryan to reverse the anaesthetic. She wearily de-gowned and went to switch the kettle on.

'I'll have tea,' Imogen called.

'I'll have coffee,' Ryan chimed in.

'Why don't I make them?' Elizabeth whispered.

'Why don't I help you?' Mitch said from behind her, his hands clamping around her waist. They headed into the kitchen but before she could fill the kettle he'd spun her around and had pressed his lips to hers.

Elizabeth couldn't fight it. When he pulled back, she smiled at him. 'Trying to prove to me once and for all that you're really all right?'

'Something like that.' He stepped away and filled the kettle before switching it on. He turned and leaned against the bench. 'We need to talk, Lizzie.'

'I know. And we will, but first let's get Marcus settled.'

'No. First let's all have a relaxing cup of tea.'

'Don't be obtuse. You know what I mean.'

'Yes. Yes, I do.' He started setting out cups.

'When are you going to tell him?' The question was asked softly.

'I don't know.'

Thankfully, he wasn't going to be obtuse about this. 'He's your brother, Mitch. He deserves to know what you've done for him today.'

'What did I do, apart from my job?'

'You saved his life.'

'That's all part of my job. Regardless of who had been down that mine-shaft, I'd have done the same and so would you.'

'You don't want him to be indebted to you, do you?' she asked.

'No.' He glanced down at the cups all neatly lined up, waiting for the water to boil.

'Do you think he'll feel that way when he finds out?'

He was silent for a moment. 'I don't know. He was always very headstrong when we were younger. Always trying to play catchup. I think he needed to feel as though he was better than me in some way.'

'And if he knows you saved his life, you think that might make things worse for you?'

'Don't know. It might.'

Elizabeth could feel herself pushing too far but knew she couldn't stop. 'Do you want a reconciliation with him?' She held her breath, waiting, hoping.

'You know, when I first figured out that my little brother was the man you were seeing in England, I wanted absolutely nothing to do with him. I was glad we'd parted, gone our separate ways.' He paused.

'And now?'

Mitch shook his head. 'When I saw his body, limp and lifeless at the bottom of that shaft...' He shook his head again and Elizabeth placed her arms around him. 'It was horrible, Lizzie.' He buried his face in her neck and let out a shuddering breath. 'It was horrible to see him lying there like that. It made me realise that the past doesn't exist any more. The squabbles we had were those of children. We're men now and hopefully, in time, we can put our differences aside and perhaps work on a relationship. Even if it's just a phone call on birthdays and at Christmas. That's got to be better than what we have now.'

'So you'll tell him, then.' Elizabeth drew back and looked at him, her gaze caressing his face.

'Let's see what tomorrow brings. He needs to get through the night first.'

*

Mitch insisted Elizabeth return home to get a good night's sleep. 'I'll see you later,' he said when he dropped her off at Maude's. She opened her mouth to speak but he cut her off. 'Yes, I'll keep you informed of his progress. Yes, I'll notify you of anything else that happens during my shift.'

'I was only going to say goodnight.'

'I love that haughty tone of yours,' he chuckled and kissed her. 'And, yes, we'll talk about us tomorrow, although I think I have some of the answers to my questions.' She opened her mouth to speak but he cut her off by placing his mouth over hers once more. 'Dream of me?'

'Yes,' she whispered sleepily, and turned to go into her mother's dugout. She waited for the ute to drive off before she tiptoed in to check on Maude.

'Everything all right?' Maude asked sleepily.

'Yes. Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you.'

'You didn't. Mitch and his noisy ute did. Marcus is all right?'

'He's doing fine.'

'Good. Go to sleep.'

It was what everyone was telling her to do—and for the first time since she'd arrived in Coober Pedy she was going to do exactly as she was told.

Elizabeth felt as though she'd just closed her eyes when the phone rang. She sprang out of bed but it stopped moments later. Switching on the light, she checked the clock. 'Half past ten!' She stood and it was then she realised she'd fallen asleep in her clothes. 'Another new experience.' She headed for' the shower and was soon dressed. She went in search of Maude, knowing that if anything had been wrong at the hospital her mother would have passed the message along.

'Hi, sleepyhead,' she said when Elizabeth appeared in the kitchen. 'Phone wake you?'

