Frances Mackay

Frances Mackay

The Weekly Mail

She heard him long before he arrived. The clip-clop of the horse thudding on the hard ground always warned when he was near. Beth hurriedly adjusted her hat and straightened her bodice, took a quick look in the mirror over the hallstand and grimaced to make sure there was nothing on her teeth. Secure in the fact that she looked her best in her Sunday clothes she grabbed the mail and hurried out to meet the postman.

This was the highlight of her social week, a chance to catch up with the rest of the world and she wouldn’t miss it for quids.

She slowed down as she got near the home gate. She must not appear to be too eager so took a deep breath and smoothed the skirt around her slim, wasp-like, waist and sauntered the rest of the way to the mail box.

"Well, hello Miss Beth, you’re early today." Billy Rooney knew all the girls on the route. He had an eye for a pretty girl, did Billy, but he favoured Beth.

"Now, Mr Rooney! You know I’m always ready when you arrive. Is there anything for me today?" Beth bobbed her head shyly then looked up and smiled at the handsome rider.

"Yup, a whole stack of stuff, including those mail order catalogues you girls dote on. Spending all your father’s money again I imagine?"

Beth giggled happily. "Well, Mr Rooney, it is getting close to Christmas and we have to have something nice to wear for the church picnic and community dance, you know. With shearing under way we haven’t a chance to get to town. Will you be there this year?"

Billy leaned down close to Bethy, his brown face alive with laughter. "Now Miss Beth, would I miss the supper dance with you?"

Bethy blushed, she knew this was going to be the best dance ever.

Frances Mackay spent much of her married life moving with her husband through the east of Australia and New Zealand. She had many different jobs ranging from Office manager to prawn header and gathered wonderful experiences along the way.
A late starter, Frances completed her formal education after her two children left secondary school. As a mature aged student she completed her BA and then returned to study for her Diploma of Education. This changed the direction of her life and for the next eleven years she taught Humanities subjects to secondary students. At the age when most teachers become jaded Frances enjoyed her teaching experiences and has met past students in unexpected places.
Now retired, she and her husband, Frank, enjoy life in a small village in outback Queensland, Australia. She has had various pieces published, poetry and prose, on the internet as well as print media, home and overseas. The wildlife in her area has inspired many of her pieces although she does often include personal experiences.

Email: fmackay@bigpond.com