by Joanna Lloyd
“Tell me to mind my own business my dear, but I don’t see the bloom of love on your cheeks.”
Electra drew in a short breath, swallowed, and turned away.
“I’m not sure what you mean,” she said.
“I mean I don’t see in your or Mr. Radcliffe’s eyes that spark of shared secrets, if you get my meaning.” She put her hand up to stop Electra’s protestations. “Now he’s a man and they don’t say no to a woman coming into their bed. So all I can surmise is that you haven’t tried as yet.”
Electra tried to stammer a response but could not find the words. The woman had no right to pry. But Electra could not find it in herself to berate her. For a start, she had seen the truth of her marriage and seemed genuine in her concern. Electra frowned and lowered her eyes.
“It’s all right, love, but don’t wait too long. From what I hear, he’s a man worth having. Now let’s make sure his eye doesn’t rove elsewhere,” she said, laying out the gowns for Electra’s approval.
Yes, thought Electra, any woman in this small colony would do no better than William Radcliffe. A ripple of jealousy and possessiveness went through her at the thought of another woman laying claim to him. He is my husband, she reminded herself. It still felt strange on her tongue.
At least there was some comfort in looking like the wife of a man of William’s standing. Her fingers caressed the silky undergarments laid out before her and when Mrs. Grenville draped the two ball gowns across the counter, she gasped. They were exquisite and either would be perfect for the upcoming function at the governor’s residence. The difficulty would be in choosing.
• • •
To keep her mind off the impending dinner dance, Electra spent much time riding her chestnut mare, and familiarizing herself with the vast property. William had introduced her to a native worker named Billy, who cared for the sheep. She found she was curious to know more of these dark people who had been the only inhabitants before the English came. William warned her that most of the English settlers treated the natives with either fear or contempt and made no attempt to learn from, or understand, them. Electra had never let others influence her opinions. As she had little respect for many of the countrymen she had met so far, their views meant little to her.
One morning, after stopping to watch the men round up the sheep and move them into new pastures, she turned the chestnut mare toward the west. As the forest thickened, the mare stepped carefully through the underbrush, weaving in and out through the eucalypt, wattle, and mulga trees. Electra listened for the mimicking cry of the lyrebird, which Callum had described in humorous detail. He told her the bird would mimic anything it heard, including the cry of a baby or the whinny of a horse. How would she tell it from the real thing?
Electra dismounted and walked away from the horse, looking for wildflowers. As she knelt to pull a bright purple flower from the ground, she heard the soft voices of women. She stopped to listen but could discern nothing of their conversation. To her ears, it was gibberish. The voices came closer and she dropped to a crouch, peering through the bushes. No drawing room discussion prepared her for the three figures that entered the clearing. Their skin was as black as the night. Dark, alert eyes set deep in their skulls glinted with ancient pride. Large, generous mouths dominated their faces below broad, imposing noses. They were shamelessly naked, their breasts swinging free while on their heads masses of dark hair sat coiled like tight springs. These were the native people she had been warned about, her legs trembled like jelly and her throat closed in terror.
The women stopped suddenly, awareness of her presence flashing in their liquid eyes. They turned their heads, sensing her position, and looked straight at the bushes behind which she crouched. Her fear almost strangled her but as her eyes were drawn back to the women, she saw the same fear etched on their faces. In a moment of courage or madness, she was not sure which, she showed herself.
Two of the women screamed and ran into the bushes, but the third stood her ground, her dark eyes riveted on Electra. Remembering the flowers in her shaking hands, Electra held them out to the woman as an offering. The woman nodded and Electra moved forward, placed them on the ground, and stepped back.
The dark eyes flickered from her face as the native woman reached into a bag made from tree bark and pulled out a small wooden bowl. She bent, like a sapling, from the waist, picked up the flowers, and left the bowl in their place. Electra looked down at the bowl and when she lifted her eyes, the woman had gone. In disbelief at this wondrous contact, she picked up the precious bowl to examine the burnt markings inside. Then she edged back to her horse, her skin prickling in awareness of watchful eyes. She mounted and carefully made her way out of the bush. Once clear, she pushed the mare into a gallop, her sense of elation bursting from her in a loud “whoop.”
She couldn’t wait to tell William.
• • •
There had been no sign of her for hours. William imagined any number of accidents until Shi Liang casually revealed she had taken a piece of pie, fruit, and a small container of water some hours before and disappeared on horseback. Information from one of the stockmen pointed him toward the western boundary.
When Electra’s mare broke free of the bush and crossed the first paddock, he let out a ragged breath of relief. Her face, flushed with excitement, broke into a smile as she drew near.
It was clear there was something she needed to share but William, too angry to listen, yelled, “Good God, Electra, where on earth have you been? Half my men are out searching for you. All Shi Liang could tell me was that you took food and disappeared hours ago.”
Instead of showing remorse, she became indignant.
“Do I have to report every movement to you? I’m quite capable of looking after myself. Besides, what is so dangerous about exploring the bush?”
William shook his head, exasperated. “You know nothing about the Australian bush, woman.”
She cocked her head, challenging him to explain.
