Chapter Four

The next morning, Bella and Kitty again took a cab to the address in High Holborn Street. This time the door was opened by a maid, and they were shown into the parlor.

After introducing themselves to Emily Nash, a fresh-faced young matron, Bella told her they were looking for Robert and hoped she could help them to locate him.

“I’m not sure where they are”—a cloud crossed Mrs. Nash’s face—“and I’m very worried about them. I haven’t heard from Matthew for several months now.”

Bella paled. “Oh, dear. Where were they when you last heard from him?”

“They were on the Palmer River, west of Cooktown. They went looking for gold, you know.”

“Yes, we’ve been told that.”

“I didn’t want Matthew to go. My husband and I both tried our hardest to persuade him not to, but he wouldn’t listen to us. Goodness knows what’s happened to them, I’m sure he’d have written again, if he’s all right. I believe conditions are still primitive, it’s dangerous out there, even though Cooktown itself is relatively civilized now.” Mrs. Nash twisted her hands together in her lap as she talked. “They never should have gone. They never should have listened to that man.”

Kitty’s stomach clenched. “What man?” she asked.

“A prospector they met, Harry Mulligan. Apparently, he told them there’s still plenty of gold left on the Palmer River if you know where to look for it. He said he’d staked out this fabulous claim further up the river from the main diggings, and he was looking for a partner to help him share the costs and do the digging.”

“A partner? Just one?”

“Yes, but they decided to pool their resources and both go. He told them there was so much gold there’d be plenty for all of them, and with more capital behind them, it would be all the sooner they would all be rich.”

“Did you ever meet this prospector?” Bella asked.

“No. James asked Matthew to bring him here several times, but he always made an excuse. He had his heart set on going, and he didn’t want James to find fault with their plans, I suppose.”

“Where is the Palmer River?”

“It’s right up in Far North Queensland, in from Cooktown. It’s nearly two thousand miles away from here. Almost to the top of Australia.”

“So far!” Bella’s fingers went to the beads around her neck, twisting them.

“How would you reach it?” Kitty asked, apprehension making her cold in spite of the heat.

“By steamer to Cooktown. They went on the Lady Jane. Then by horse from there.”

“Do you think there really is gold there?”

“There was, plenty of it, but we thought it had mostly gone by now. That’s what James tried to tell them, but they wouldn’t listen. They said Harry had gone to a different place that hadn’t been worked before, all very secret, they didn’t know the exact whereabouts, and that’s where he’d made this rich strike.”

Kitty bit her lip as she thought about this. “Then why would he have needed someone to help him if there was so much gold?”

“That’s what I said, but Matthew said the shaft had to go deeper, and he needed someone to help him. Of course, it is dangerous to work alone, in case of accidents, we know that, but…” her voice trailed off and she shrugged her shoulders, her face tight with anxiety. “But why haven’t we heard, if they’re still all right?”

Bella sat forward. “Do you believe this Harry was genuine?”

“He might have been, although James doesn’t think so, but if he was, why haven’t they written?”

“What do you think could have happened?”

“It’s wild country up there; there’s always danger from the natives, or there might have been an accident, a cave in, or they could be sick. Who knows what could have happened?”

Kitty felt sick at her words. “Where would they have to go, to send a letter from this place?”

“Back to Cooktown.”

“And to buy supplies?”

“The same, I suppose, or perhaps Maytown, that’s a bit closer.”

“What did your brother tell you in his last letter?”

“Only that they’d reached Cooktown, the three of them, and had managed to buy horses and supplies and were setting out straightaway, and not to worry if he didn’t write for a while. But that was eight months ago. Surely they couldn’t stay out there that long without fresh supplies.”

“Could a letter have gone astray?”

“That’s what James keeps telling me. Who knows how reliable the mail is from such a remote place?”

“Is there any way we might be able to find out about them?”