'Yes.'

'Sorry about that. Mitch and I decided to let you sleep for as long as possible. I called the hospital earlier this morning to get an update, just in case you woke and wanted to know.'

'So how is Marcus?'

'Mitch is pleased with his progress. He's recovering well from the anaesthetic and red blood cell count is back to normal.'

Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief. 'Excellent. That's very good news.'

'It's also good to hear Mitch has found his sense of humour again. I take it you no longer think he's avoiding you?'

Elizabeth smiled shyly. 'No. No. Yesterday...' She paused and shook her head. 'Yesterday was a day of revelations.'

'Marcus turned up, you realised you liked him only as a friend and are deeply in love with Mitch?'

'Spot on.'

'I am?' Maude's eyes widened in surprise. 'You're in love with Mitch!'

'Yes.'

'But...but... Oh, honey. This is fantastic. This is wonderful.' Maude hugged her daughter close but then quickly pulled back. 'Does he know yet? Ooh, what about your father?'

'Mum.'

'How on earth are you going to tell your father? He'll be furious. Oh, and poor Marcus.'

'Mum.'

'Talk about kicking someone when they're down. So I take it you're staying? Do I need to start organising a wedding?'

'Mum!' Elizabeth grabbed her mother by the shoulders and shook her gently. 'Settle down.'

'Settle down?'

'Settle down.'

'How? How can I possibly settle do— Ah...' Maude paused as though some great revelation had just hit her. 'So that's why Mitch wanted that information.'

'What information?'

'Nothing. He wanted your father's number so he could tell him about Marcus.'

'I was going to call Dad. Why is Mitch doing it?'

'He is Marcus's next of kin, Liz.'

'Of course. I keep forgetting.' Elizabeth poured herself a glass of juice and drank it. 'I'd better get going.'

'I'll drive you. Oh, this isn't fair. Can't I just wait around at the hospital this morning to see what unfolds?'

'Only if you're sick,'

'I think I can twist Imogen's arm.' Maude contemplated.

'Although she'd probably want to jab me with needles again. On second thoughts…'

Elizabeth laughed. 'You're priceless, Mum.' She kissed Maude's cheek. 'Don't ever change.' She took a deep breath. 'I'm ready when you are.'

'Let's go.' Maude chattered all the way to the hospital and by the time she dropped Elizabeth off, the excitement had rubbed off on her. As she walked up the ramp to the hospital, she felt butterflies churning in her stomach.

Today was a big day.

Huge!

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and walked in.

'Good morning, Elizabeth,' Imogen greeted her. 'Feeling refreshed?'

'For a Saturday, yes, I am. Thank you.'

'Glad you got a good sleep, girl. You needed it.' Imogen gestured to the ward. 'Go and see Marcus. He's been asking for you.'

'All right. Uh...where's Mitch?'

'I sent him home to shower and change. He'll be back directly.'

Elizabeth nodded and went through to see Marcus. 'Good morning,' she said, and was pleased to see him sitting up in bed. 'How was breakfast?'

'I couldn't face much.'

'That's quite common.' She reached for his chart at the end of the bed and read the notes. 'Good. Everything looks good.' She replaced the chart and went to pull back the bedcovers.

'What are you doing?' he asked in alarm, clutching the sheets to him.

Elizabeth was surprised. 'I'm checking your leg.'

'It's fine.'

'You're embarrassed? I'm a doctor, Marcus. I operated on you.'

'I know.' He winced. 'As if that wasn't bad enough.'

'What do you mean?' she asked defensively, but tried to keep her tone as light as possible.

'You saw me naked.'

'Oh.' Elizabeth relaxed. 'Is that all? Well, yes, Marcus, but then again the majority of my patients are naked when I operate on them. You were draped with sterile cloths if that's any consolation.'

'You've done this before?'

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before looking at him again. 'I'm a doctor, Marcus. This is what I do. What did you think I was doing when I went to work each day?'

'I don't know. Giving out prescriptions and taking temperatures.'

Elizabeth tried hard not to smile. 'Well, I wasn't.'

'I realise that now.'

She pulled a chair over and sat down. 'I'm sorry if it bothers you that I operated on you, but there was no alternative. Not out here.'

