Chapter Fourteen

Kitty’s cheek was red and swollen the next morning and a bruise was darkening her eye. When she entered the dining room for breakfast Bella clapped her hand over her mouth, but in response to Kitty’s shake of the head, she said nothing.

After glancing at her, William continued with his breakfast and when he was finished he rose from his chair and left without a word.

“Oh, my God, Kitty, you need to see a doctor,” Bella told her as soon as he left the room. “We’ll have to go into Stroud.”

“No, definitely not. Do you think I want anyone to see me like this? Do you think I want anyone to know that my husband beat me? I’m ashamed enough that Mary has to see me like this. I’ll stay inside the house until it’s better. Now, if you want to help me, get me one of your poultices to help make it go away quicker.”

Bella’s eyes filled with tears. “Whatever you say, Kitty.” She rose from her chair and left the room, returning later with a poultice that she put on the offending eye.

When Mary came in with a fresh pot of tea, she stopped and drew in a sharp breath. “Oh. Whatever’s happened to you?”

“I left the wardrobe door open, and when I turned around in a hurry I bumped into it. So silly of me.”

Mary opened her mouth as if to speak, but then said nothing. She crossed the room and put the teapot on the sideboard. “You’ll have to learn to be more careful, Mrs. B,” she said as she turned around. “You need to keep out of harm’s way.”

During the following week, Kitty behaved as if nothing had happened. The swelling and bruising faded daily with the help of Bella’s potions and by the end of the week there was only a faint mark left. Kitty took care not to upset William.

On the eighth morning, as soon as William left, she asked for the buggy to be brought out. When it came, its smart paintwork gleaming, she saw Jack Morgan was leading it instead of young Bluey, and frowned. Would he cause them trouble?

Bella stepped toward him with a smile. “Good morning, Mr. Morgan. Kitty and I have planned a surprise for William. We’re going to learn to handle the horse and buggy ourselves. Today we’ll have a little practice near the house.”

Jack nodded. “A good idea. I think it’s necessary for you both to be able to handle it. Out in the country like this, you never know when you might need it. Perhaps I can give you both some lessons.”

“That would be wonderful, wouldn’t it Kitty?”

“It would indeed. But you must remember we don’t want my husband to know until we’ve mastered it. I wouldn’t want to worry him.”

“You can count on me. Not a word. Now, up you get.”

He held out his hand and helped Bella up while Kitty climbed in, then hopped up and took the reins, urging the horse forward.

“Now,” he told them, “you both ride, so you know how to control a horse. I’ll give you a few tips about the buggy.”

Two hours later, he pronounced himself satisfied with his pupils’ progress.

“You’re both doing well,” he told them, jumping down. “Just stay close to the house for a day or two and keep off rough ground as much as you can. You’ll be fine.”

****

Kitty waited until they were at dinner on Saturday night before bringing up the subject of church the next day. After a couple of glasses of wine she judged William was in a good mood.

“Mother and I would like to go to Saint Mary’s church in Markham tomorrow. Would you care to accompany us, William?” she asked.

“No, indeed not. I won’t enter a church unless it’s Anglican.”

“I wish you would come, William, but we’ll just have to manage without you if that’s how you feel. I wouldn’t want to try to persuade you to compromise your faith.”

“But you’re Anglican also.”

“Yes, but it doesn’t bother me if I go to another church.”

Bella took a sip of her wine. “I don’t feel that my God will mind if I worship him in a church other than the one I’m used to. And I do feel the need to attend church sometimes.”

“Markham is a long way to ride on a hot day. Besides, it wouldn’t be seemly for you to arrive at church on horseback.”

“We’ll take the buggy,” Kitty told him.

“The buggy? But you’ve never driven the buggy.”

Kitty waved a hand airily. “Oh, we’re both accustomed to driving one in England, aren’t we, Mother?”

Bella nodded. “Of course.”

William frowned. “But the roads here are so much rougher than in England. I don’t know if you could manage.”

“Oh, we can manage perfectly well. We’ve practiced around the estate; it wasn’t much different. We’ll watch the road carefully; we’ll be fine. And our buggy is so smart, I’m sure we’ll be the envy of all who see it.”

William pursed his lips. “I suppose it’ll do no harm. Very well then. You may go.”

“Thank you, William,” Kitty said.

****

Kitty and Bella took their seats in the back pew of the church and remained there throughout the service. Making their way outside afterward they were greeted at the door by the officiating priest. They thanked him for the service and passed a few cordial words before they left.

As they stepped outside, they heard the wind sighing through the treetops. Suddenly, the wind increased and a strong gust made them both clutch at their hats. As they climbed into the buggy and Kitty picked up the reins, a clap of thunder made them both look up at the sky. Black clouds had rolled in and hung threateningly above them.

“I think we’re in for some wet weather,” Kitty said as she flicked the reins on the horse’s back. “Come on, Rusty, head for home.”

