“I do not want to end our marriage.” His look was contrite. “It will be as you say.”
“I know what matters to you, Henry. Provided you keep your part of the bargain I will always return to Hawker, raise your children, entertain your guests and continue to be the picture of a perfect wife.” She lifted her chin even higher and looked down her nose at him. “As I have always endeavoured to be. Do I have your word?”
He licked his lips. “Of course.”
“Now leave me please. I shall attempt to get some sleep.”
Henry held her gaze but said nothing. He turned abruptly on his heel, kissed his daughter once more and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
Catherine pressed her lips together but the shuddering sobs she tried to hold back burst forth, shaking her whole body and forcing her to take refuge in her chair. She had only ever wanted a simple life: surely that had not been too much to ask?
Five
May 1896
“What a fine spread, Henry.” Ellis Prosser brushed sausage-roll crumbs from his shirt. “And in honour of a beautiful healthy daughter. Catherine has done you proud. You chose very wisely with your wife. You’re a lucky man.”
“Indeed.” Henry looked over the table laden with food to where his wife sat on a delicate brocade chair holding their newly christened daughter. Several women, including Prosser’s wife, Johanna, fussed over them.
Henry puffed out his chest. Even though he had wanted several children, he would have to be content with just the two, a fact he’d come to terms with. He had a good-looking wife who raised them well, managed his home splendidly and turned a blind eye to his mistress. Flora Nixon was handing around a tray of sweet cakes. He cast a quick look in her direction. Yes indeed he was a lucky man. He would love to explain to Prosser just how lucky but that was a secret Henry must keep.
“My family will miss your wife and daughter.” Henry gestured to where Charles was talking with Georgina Prosser. “How long will they be away for?”
“The Orient liner leaves Adelaide next week and they will be aboard. I am told the journey takes as long as six weeks. They will stay with Johanna’s family near London then move on to Europe. They haven’t booked the return journey yet but I imagine they will be gone at least a year.”
“That is a long time to be away from you and their home.”
“It’s for the best. My sons are both dead and, while Georgina has her heart set on taking over the property one day, her mother wants her to have more refined influences.” Ellis looked to his wife, his craggy features softened. “Johanna married me not long after stepping off the boat from England. She’s adapted to life here very well. We’ve made our fortune these last few years but she wants to visit her family. I cannot deny her some small reward for her support.”
“How will you manage?”
“Hmph!” Prosser picked up his teacup and swallowed the contents. “My manager’s wife, Mrs Donovan, will look after me and the house well enough in their absence. Besides, I also think it would be wise for Georgina to travel, expand her horizons.” Prosser leaned in closer. “You’ve heard that young Baker has moved to Smith’s Ridge?”
“I had, yes.” Henry took a sip from the cup of tea he held and wished it was something stronger. Smith’s Ridge held nothing but bad memories for him. He had been glad to hand the lease over to the Bakers but since they had taken it back they had prospered and that irked him. “I also heard he’s stocking it with cattle.”
“Yes. The young pup spent time with me learning all he could about cattle, or so he said, but he had an ulterior motive.”
Henry raised his eyebrows and waited.
“He’s been chasing after Georgina.”
“What?” Henry’s cup slammed back on its delicate saucer. William Baker had grown into a strong, good-looking man with money behind him, but that could not make up for his father taking a black woman as his wife and breeding mixed-race siblings. Henry glanced across at Charles, who sat awkwardly next to Georgina, neither of them speaking. “Surely you wouldn’t allow that.”
“Of course not. Johanna has been nagging me for years to take Georgina on a tour overseas. The time is suddenly right.” Ellis raised his shaggy eyebrows. “If you get my meaning.”
“I do.”
“Who knows who she may meet on her travels? Whoever he is he’d better be a lot worthier than that Baker pup.”
Henry took another sip of tea and looked over at his son again. Charles would be another year older by the time Georgina returned. Still far too young for marriage, but if she didn’t find a husband overseas — well who knew what the future might hold?
“Why do you keep looking out the window?” Charles had been watching Georgina twist her head towards the glass at regular intervals. “Are you expecting someone?”
“No.” She put her cup and saucer on the side table and brushed at her skirt. “But don’t you find all this fussing over a baby claustrophobic?”
“I do.” Charles had been trying valiantly to think of something interesting to talk to Georgina about. Maybe if they were away from the adults their conversation would flow better. “Would you like to take a stroll in the garden?”
“I’d like that.” Georgina rose from her chair with a speed that startled him. “I’ll tell Mother.”
Charles was surprised there was little objection from the adults, other than asking them to stay in the house grounds. Then again he was several years Georgina’s junior. No doubt they thought of him as a child rather than a possible suitor. Charles gave a secret grin. He’d already tested his manhood with the girl from the bakery. After the first time when they’d been awkward and Charles had failed miserably to perform, he’d made up for it and they’d both enjoyed their fun in the stables at the back of the bakery. Unfortunately that had come to an end recently when the young lady had been sent to work at her uncle’s bakery in Quorn. Charles would need to find someone else as accommodating to his needs.
