My Plaesure Reading. The Thorn Birds. pp. 260-382

In 1930s Australia was faced with the two major problems – the economic crisis and sandy storms. The latter caught Paddy when he was far away from the house. He decided to wait till the storm will have been over near the tree. However, the lighting stroke in it and thus the failing tree pressed down the person. Meanwhile all people in Drogheda and neighboring estate tried to extinguish the fire, approaching to the house and after few hours of unsuccessful attempts the sudden rain helped them to do it. After several days, Fiona, Meggie, bob, Jack, Hue and Stuart went in search for the head of the family. When Stuart found his father dead, he scared off the wild boar inadvertently by shooting in the air, and the enrage wild animal killed him. Ralph, getting wise about the conflagration in Drogheda, came there, shocked but the double grief – Stuart and Paddy’s death. Meggie tried to make a declaration of love to him again, but he refused her again, reminding that he was the priest and asking her to forget him and marry another man…Three years later, Meggie got acquaintance with a new shepherd Luke O’Neill who began to court Meggie.  Although having no romantic feelings to hem, Meggie agreed to become the wife of the man who looked a little bit as a Ralph, while Luke’s actions had mercenary hidden motive. They moved to North Queensland, where Meggie realized her mistake – Luke was the typical niggard and women were only sexual objects for him. He found the job and the place for a living for Meggie in the Muller’s house. In spite of the fact the the hosts were very pleasant and nice, Meggie wanted her own home and children, while Luke was focused only on the earning money, forgetting about his wife and all his promises.