Chapter 16 Summary

The war ends on September 2, 1945. On that exact day, the rains come, ending the longest drought in Drogheda history. The tanks have proven that they do, indeed, hold enough water for the household for ten years. Fee asks Meggie how Luke is. Meggie replies that he is the same Luke, saying he is just going to cut cane for a few more years to accumulate a bit more money for a station of his own. Fiona asks if Meggie will join Luke when he buys a station, and Meggie answers, "never!" Fees asks her why she does not divorce Luke and marry again, but Meggie primly responds that it is against the laws of the church.

Fiona and Meggie watch Justine and Dane at play. The two children could not be more different in temperament, but they are devoted to each other. Fiona...