“I could remind you of your unfamiliarity with the land, or your lack of bush skills, but let’s start with the deadly snakes.” Her eyes widened. “Then there are the poisonous spiders. Oh, and if you come across a large kangaroo, one kick with his hind leg and that’s the end of you.” Her jaw dropped open. “Not to mention spear-wielding natives.” He saw her eyes flick sideways. “Those, however, are the minor dangers — ”
“William, now you are exaggerating,” she said, frowning.
“No, let me finish. The worst are the bushrangers and their numbers are increasing by the day.”
“I did hear of them at the factory, but don’t they just rob banks and stagecoaches?”
“Hah!” William was almost enjoying himself. “They are thieving, murderous scoundrels to whom no crime, including rape, is off limits. Most are escaped convicts and have nothing more to lose. You, my very beautiful wife, would be a prize indeed for their lusting appetites.” He stopped, surprised at his own words.
“Then I shall certainly ensure I stay out of their clutches,” she said quickly, turning away as a pink flush spread over her face.
As they rode back to the house, William sensed her eyes on him more than once. He cursed under his breath at the vulnerability he had exhibited in the face of her irritating, headstrong behaviour. Weren’t grateful convict wives supposed to stay demurely at home directing household matters and doing embroidery? He never knew from one minute to the next where she would be or whom she would be upsetting. He tried to ignore the pleasant stirring in his body at the sight of small twigs caught in her hair, the smattering of freckles on her nose from the sun, and her straw hat knocked askew.
Had she taken him seriously?
“Electra, I don’t want you going back into the bush alone, is that clear?”
“Yes, William. You have made yourself perfectly clear.”
He looked at the stubborn set of her jaw. Why didn’t he believe her?
Chapter Seven
“Mr. and M
rs. William Radcliffe, Your Excellency.”
The room stilled and all eyes turned to the door, eager for the first sight of the convict woman who had married one of the wealthiest, most eligible bachelors in New South Wales.
William felt the pressure of Electra’s fingers as she gripped his arm. He reached over to cover her hand with his. As his eyes swept the room, he knew in a glance that no other woman in the room could match the fiery beauty of the woman on his arm. Together they approached the governor, smiling and nodding at those they passed.
Lachlan Macquarie was, in William’s opinion, a good man and an effective governor. He had a reputation for being a reformer who insisted on emancipists being treated as equals in his colony. Although this had damaged his popularity with the class-conscious free settlers and exclusives, it did not deter him from following his ideals. Despite the fact Electra had not achieved emancipation or a pardon, it appeared Macquarie’s social views, bolstered by his expressed respect for William, had prompted the invitation. At William’s request, Governor Macquarie had also made enquiries into Electra’s charges and was giving consideration to an interesting suggestion.
The governor and his wife greeted them with obvious pleasure. Macquarie grasped William’s shoulder and shook his other hand. Mrs. Macquarie stepped forward, took Electra’s hand, and warmly welcomed her to their home.
William touched Electra’s fingers as she replaced her hand on his arm and as they moved on, the buzz of conversation resumed. He heard snippets, mostly expressions of distaste at the governor’s “inappropriately warm” welcome. He pursed his lips and guided Electra around the room, intent on having her accepted. But as they approached each small gathering, the group dissipated, with the women averting their eyes. Electra’s face paled with each slight and her eyes beseeched William to make it end. He was about to admit defeat, when new arrivals attracted the attention of the room.
“The Lord and Lady Percy Langley, Your Excellency.”
William leaned over to whisper to her. “Our nearest neighbours. It was Lady Percy who told me about the seamstress. You’ll like her, Electra.”
The new arrivals were soon surrounded as gentlemen and ladies vied for positions of inferred intimacy. Lord Percy was the wealthiest landholder and, next to the governor, the most influential man in the colony. His wife took great delight in flouting convention, and her elevated position in Sydney society allowed her to do so without censure. Lady Percy looked around and, seeing William, broke free of the sycophantic gathering.
She crossed the room, offered her hand to Electra, and in a voice raised for all to hear said, “My dear Mrs. Radcliffe, how wonderful to meet you at last.” She stepped back, looking admiringly at Electra’s gown. “And look at you, you put us all to shame with your elegance and beauty. You must put me on the top of your list for visiting next week and I shall not take no for an answer.”
Electra flushed. “You are too kind, Lady Percy, but I imagine you will be the only one on my list for visiting.”
Lady Percy laughed. “You are delightfully honest, Mrs. Radcliffe.” She caught William’s eye. “Your husband has been our very good friend for some years now, and I admire and respect how he conducts himself. As he has chosen you as his wife, then I know he could have made no better decision.”
Electra relaxed and smiled at Lady Percy. “My husband was right when he told me I would like you. And thank you for your generosity.”
“Pish, nonsense, my dear. I am determined we will be friends and I will not have it any other way.”
Lady Percy reinforced her public acceptance of Electra by taking her arm and introducing her around the room. William chuckled as he watched their progression. Women who turned away when they had first entered, were forced, by the presence of Lady Percy, to greet and make idle chatter with Electra. Many with stiff smiles painted on their faces.