“James has already telegraphed the police in Cooktown to see if anyone knows where they are, but no one knows. I don’t know what else we can do.” She spread her hands in a gesture of helplessness, shaking her head. “It’s such wild country up there, so far from civilization. They could just disappear without a trace.”

Bella rose, her face pale, obviously struggling to retain control of her emotions. “Thank you for your help, Mrs. Nash. If you hear anything from your brother would you please let us know? We’re staying at Petty’s Hotel.”

“I will, and if you’re able to find out anything will you do the same?”

“Yes, of course. Thank you again.”

Mrs. Nash escorted them to the door. Kitty noticed tears in her eyes as they made their farewells; she was obviously fearful for her brother’s safety.

As they rode back to the hotel, tears rolled down Bella’s cheeks.

Kitty felt a lump in her throat threatening to choke her. What if something terrible has happened to Robert? What if we can’t find him?

****

They sat in the lounge at Petty’s Hotel to discuss what steps they could take to find Robert. Bella’s tears had gone but her distress showed.

“Whatever could have possessed Robert to go off like that, without even writing to let me know what he was doing?”

“I suppose he didn’t want to worry you.”

“Well, I’m certainly worried now.”

“Of course you are, and so am I. The question is, what are we to do?”

“What can we do?”

Kitty took a deep breath. “I think I should go and look for him.”

“Up to this Palmer River?”

“Yes.”

“If you go, then I shall certainly come with you.”

Kitty wrinkled her brow. “We need to find out more about where it is.”

“And here comes someone who might be able to tell us.”

Kitty looked across to see Rufe Cavanagh approaching them.

He smiled as he reached them. “Good morning, ladies. I’m about to order some tea. Will you join me?”

“Thank you, Mr. Cavanagh. That would be delightful.” Bella gave a half-hearted smile as Rufe took a seat opposite and ordered tea from the waiter.

“And have you ladies been out sightseeing this lovely morning?” Rufe asked.

“No, actually we’ve been trying to track down my brother Robert,” Kitty replied.

“Were you successful?”

“No. We might have to go to Cooktown to find him.”

Rufe’s head jerked back. “To Cooktown? That’s a long way and scarcely a place for ladies.”

“To the Palmer River, really,” Bella interjected.

He looked shocked. “Mrs. Morland, you could not possibly go to the Palmer River.”

“We have to,” Kitty told him firmly.

He shook his head. “My dear Miss Morland, you don’t understand. The Palmer River is definitely not a place where a lady could possibly go.”

“Why not?”

Rufe took a deep breath and then spoke forcefully. “For a start, there are few people left on the goldfields now, but those who remain are ruffians, men who’ve come from all over the world, to search for gold. And most of the men wouldn’t have seen a woman in months. You wouldn’t be safe, no woman would. You must understand that.”

Kitty swallowed. “You make it quite plain.”

“Good.” He nodded, his face severe. “Now, the other thing is that it’s over fifteen hundred miles north of here. Apart from being a long way, the climate is unbelievable. If you think Sydney’s hot, you haven’t seen anything. Men find it difficult to survive there, let alone a woman. And the conditions are pitiful; there are no facilities there, no houses, no comfortable hotels. No one to cook meals or do anything else.”

“I see.”

“Good. I’m glad you do.” He sat back in his seat as the tea arrived. “Now, let’s enjoy our morning tea and forget this crazy idea.”

Bella sighed as she reached for the pot. “Shall I pour?” she asked.

“Please.” Rufe sat back, watching them.

Bella’s normally calm face was creased with worry and her hand shook as she passed the cups.

Kitty considered Rufe’s words as she took her cup. Well, perhaps they couldn’t go to the Palmer River, but if they went to Cooktown they might be able to find someone who knew of Robert’s whereabouts, and send a message to him. Or they might find a guide who could take them to the diggings in safety.

“And what is Cooktown like, Mr. Cavanagh?” she asked.

“Cooktown is still a frontier town, even though it’s trying to project a veneer of respectability these days.”

