Page 119 of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt

I gave him a nod. ‘Thank you, Mr Mackenzie. We have a deal.’

‘Wonderful! I’m going to send confirmation that I wish to buy the land at Coober Pedy immediately.’ He stood up. ‘Now, I’ll wager that with that suitcase...’ – he pointed to my beaten bag, caked in dust from the road outside – ‘you’ll need somewhere to stay until we can send you northwards?’

‘It’s true, I don’t have anywhere to go,’ I admitted.

‘You’re most welcome at Alicia Hall in the meantime.’

‘Honestly, Mr Mackenzie, your kindness knows no bounds. I am eternally grateful.’

‘In all honesty, you’re going to need all the comfort youcan get.’ Ralph looked a little sheepish. ‘There’s one thing I haven’t yet mentioned about Coober Pedy.’

‘No?’

‘You were quite right in assuming that it is far cooler underground than above ground. As a result, in order to avoid the punishing desert heat, the small population lives underground. They have quite literally burrowed into the hills. The chap I’m buying the land from will be handing over his house, too. It’s where you’ll live.’ He stared at me with concern, as if I was going to be put off by the proposition.

‘Mr Mackenzie, burrowing underground away from the rest of the world sounds oddly perfect.’

Ralph looked relieved. ‘It’s a match made in heaven! Now, I’m off to make some arrangements. Kilara will make you feel very welcome.’ I finished my tea and got to my feet. ‘Kilara, would you show Mr Tanit up to the master guest room?’

‘Yes, sir.’ She bowed her head.

‘Thank you. I shall see you at dinner, Atlas.’ Ralph turned to leave the room and immediately collided with a small boy, whom I recognised as little Eddie from the ship.

‘Woah, steady, Eddie!’ said Ralph, ruffling his hair.

‘Eddie!’ I exclaimed, with a huge smile on my face. ‘What on earth are you doing here?!’ The young boy grinned back at me and buried his head in Ralph’s trouser leg.

Ralph’s confusion was momentary. ‘Of course, you must know each other from the ship!’

‘We do indeed. It’s very good to see him here at Alicia Hall, Ralph.’

‘It’s our honour to have him.’ Ralph put his arm around the boy. ‘He and Tinky the King Charles Spaniel have become the firmest of friends, haven’t you, Eddie?’ He gave an enthusiastic nod. ‘Hang on, I suppose you don’t know that he andSarah turned up here to find Kitty a couple of days after she’d arrived?’

‘No, I didn’t. As I recall they were due to meet their new families soon after we docked?’

Ralph sighed. ‘That was the plan, apparently. But no one came for either of them. He and Sarah were taken to this godawful orphanage. But they did a runner, and made their way to Alicia Hall.’ He looked down rather proudly at Eddie.

‘Is Sarah all right?’ I asked nervously.

‘Absolutely, Mr Tanit. Kitty has taken her on as her maid. They’re together as we speak.’

A wave of relief washed over me. ‘Oh, thatisgood news.’

Ralph chuckled. ‘They actually make quite a team. But my God, I’ll see the demise of the St Vincent de Paul orphanage in Goodwood if it’s the last thing I do, Mr Tanit. Apparently, the nuns worked the children like slaves. But Eddie’s safe here now, aren’t you, old man?’

‘Yes!’ Eddie squeaked, before turning and sprinting out of the room.

‘Do you know, Ralph, that’s the first time I’ve ever heard him speak.’

‘He’s a special boy. I hope perhaps one day to... It’s silly, he’s only just entered our lives, but it would give me great pride to make him into a Mackenzie. Officially.’ Ralph cleared his throat. ‘Anyway, I’m not a great believer in much, but I must admit that the healing powers of Alicia Hall are not insignificant. I have found it to be an oasis for reflection and still meditation. It might prove to be just the tonic for you.’ He gave me a pat on the shoulder and made his way out of the room.

‘Bag?’ Kilara asked with a kind smile.

‘Oh gosh, I’m sure I can manage. You lead the way, thank you.’ Kilara shrugged. I picked up my suitcase and followedher up the resplendent, winding staircase. As I was taking it in, I managed to stumble on the second step. Quick as a flash, Kilara had turned around, grabbed my arm and whipped the suitcase from my hand as if it were filled with feathers.

‘No worry, sir, I can carry for you.’

‘That’s awfully kind. I’m not usually so clumsy.’ Kilara led me across the mezzanine, to a stately room with beautiful views of the garden.