'What about your colleague? Dr...um... What is his name, Elizabeth? I don't think I've heard anyone say it.'

'Good afternoon,' Mitch said from the doorway as he walked towards them. 'So glad you finally woke up, Lizzie.'

She stood and smiled at his teasing.

'Her name is Elizabeth,' Marcus corrected him.

Mitch merely shrugged.

'We were just talking about you,' Elizabeth ventured. 'Poor Marcus here has totally missed your name.'

'That's right. We've never been formally introduced.'

Mitch's gaze met Elizabeth's and she nodded encouragingly.

'I think you owe me that courtesy at least,' Marcus continued. 'Especially as it seems you've stolen my fiancé.'

Elizabeth opened her mouth to correct him but Mitch held up his hand.

'You're right, mate. Absolutely right. My name is Mitch O'Neill...' He paused, waiting for a look of recognition to cross his brother's face. Nothing. 'And, er...well, Lizzie said the two of you were never engaged and, er...' He stopped. Marcus was frowning.

'Mitch O'Neill.' He said the name out loud. 'That sounds familiar.'

Elizabeth and Mitch looked at each other in amazement.

'It should,' Elizabeth said. 'He's your brother!'

Marcus's mouth hung open in shock. He closed his eyes, then opened them again. 'My...' He cleared his throat, Elizabeth completely forgotten as he stared at Mitch. 'My brother?' The words were whispered as he looked Mitch over. 'Mitchell?'

'Yes.' The word was choked out and Elizabeth felt for Mitch—for both of them. This was an important moment and although she knew Mitch was more than happy to have a reunion, she couldn't assess Marcus's mood too well.

'So this is where you ended up. In the middle of nowhere.' His words were derogatory, as well as bitter. 'I might have known.'

'Marcus!' Elizabeth was horrified. 'You haven't seen him since you were six years old and this is the best you can do?'

'Elizabeth?' Marcus turned to face her, obviously stunned.

'Coober Pedy is not the middle of nowhere. It's an amazing place, rich in culture and history. There are special qualities needed to be an outback doctor and Mitch has them all in abundance. You have no idea what's gone on in his life just as he has no idea what's happened in yours, but that is no reason to be snobbish and judgmental in a situation you know nothing about.'

'Elizabeth, how dare you speak to me like that?' Marcus was outraged.

'I dare...because I care.'

'Care for him?'

'Yes.' She straightened her shoulders. 'And as for you, you great...' She searched for a word, one which fitted perfectly, and finally she found it. 'You great drongo!'

'Great what?'

'It means idiot,' Mitch supplied, touched by the way Elizabeth had championed him.

'You are brothers. You've found each other again. Don't let the past control your future, Marcus,' she implored earnestly. 'Let this experience be a life-changing one. Mitch may have saved your life yesterday because that's what he's trained to do, but he's also realised that bygones need to be bygones. Don't waste this opportunity.'

'You've changed a lot, Elizabeth.'

'No.' She shook her head emphatically. 'I haven't changed, Marcus, I've merely discovered who I am deep down inside.'

'But what about your father? He's not well. He's going to have a lot to deal with. He needs you.'

'And that is between me and my father.' She shook her head. 'Not you.'

'But we were a couple. We dated.'

'Yes, and that's where it ends. You never loved me, Marcus. Not real love.' She couldn't bring herself to meet Mitch's gaze as she spoke. 'You wanted a wife for corporate functions, a wife who looked good and who came with the right social standing.' She shook her head sadly. 'That's not me.'

'We can discuss this when you get back to England.'

Elizabeth took a deep breath. 'I'm not going back.'

'Not now, I can see that you're needed here, but once your contract expires.'

Elizabeth nodded. 'I know what you meant. I'm still not going back to England.'

'You're not?' Mitch was astonished and the ray of hope that had started to grow in his heart yesterday now sprouted new shoots.

Elizabeth shifted to look at him. 'No.'

'Well, where will you go?' Marcus asked. 'What will you do?'

'She's hardly unemployable,' Mitch added, his gaze never leaving hers. 'And, besides, we have a vacancy here.'

'You do?' she whispered.