Almost immediately another clap of thunder sounded, much closer this time and accompanied by a flash of lightning. They traveled only a quarter of a mile before the rain started to fall, large fat drops, spattering the roof of the buggy, but intermittently, as if in no hurry to wet the dusty ground below. Within minutes the tempo increased, and it soon became a downpour. Huge sheets of water fell from the sky, and the strong wind blew it into their faces. Thunder crashed overhead. Water ran across the road, turning the dust to mud.

In no time at all their clothes were soaked. Bella touched the brim of her hat. “Oh dear. Our hats will be ruined.”

Kitty looked across at her mother. Her smart hat was waterlogged and its brim drooped soggily. Kitty knew her own was the same and her clothes clung wetly to her. She felt water trickling down her legs and running into her shoes.

“Yes, probably our clothes, too. But we have more to worry about than that. Let’s hope the creek doesn’t rise too quickly or we could be stranded.”

The heavy going caused the light carriage to swerve alarmingly, and Kitty slowed the horse to little more than walking pace. Bella sat silent as Kitty concentrated on peering ahead through the gloom.

They reached the creek, and Kitty pulled up a short distance back and handed the reins to Bella. “Just hold him steady. I’m going to have a closer look.”

She walked to the bank and stood regarding the water. Her stomach knotted with tension as she watched the water flowing swiftly across the stones that normally provided a safe crossing. If the horse slipped, they could be washed away by the force of the water. She stood biting her lip. What should they do?

It could be hours before the storm passed, and the creek would be rising steadily all the time. It could be tomorrow before the water subsided. That was if the rain stopped. What if it didn’t?

Would William be concerned and come looking for them? Surely he would realize they could be in difficulties. Slowly she walked back and climbed up into the buggy, taking the reins from Bella. “I think we’d better wait awhile. When we don’t return, William will surely come looking for us.”

Slowly she drove the buggy to the side of the road, and pulled as close as she could to a large tree, its thick leafy branches offering at least some protection from the weather.

When Kitty heard a shout from the other side of the creek some time later, relief surged through her. William had arrived. But when the horseman splashed through the water and rode up to them she saw it was not William. It was Jack Morgan.

“Thank goodness you didn’t try to cross the creek on your own,” he said, as he reined in beside them.

Bella leaned toward him. “Oh Jack, I can’t tell you how pleased we are to see you.”

Even in the stress of the moment Kitty felt a stab of surprise. She glanced sharply at her mother. Since her father died she had never heard her address a man by his Christian name.

Jack Morgan brushed at the rain dripping from the brim of his hat. “I knew the creek would be running high with all this rain. I just hoped I’d reach you in time.” He turned to Kitty. “Now, I’ll ride back to the other side, and wade back. Then I’ll hold your horse’s head and lead him across. You’ll have to keep a firm hold on the reins, but we should be able to cross safely. Do you reckon you’ll be okay to do that?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” He turned and splashed back to the other side and tied his horse to a tree. A moment later he was back, shaking himself as he emerged dripping from the creek.

He tied a piece of cloth over the horse’s eyes then led him slowly to the bank and down the slope into the water, talking soothingly to the horse all the time.

Kitty felt the tug of the water as it rose almost to the floor, but she held the reins firmly to guide them across. When the horse reached the other side, it slipped as it started to climb the slope. The buggy jerked and twisted in the surging water as it came to a stop. Kitty pulled hard on the reins. Morgan swore and urged the horse up again, looking anxiously back at them. Little by little they started to move again, and the buggy slowly straightened, inching its way through the swelling waters. Slowly, slowly up the incline they moved, and then lurched over the top with a rush as the wheels reached level ground.

Kitty relaxed her tensed muscles as she realized they were safe. Beside her, Bella let out her breath with an audible rush.

Morgan let go of the horse’s head and walked back. “I’ll ride back with you,” he said, “but you’ll be all right now.”

“I don’t know how to thank you enough,” Kitty told him.

“It’s nothing. Forget it.” Striding across, he untied his horse and swung up into the saddle.

As they headed homewards, Kitty wondered why it had been left to Jack Morgan to rescue them. Why had William not come?

They had almost reached Bulahdelah when the rain stopped as abruptly as it had started.

When they stopped in front of the house, Morgan quickly dismounted and came to help Bella down from the buggy. Holding her hand, he looked into her eyes as she stepped down, his face showing concern. “You’re soaked to the skin. I hope you don’t catch cold from this. Make sure you have a hot bath and a tot of brandy to drive away the chill,” he said, still holding her hand.

A smile touched Bella’s lips. “I will. And thank you so much for coming to rescue us.” Her hand still rested in his.

He cleared his throat. “It’s nothing,” he said gruffly. Releasing her hand, he took the reins from Kitty. “I’ll look after the horse. You go in and get dry.”