“I believe you travel there by steamer?”

“Yes, that’s right. But I hope you’re not thinking of going there, it’s still no place for ladies on their own.”

“I see. And how far is it from there to the Palmer River?”

Rufe frowned at her. “It’s about another hundred and fifty miles, over a rough bullock track, through jungle and country still inhabited by wild natives who think nothing of putting a spear through you.”

Trembling, Bella placed her cup on the table. “Mr. Cavanagh, I’m so worried about what could have happened to my son,” she said. “I don’t know how else we can find out if we don’t go up there.”

Rufe’s gaze softened. “What makes you believe he’s up there?”

“We’ve been told that’s where he went.”

“Would you care to tell me what you’ve found out? I might be able to help.”

In a worried voice, Bella repeated their conversation with Emily Nash.

“So you see,” Kitty told him at the end of the narrative, “it seems the only way to find him is to go up there and look for ourselves.”

“Let me think for a moment.”

****

Rufe sat back, steepled fingers tapping his chin. He felt sorry for Bella, she was a nice woman, and obviously distressed. There was no way he could let them go up there by themselves, though why he should worry, he didn’t know. They were a couple of women who foolishly came all this way without making certain they could find the son upon their arrival. But he would like to help. Besides which, he did find the daughter attractive, and wanted to get to know her better. He had the vague feeling he had met her somewhere before, but for the life of him couldn’t recall any meeting. He made a decision.

“It so happens I have some business interests up that way. I have contacts there, an agent. I’ll telegraph him and ask him to see if he can find Robert for you, or at least find out if anything has happened to him.”

Bella clasped her hands together, a look of relief on her face. “Would you do that, Mr. Cavanagh? Oh, I can’t tell you how grateful I am.”

Kitty added her thanks. “It’s very kind of you. I wonder how long it will take for us to hear something?”

“I really can’t answer that. I’ll telegraph right away. But it depends on how easy or difficult it is to trace him. Now, I’ll just check the details again.” Taking a small book from his pocket, he wrote as Bella directed. “Let’s hope my agent can find them for you, alive and well. It’s unlikely we’ll hear anything back for a few days, but I’ll let you know as soon as I do. You’ll be staying here in the hotel for a bit longer?”

Bella nodded. “Yes. At least until Robert comes back. And thank you again.”

Rufe dared not utter the thought that sprang to his mind, that the Palmer River was so dangerous there was a chance Robert might not be found. And then what?

****

A quick knock sounded at their door and a well-built young woman with red hair and freckles, wearing a housemaid’s apron and cap, entered their sitting room.

“Oh, sorry miss, I didn’t think anyone was here. I’m just returning your clothes from the laundress. Would you like me to put them away for you?”

“No, it’s all right, thank you,” Kitty replied. “Those are our heavy clothes from England. We’ll be packing them away in the trunk.”

“Yes, they’re a bit too heavy for our weather, aren’t they? Except maybe for a short time in the winter.”

“Oh, so it does get cold here at times?”

“Yes, a bit, but nothing like it does in England, so I’ve been told. Your first time here, is it, miss?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Well, I hope you enjoy it.” She smiled.

“Why, thank you…what is your name?”

“Mary.”

“Thank you, Mary.” Kitty smiled back at her. “I take it you were born here in Australia?”

“Yes, right here in Sydney, but my mum came out from England.”

“Did she? Has she ever thought of going back?”

“No, no way. Wild horses wouldn’t drag her back there, she says.”

“Really? Has she been here long?”

“Yes, since she was eighteen. That’s over thirty years ago.”

“Then she must be happy here.”

“Oh, yes. Well, I best get on with my work. Just let me know if you need anything. Good day, miss.”

The servants here were different from those in England, Kitty reflected, as the girl left. Much freer in their manner. She recalled her time in the Arnold household. No wonder Mary’s mother didn’t want to go back, it certainly did seem to be a more relaxed way of life here. And all the better for it.