He helped Georgina into her soft velvet coat before shrugging on his own; the day was chilly. He held open the door to let her pass. Her emerald green skirt rustled softly and the faint scent of violets accompanied her. Charles closed the door firmly. He might be Georgina’s junior in years but he was more experienced, he was sure. Charles would bide his time and one day Georgina would be his wife.
“What are you doing?” She shook his guiding hand from her elbow as they made their way across the front verandah.
Charles dropped his arm quickly. He would have to remember Georgina was not a simpering woman like his mother. “Watch your footing on the path,” he said to cover his mistake. “It’s uneven here. Father has plans to make a curved drive around the front so carriages can pull up right at the front door.”
Georgina ignored him and made straight for the front gate, where she stopped and looked up and down the street.
Charles faltered. “We should stay in the yard.”
She smirked at him. “We’re hardly little children, Charles. Where’s the harm in a turn around the block?”
“It could rain.” He cast his gaze skywards at the grey clouds.
“Stay here if you like.” She stepped through the gate. “I’m going for a walk.”
Charles looked back over his shoulder. Their parents would expect him to accompany her, so he followed her out onto the path. No-one would even know they were gone anyway. ‘Footpath’ was a loose term for the uneven surface that had been built up along the front of the houses in the street but he was quickly at Georgina’s side.
“Where do you want to go?”
“Just for a walk.”
He tried to think of ways to keep up a conversation. “I am to go to Adelaide to school next year. Father says I need something to round off the mix of lessons from Mother and my local tutor.”
“I didn’t enjoy school in Adelaide. I’d much prefer to have had lessons at home.”
“Will you miss this when you’re away?”
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p; She gave him a sideways glance. He was tall for his age and they were matched in height. “Not Hawker, but I will miss Prosser’s Run.” She kept moving forward at a pace, her gaze focused ahead again.
“Imagine all the sights you’ll see.”
“I can’t imagine anything more beautiful than the country right here.” She stopped and looked at him. Her breath came fast from walking swiftly; her lips were deep pink and slightly parted, her green eyes were bright and her coppery red hair, loose today, flowed over her shoulders in waving curls. She was the prettiest girl in the district by far. Charles shifted uncomfortably as he felt a surge of desire. She moved off again and he followed.
Georgina continued to talk. “The towering trees along the creeks, the deep reds and tans of the rocks and the brown water roaring after a heavy downpour. The scent of eucalypt on a warm day and the sharp smell of wattle in the spring. The sounds of the birds and then the complete quiet of the night. A summer wind that almost singes your eyebrows with its burning breath and a winter chill so cold the water freezes in the bucket. Mountains that change colour with the time of day and the seasons.” She had turned in the direction of the range to the north as she’d spoken. Now she looked back at him in puzzlement. “How can there be anything more beautiful than that?”
Charles didn’t know what to say. Trees were trees, rocks were rocks — he’d never thought of them in the way her words described. Perhaps here was a way to connect with Georgina.
“It’s hard to imagine there might be,” he said. “I wish I lived out of town. The country is much nicer.”
Georgina spun around at the sound of hooves. A man rode towards them on a horse and lifted his hat.
“Good day to you, Miss Prosser.”
Charles frowned as the rider slid from his horse then turned to face them.
“And to you, Charles.”
It was William Baker of all people. Charles inclined his head briefly in reply, annoyed his time alone with Georgina had been interrupted.
“Where are you off to?” William kept his gaze on Georgina.
“We were just out for a walk to take some fresh air. The house was stuffy, wasn’t it, Charles?” She asked him the question but she was looking at Baker.
“May I join you?”
Before Charles could object Georgina spoke up. “Of course.”
Baker tethered his horse at a post and Charles was astonished to see Georgina slip her hand around the arm he offered.
“I was just lamenting how much I will miss the country while I’m away.”
They walked on, Georgina and William chatting as if Charles were not there. Light rain began to fall. Charles stopped but the other two kept walking, engrossed in their conversation.
“I’m going to the house,” he called after them.
They paused, looking back at him as if they’d just remembered he was there. A small frown creased Georgina’s brow. “It’s only a little rain.”
Charles puffed out his chest. “It’s not the rain.” He was not continuing to play the part of a gooseberry and he was very sure Georgina’s father would not approve of this chance meeting.
William leaned in closer to her and said something Charles couldn’t hear. She looked at Charles with a bright smile on her face. “Would you be a dear and wait for me on the verandah? We can go back inside together. William and I won’t be much longer.”
Charles pursed his lips. She was using him and it was that smug William Baker who had put her up to it. They were sadly mistaken if they thought Charles was going to be anybody’s fool. Georgina may be infatuated by the older charm of William Baker but he was no contender for her hand. Charles would make sure of that. He knew his father would not be pleased to see her walking with Baker and he was sure Ellis Prosser would feel the same ire. He turned on his heel and marched back towards his own street.
William watched Charles stalk off around the corner then he drew Georgina down a small lane between two houses.
“You shouldn’t have let him go.” He gazed into her sparkling green eyes. “He will no doubt go running straight to your father.”