William moved over to join Lord Percy and Lieutenant Cameron. It was not long, however, before he found himself searching the room for his wife. He caught sight of her, still arm in arm with Lady Percy, surrounded by male admirers. A familiar ache settled low in his belly and William found he could not turn away. The cream silk and lace gown looked enchanting on her tall, slender body, showing off to perfection her soft round breasts and tiny waist. Her mass of red-gold curls had been swept up to the top of her head with tendrils of hair hanging seductively around her ears and down her long neck. As if sensing his attention, Electra turned and smiled intimately at him across the room. His pulse quickened as their gazes held. It was with reluctance that William turned his attention back to his companions.
Eventually supper was announced, and before William could seek out his wife, Leona Lancaster placed her hand on his arm, coyly requesting he escort her into supper.
This was an unexpected complication. How was he to handle this? “Er, Leona, so nice to see you. But would it not be rude to your companion?”
She tapped his arm. “Silly boy. I came with Frederick and my brother is ardently pursuing Miss Camden. Besides, it has been too long since we spent time together.” Her hand stroked his arm as she spoke.
“My wife … I really should — ”
“I am sure your wife is perfectly capable of finding the supper room. If you abandon me now, I shall be extremely embarrassed.”
Emotional blackmail. He glanced down at the woman on his arm. Her eyes were downcast as she fidgeted with her reticule. There was nothing he could do without appearing rude. So he escorted her into supper, hoping his wife would understand.
• • •
Electra glanced around the room as couples began pairing to enter the supper room. Lord Percy rejoined Lady Percy and, at Electra’s insistence, they left her to wait for William. Catching sight of William’s fair head, she turned to join him but stopped as a short, pretty, blond-haired woman claimed him as her escort. Pangs of jealousy shot through her and her face flushed as she stood alone and unpartnered. She turned away, fighting to ignore the snide looks from some guests; Annabel Cameron was among those who snickered behind their fans.
Just as her confidence began to waver, she heard a quiet, familiar voice at her side.
“May I have the honour of accompanying the most beautiful woman in the room into dinner?”
Electra spun around and found herself looking into the sparkling, brown eyes of Captain Hawley.
“Captain! How wonderful to see you again. I had no idea you were here tonight.” She had to admit, he looked very handsome in his dark blue, fitted coat and tight white breeches. And what wonderful timing. She breathed a small sigh of relief.
“Our departure has been delayed by some months due to repairs to my ship. I had thought to seek you out and was informed you had married. I confess I was not certain you would want to see me again.”
“I am delighted to see you. As you can probably tell, people are not clamoring to make my acquaintance. In fact I must admit to a moment of despair prior to your approach, as my husband seems otherwise engaged and I am decidedly unpartnered.”
“Your husband’s loss is indeed my gain,” he said, smiling appreciatively at her. “I am moved to tell you that your beauty is breathtaking tonight and I have noticed many of the gentlemen present having difficulty concentrating on much else.”
With her confidence restored, she took the captain’s proffered arm and approached the supper room. As they entered together, heads, including William’s, turned. She leaned in toward the captain and laughed flirtatiously at a whispered comment. She saw William frown in confusion, trying to place her escort. Then a flash of surprise followed by a tensing of his jaw indicated he had recognised her dashing partner. As William tried to extract himself from his blond companion, Electra turned away, accepting a chair beside the captain.
They were seated at the governor’s table with a handful of others, including Lord and Lady Percy and William. Other tables were placed fan-shaped around the room, but close enough not to miss anything of significance from the main t
able.
Although feigning indifference, Electra was very aware of the blond woman’s patter of inane pre-dinner conversation with William. He twice attempted to interrupt her to speak to his wife, but her monologue was unstoppable.
She turned back to the captain. But as she nodded at a comment he made, her eyes were drawn back to William. It was clear, by the thin line of his lips and the deep frown, he was not pleased with the captain’s ardent attentions. She quickly searched her memory for what she may have told William, but could only recall explaining her role on the ship as the captain’s assistant. There had been no mention of the captain’s feelings for her.
She had to admit it was not unpleasant having two extremely attractive men vie for her attention. And besides, tonight she had decided to enjoy herself, despite her earlier desire to leave.
In welcoming everyone to his home, the governor alluded to “the esteemed company,” drawing a number of covert looks in Electra’s direction. If her dear papa had been here he would have trounced the lot of them for their offensive intimations. A familiar ache in her heart reminded her the grief had not yet passed. She raised her chin and focused on the governor until he concluded his speech. Then William caught her eye, giving a slight nod and smile of encouragement. She had a sudden urge to reach across for his hand in gratitude for the support. But it would not have been seemly.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the clatter of dishes as a trail of waiters entered the room laden with large silver salvers. Creamed corn soup preceded wild duck stuffed with apricots and raisins, roasted kangaroo, creamed potatoes, corn with preserves, and pickled greens. A local brewer had provided a hogshead of beer and wines from the governor’s personal cache were offered.
When general conversation recommenced, following service of the main course, William introduced Leona Lancaster, reacquainted himself with Captain Hawley and invited the captain to visit Riverside. Electra lifted her napkin to her mouth to hide a smile at William’s display of magnanimity.