“So what shall we do now?” Bella asked. “There’s nothing more we can do toward finding Robert, until Mr. Cavanagh receives a reply.” She went to the window and stared out. “I think I need to do something to take my mind away from what might have happened to him.” As she turned back toward the room, Kitty could see the worry on her face. “Hearing Mr. Cavanagh talk about the dangers up there frightened me.”

Kitty walked over and put her arms around her. “I know.” She hugged Bella. “We need something to take your mind off that, and I know just the thing.” Releasing Bella, she smoothed down her skirt. “Now that I’ve packed away the clothes we brought with us, we need more clothes, and it’s time to see more of Sydney. So, let’s go for a walk.”

Once again they were amazed at the busyness of the streets. Pedestrians bustled along the footpaths, while the streets themselves were crowded with every type of conveyance on wheels. Horse drawn buggies, delivery wagons, double-decker steam trams, cabs and carriages, all fought for space with riders on horseback.

They wandered along, discreetly inspecting the other pedestrians and looking into the shop windows as they passed.

“We could be back in London,” Bella exclaimed. “There are plenty of goods in the shops and while the fashions seem to be a little behind London, the locals are every bit as smart in their dress as people back home.”

“Yes, I must say I’m pleasantly surprised. Sydney is certainly not the colonial outpost I expected. And there is so much construction going on. It must be growing fast to warrant so many new buildings.” Kitty stopped to read the name as they came to an arcade. “Royal Arcade, let’s go in and have a look.”

There were shops that sold hats for men and women, boots and shoes, sturdy umbrellas and dainty parasols, saddles and bridles, a barber and tobacconist and a shop that sold scissors and knives. They paused as they saw a jeweler’s shop ahead, checking the name outside to make sure it was not Arnold before continuing.

“It brings to mind our goods,” Kitty lowered her voice. “We need to find a bank with a safety deposit box. And to think of where we’re going to find a buyer. We’ll probably need to sell most of them if we’re going into business.”

Bella looked around at the smart shops and bustling people. “I don’t think this would be the sort of establishment to approach, we’ll need to look around for an area like the East End of London.”

Kitty pulled at her lip thoughtfully. “That’s awkward when we don’t know our way around.” She brightened. “Robert will know. If not, he’ll find out.”

Bella stood silent for a moment, gazing into the window. “And what if we haven’t found Robert by the time we need money?”

“Then we’ll just have to rely on ourselves. But we’ll find him, don’t worry. Now come along, we have to find a bank, and somewhere to sell one piece, we really need more cash now. And then I want to find that store I saw on our way from the ship, the tall one; it looked very new and smart, I’m sure they’ll have all the latest fashions.”

They found a bank close to the arcade and went in.

Kitty had no trouble in opening an account and hiring a safety deposit box. Putting one diamond into her purse, she deposited the rest in the box.

Bella heaved a sigh of relief. “At least that’s one worry off my mind, now they’re safe.”

They walked further until they found a pawnshop and entered.

“How much will you give us for this?” Kitty asked, producing the diamond. The proprietor looked at it then offered a figure that was less than half of what they had received for a similar stone in London.

“It’s worth at least twice that,” Kitty objected.

He shrugged. “Take it or leave it, lady. It’s the best I can do.”

Bella nudged her and nodded.

“Very well then, but it’s the last time I’ll do business with you.”

“Suit yourself,” he said as he handed over the money.

Kitty’s heart sank as they left the shop. If this was all they could expect for each one, would they have enough for a business?

****

“I think that should do us for shopping for some time now,” Bella said as she looked at their purchases spread out across the bed back in their hotel room.

Kitty regarded her mother with affection, glad that the shopping had taken her mind off Robert for a while. “Yes. We’ll be able to hold our heads up in any company now. It’s nice not to feel like a poor relation, and those days are behind us now. We need to look to the future.”

“The money won’t last forever. We mustn’t continue to spend it so quickly.”