“I don’t care.” Her look hardened, full of defiance. “We have such a short time together and then I will be gone for nearly a year. I’m so glad you got my message to meet me here. We leave on tomorrow’s train.”
William saw her lips move towards him but this time he was ready. There was no need for words. He took her in his arms and pushed his lips against hers, relishing the softness of her flesh and enjoying the frisson of excitement it sent through him. His arms pulled her close and she melded against him. He savoured the taste of her, the brush of her hair on his cheek and the faint scent of violets; it felt so right having her in his arms after all this time. Finally, their lips parted. He could see the heightened pink of her cheeks, hear her quick short breaths. She surely felt the same thrill as he did. The rain grew heavier. He pushed her back against a wall and pulled his coat up to cover their heads.
“I can’t wait a whole year to be with you.” Her words came out urgently between short breaths. Her warm body was pressed against his.
“It won’t be easy. But when you come back you’ll need no-one’s permission to marry.”
Her eyes widened. “Marry?”
“I want to marry you, Georgina Prosser. I don’t think your father will give his permission so you must be of age.”
“You’re very confident.” Her lips turned up in a mischievous grin. “We’ve hardly spent any time together.”
“You’ve known me for years. I’m sure we are meant for each other.” He lowered his coat and shrugged it back around his shoulders. The rain had stopped as quickly as it began. He gripped her hands tightly and pulled them to his chest. “Surely you feel it too.”
The smile left her face to be replaced by an earnest look. He felt the regard of her green eyes keenly, as if they could see inside him. She dipped her head and once more he kissed her.
When next they stopped for breath he eased her away a little. He wanted far more than to kiss Georgina Prosser but he was wise enough to know that could not be until they were man and wife.
“I must take you back before Charles alerts everyone to your absence.”
Georgina brushed her lips across his cheek. “I love you, William Baker.”
He tucked her hand into his arm and patted it. He felt he would burst from happiness and yet at the same time he despaired at the thought of their forthcoming separation.
“A year is not so long,” he said bravely.
She pulled him up at the corner of the Wiltshires’ street and turned worried eyes to his. “So much can happen in a year. You won’t forget your promise to marry me?”
“Of course not.”
They stepped around the corner, walking side by side but with an arm’s length between them. Already William felt empty without her touch. His step slowed as Ellis Prosser burst onto the path outside the Wiltshires’ gate. He was looking the other way but turned as they approached. Another shower of rain began to fall.
“What the devil do you think you’re doing?” He glanced back over their shoulders then back behind him. “How dare you disgrace my daughter, Baker?”
“We were walking and taking in some fresh air, Father.”
Prosser reached for Georgina as they drew near and hustled her through the gate. “Go inside quickly before anyone sees you. Thank goodness young Charles had the foresight to speak with me discreetly or everyone would know about your …” Prosser’s ruddy cheeks went a deeper red. He pursed his lips and glared at William.
“We were only walking, as Georgina said, Mr Prosser.” William lied to protect Georgina. He cared little for what Ellis Prosser thought of him. “There were three of us but Charles made for home before we could accompany him.”
“Save your breath, Baker.” Prosser drew himself up. William wasn’t sure if he’d be stupid enough to swing a punch in the Wiltshires’ front garden but he was ready just in case. “I told you
to leave my daughter alone.”
“You’re being very melodramatic, Father. Charles and I were out for a walk and we ran into William.” Georgina tried to distract him. “Have they cut the cake yet?”
Prosser’s shoulders eased but he didn’t shift his simmering glare from William. “You’re never to see my daughter again.” He poked William in the chest with his finger then spun on his heel and put his hand to his daughter’s elbow. “Come inside, Georgina. Just as well you’re leaving tomorrow. I can’t believe you were a part of such ridiculous behaviour.” Prosser marched her to the verandah. She twisted her head back to give William one last smile.
“Georgina, wait.” He dug in his pocket and pulled out the emerald green ribbon he’d bought for her many years ago. He held it out. “This is for you, until we meet again.”
She moved as if to come back to him but her father tugged at her arm and drew her inside. William watched in despair, his eyes on the closing door. He didn’t see the movement from his right. Something hard connected with the side of his face, spinning him back through the gate and onto the muddy path, where he dropped Georgina’s ribbon. He looked up at the smug face of Charles Wiltshire standing over him.
William frowned and put a hand to his jaw. He couldn’t believe the boy had dealt such a heavy blow but he had size on his side and William hadn’t seen him coming.
“Get back to the bush,” Charles snarled. “You don’t belong with decent folk.” He ground his boot into the ribbon, covering it in mud.
William struggled to his feet but Charles hurried away.
“It’s easy to take a fellow by surprise,” William called after him. “One day you can face me like a man and we’ll see how well you do.”
Charles gave William one last withering look from the safety of the verandah. William took a step towards him and was rewarded with a worried look from the boy, who hurried inside and closed the door with a thud.
William bent to retrieve the ribbon. One end was muddied but he slipped it into his pocket. It was same beautiful green as Georgina’s skirt and was the only thing he had to remind him of her.
Jewel In the North Page 6