'Yes.'

'Great.' Marcus's tone was sardonic. 'So you'll stay and marry my brother.'

'Well, I have asked her,' Mitch added with a smile.

'You didn't ask,' Elizabeth corrected him.

'I knew it. I knew it. I'll bet the instant you discovered she was dating me, you decided to get even and take her away from me.'

Mitch looked at his brother in confusion. 'Get even for what? What is it, Marcus? What is it about me that you dislike so much?'

Marcus turned away. 'Get out. Both of you. You've harassed me enough. I want to be transferred to a different hospital as soon as possible.'

Elizabeth felt awful. She certainly hadn't expected things to turn out this way but she could see Marcus was resolute in his decision. She glanced at Mitch and could see the pain in his eyes.

'OK.' Elizabeth heard the sadness in Mitch's tone. 'I'll have Imogen begin the paperwork.'

'Thank you,' Marcus replied grudgingly, before closing his eyes.

Elizabeth and Mitch turned and headed out of the ward. 'I guess he doesn't want me to smuggle in any choc-pops,' Mitch said, and she knew he was desperately trying to cover his emotions with humour—and failing.

Mitch shook his head and gave instructions to Imogen in a brisk and efficient manner which fooled no one.

'We'll be in the clinic if we're needed,' he told Imogen, and reached for Elizabeth's hand. 'We need to talk.'

Neither of them spoke as they walked through to the deserted clinic. Mitch unlocked one of the doors and waited for her to go in before closing it behind him. 'Not the most comfortable place to talk but at least it's private.' He shifted some things off the desk and sat down, drawing Elizabeth into his embrace. 'Just let me hold you, Lizzie.'

She welcomed the touch, needing it as much as he did. 'I feel so guilty,' she said after a while and pulled back to look at him. 'Poor Marcus has had an operation and now finds his brother and loses his girlfriend all in one hit.'

He nodded. 'Talk about kicking a man when he's down.'

'I didn't plan for it to turn out like this.'

'What did you plan, Lizzie? You've said you want to stay here but what else?'

'I don't just want to stay here, Mitch. I've finally figured it out. I've figured out that I...I belong here.'

'Finally!'

Elizabeth looked at him. 'Can't you see it? Can't you feel it?' She took a deep breath and met his gaze. 'I love you, Mitchell O'Neill, and although you've tried to hide your heart away, I know you love me, too. Don't you?'

He smiled at her. 'You're so sure of yourself. It's nice to see. Yes, Lizzie, I love you—so much it tears me up inside every moment you're not with me.'

'So you'll marry me?'

Mitch grinned. 'Are you asking or telling me?'

'Asking.' She laughed, amazed at how wonderful she felt after feeling totally devastated only minutes before. 'I guess I'd better show you men how it's supposed to be done.' Elizabeth stepped from his embrace, took his hand in hers and went down on one knee. 'Mitchell O'Neill, will you marry me?'

Mitch laughed and tugged her to her feet. 'Can I still be head of the "help Lizzie to become more spontaneous" club?'

'I wouldn't have anyone else.'

'Then just you try and stop me from marrying you.' He pressed his mouth to hers and they sealed their future with one humdinger of a kiss.

Elizabeth couldn't believe how wonderful she felt. It was as though all her Christmases had come at once and they were all wrapped up in the package that was Mitch. 'You are so important to me,' she whispered when they finally came up for air. 'You encourage me to dig deep to discover who I really am. You are proud of me when I do something silly.' She laughed, her voice filled with emotion, tears starting to gather in her eyes. 'You might urge me or disagree with me but not in a dictatorial way. You'd never organise my life without my consent and you have no idea just how much that means to me.' She sniffed and kissed him once more. Mitch didn't respond. Elizabeth pulled back and looked at him. He was frowning a little and his previous happiness had now dulled. 'What's the matter?'

'I've done something, Lizzie, and it's one of the things we need to talk about.'

'You're scaring me, Mitch.'

'I called your father,' he said quickly.

She relaxed. 'I know. Mum mentioned you asked for the number. I guess you told him about Marcus.'

'Yes, but I also told him a few other things.'