“No. You’re right. I’ve been thinking; we should look for a house to rent. It’s too expensive to stay here for long. And as soon as we find Robert, we’ll see what sort of business he’s interested in. Of course, if they’ve found gold, things might be different again. He might not need to go into business. But I’m not counting on that.”

“I should think not. From what Mrs. Nash said the whole venture was foolhardy. I just want to see him safely back here.”

“So do I. Let’s hope Rufe Cavanagh’s agent is successful in finding him.”

****

Over the next few days, Rufe made a point of spending time with Kitty and Bella. He felt concerned for the two women, in limbo here in Sydney as they anxiously awaited news of Robert. And, if he was honest with himself, he had to admit that he wanted to get to know Kitty better. So, he invited them to join him on sightseeing jaunts around Sydney in his trap. They found him a likeable and entertaining companion as he pointed out places of interest, with comments on the history and amusing anecdotes of happenings in the city’s earlier days.

Although Kitty knew that for her own safety she should have little contact with Rufe, she could think of no good reason to refuse his invitations, and so the three of them spent much time together, and she found herself enjoying his company.

Although he never attempted any personal conversations, she found he was willing to converse on any subject. Ah, if only things were different. If only she had never met him in London.

****

Bella and Kitty seated themselves in chairs in the lounge after they came out from breakfast one morning.

“I’m surprised you haven’t heard from William,” Bella said. “I hope you didn’t discourage him too much by being so off-hand with him.”

“I hope I did, Mother. You know I’m not interested in becoming his wife.”

“That’s all very well, but you need to remember your position. You could still be in danger of being discovered. We don’t know what’s happening back in London, what steps might have been taken to try and find you. With the telegraph making contact so easy these days, you might not be safe anywhere. If you marry William, you’d be under the protection of the Barron name, with Sir Alexander Barron as your father-in-law. They’re an important family.”

“I know that, but, while Sir Alexander seems nice enough, his wife’s a domineering tyrant. I realized that as soon as William introduced us back on the ship. It’s obvious he’s frightened of her. I don’t fancy her for a mother-in-law. Besides, I’ve told you, I don’t love William.”

“That’s not so important. Surely it would be better to be married to William than to face the consequences of what happened in London?”

“A fine choice. With William I’d be married to a man I don’t love and with the other…” her voice trailed away and her heartbeat quickened as she remembered her worry during their last days in England, and her fear of discovery.

“Well?”

Kitty took a deep breath, seeking reassurance. “But that might never happen. Perhaps I was never suspected. And we’re twelve thousand miles away. I’m sure we’ll be safe here in Australia.”

“I’m not so sure. But you promised me you’d think carefully about his proposal.”

“I know, but until we hear from Robert, I’ll make no decision. I told you that. Anyhow, I haven’t heard from William since we arrived, so let’s not discuss it now.”

“But what if we can’t find Robert?” Bella’s voice shook. “What then?”

Kitty set her lips in a determined line. “Then we’ll dispose of some more of our goods, and decide what to do. Now, I’m going back up to our room. Are you coming?”

Kitty stood, and Bella sighed as she did the same and followed her daughter to the stairs.

****

Rufe waited a few moments before rising from the chair around the corner where he had been sitting reading the morning newspaper. He hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but even as he rose to reveal himself, the two women started what he realized was a private conversation. Rather than embarrass them, he decided to stay where he was until they left; he could always feign total immersion in his paper if he was discovered.

During their jaunts around Sydney, Rufe had developed an admiration for Kitty. He found her remarkably well informed, and unafraid to voice her opinions. She became quite heated over subjects she felt strongly about and at times he opposed her views simply in order to see her eyes glitter and the color come to her cheeks. Intelligent and spirited as well as beautiful, a rare combination in a woman.

Now what he heard astonished him. What had Kitty done in London? What were the goods she needed to dispose of? And would she marry a man she didn’t love to save herself from—what? What a shame it would be if she wasted herself on that milksop Barron.