A prickle of apprehension washed over her but she squashed it, knowing she needed to trust him. Knowing that if her love was pure, so must her trust be. 'Well, whatever you said, I'm sure it was necessary. He's by no means the easiest man to get along with.'

'You're not worried?'

'I'm curious but I trust you, Mitch.'

He pulled back and gazed deeply into her eyes. 'Wow,' he whispered. 'What did I do to deserve you?' Mitch pressed his mouth to hers in a possessive way that only enhanced her own feelings. 'Just like that. You're happy with whatever I said to your father.'

'Yes.'

'Even if he never speaks to you again?'

Elizabeth grimaced and then shrugged. 'I'm sure he'll get over things in time...just as Marcus will.'

'Do you think he'll get over the fact that I told him you were staying here in Coober Pedy? That you wouldn't be returning to England at all and that I was planning to marry you before the end of the month?'

'Oh, you didn't!'

'I did.'

'You were pretty sure of yourself.'

Mitch gazed down into her eyes. 'I realised when we were in that mine-shaft with Marcus that I could never let you go. I knew I wanted you around and I was prepared to marry you, but when I mentioned it to you the other week I was still firmly in control of my heart—well, at least, that's what I told myself.' He shook his head, a bemused smile on his lips. 'Who was I kidding?' He pressed his lips to hers. 'When I realised that the real reason I wanted you around was because I was madly in love with you...I had no idea what to do.'

'So you avoided me.' It all made perfect sense...now!

'I...I honestly didn't know how to handle the situation. I didn't want to confuse you, to influence your decisions. You were just beginning to discover who you were and were also becoming comfortable within yourself. To have me blurt out that I loved you would have added more fuel to the fire. Then Marcus showed up yesterday and...' He trailed off and gathered her close. 'But I love you, Lizzie, and I knew there was no way I could cope with life without you. I only hoped you'd want to stay here, but if you'd wanted to return to England, believe me, I was formulating a plan to follow you to the ends of the earth if necessary.' He paused, took a deep breath and shifted back once more to look at her. 'I need you, Lizzie, and I told your father that.'

'What did he say?'

'He blustered on for a while but in the end I told him that if he didn't accept that you were old enough to live your own life he may end up losing you.'

'Harsh.' She nodded, not for one minute holding it against him. 'I wouldn't have had the gumption to say anything so blunt to him.'

'I know. That's why I did it for you. It's better for me to take the heat on this, rather than you.'

'Do you realise what you're saying? He may never speak to you. He'll certainly hold it against you.'

Mitch shrugged. 'Better me than you.'

Elizabeth placed her hands on either side of his face. 'You'd do that for me?' She was touched beyond belief. The tears which had been in her eyes before welled once more and flowed over. 'No one, Mitch. No one has ever put themselves on the line like that for me.'

'I've already done that for you,' he corrected as he tenderly kissed the tears away. 'And, yes, I'd do it again. I'm the type of man who protects his own—Especially his future wife.' He was lowering his head when the phone beside him rang.

He groaned but they both knew Imogen wouldn't have put any calls through unless it was an emergency. Mitch picked up the receiver. 'This had better be important,' he growled, and Elizabeth chuckled.

'It is,' Maude replied, and Mitch held the phone receiver so both he and Elizabeth could hear.

'What can I help you with, Maude?'

'You can put me out of my misery.'

Mitch laughed. 'I have some diazepam here—will that help?'

'No. Come on. You know what I mean. Can I call you my son-in-law yet?'

'Yes,' Elizabeth answered, and the squeal of delight which came down the receiver almost deafened both of them. Mitch pulled the receiver away and then did the only sensible thing. He hung up and returned both arms around his Lizzie.

'You want to know the real reason why I need to marry you?' he asked as he nibbled the side of her neck.

'Hmm. Do tell.'

'It's your surname, Lizzie. Something's got to be done about your surname.'

She groaned with delight, as he continued to nibble at her skin. 'Mrs O'Neill,' she mused.

'Dr O'Neill,' he amended. 'Much better than the mouthful of Blakeny-Smith.'

'But then we'd both be Dr O'Neill,' she protested mildly as his lips sought hers as though he really couldn't get enough of her.

'I know. Nice and equal...and I can't wait.'