Mary was waiting in the hall for them and bustled them into the sitting room, where she had a fire burning with towels warming in front of it.

“Just look at you both, you’re like drowned rats,” she fussed. “You’ll both catch your death of cold if we don’t get you warmed up. Now then, you take off those wet clothes and wrap yourself in towels and wait here by the fire,” she ordered Kitty. “Just put your wet things on the end of the hearth and I’ll collect them later. And you come with me, Mrs. M. I’m going to put you straight into a hot bath.” Taking Bella’s arm she led her from the room, shaking her head and muttering dire warnings about the risk of pneumonia.

Kitty removed her wet clothes and rubbed herself down with the towels, standing in front of the fire until she felt the heat warming her bare body enough to stop shivering. Then she wrapped herself in one of the large, fluffy towels Mary had left and pulled a chair up to sit close to the heat. And as she sat there, staring into the flames, she thought about the way Bella and Jack Morgan had looked at each other.

****

Once she was warm and in dry clothes, Kitty went in search of William. She found him in his study, seated at his desk with a glass in front of him.

“Ah, there you are, my dear. Come in and sit down”—he waved at the chair opposite his desk—“and tell me about your day. Did you enjoy it?” Leaning back in his chair he picked up his glass. Holding it up,he twirled it around, watching the play of light through the amber liquid as Kitty seated herself. “I hope you didn’t get wet.” He took another mouthful and put his glass down.

Kitty glared. “Of course we got wet. How could we help it in that storm? But it wasn’t just that we got wet; the creek was up and without help we’d never have been able to cross it. Surely you realized that?”

William shrugged and spread his hands wide. “How was I supposed to know?” he asked with a slight lift of his eyebrows.

Kitty’s lips tightened. “I thought you would at least be concerned for our safety. If it hadn’t been for Jack Morgan coming to our rescue and helping us to cross the creek safely, we could have been washed away.”

William smiled thinly. “Well, that was gallant of him.” Suddenly he sat forward, his palms flat on the desk in front of him, all traces of affability now gone as he regarded Kitty through narrowed, angry eyes. “Really Kitty, if you and your mother choose to go haring about the countryside on your own, you cannot hold me responsible for your safety. If you had stayed at home, you would have been warm and dry. Let it be a lesson to you. Perhaps you’ll now stay at home where you belong.”

Kitty sucked in a breath. Surely he couldn’t object to them going to church? But as she looked into his eyes and saw the vindictive look there, she knew he meant every word. Something sharp and painful twisted inside her as she saw this further evidence of the spiteful side of her husband’s nature. How had he been able to conceal it from her before their marriage?

****

As Kitty watched silently, William rose from his chair and crossed the room to where the brandy decanter stood on a small table. Thoughts raced through his brain, a paperchase of grievances. Why was Kitty not content to stay at home where she belonged? Why must she refuse to obey him? Why must she flout his wishes? Pouring himself another drink, he turned and looked at her. She had risen from her chair and was staring at him with an accusing look on her face. Suddenly a white mist swam in front of his eyes. As he watched, Kitty’s face changed into that of his mother, scolding, critical. The glass dropped from his fingers, unheeded as it shattered and spread brandy across the floor. In two strides he crossed the room, his hand ready to hit that hated face. He must be rid of it.

Kitty saw his raised hand, jumped up and raced toward the door. He landed a blow on the side of her head as she wrenched open the door and fled from the room.

As William’s hand connected with Kitty’s head, the mist lifted. He dropped his hand, but she had gone. He flopped into his chair, dropped his head on-to his arms on the desk before him, and wept.

****

Outside the sitting room door Kitty stood for a moment, her hand against her racing heart, composing herself before she faced her mother. When her breathing returned to normal, she made her way to the sitting room.

Bella was sitting near the fire as Kitty entered. Waiting until she had settled herself in a chair on the opposite side of the fire, Bella looked enquiringly at Kitty. “Well, why didn’t he come looking for us himself?”

Taking a deep breath, Kitty told her what had happened in the study. “What I’m at a loss to understand,” she added as she finished, “is how we didn’t see this side to him before. Before we left Sydney.”

“Oh dear.” Bella sat staring into the fire, slowly twisting her beads. “He reminds me of someone I knew as a girl. The Fosters lived near to us when I was growing up. The youngest son, Henry, was kept firmly in his place by the rest of the family. His mother was a domineering woman, and his father had no time for fools. Young Henry could never please either of them. He grew up seeming so meek and mild. When he married, he changed completely. Away from his family’s influence, he showed his real character and let out all the feelings he had been suppressing all his life. He terrorizzed his wife.”

“That certainly sounds like William.”

Bella frowned. “You’ll have to be careful. Now that he has shown he can be violent…” She spread her hands wide in a gesture of despair.

Kitty bit her lip. “You’re right; I’ll have to be careful of him. He has the upper hand. Who can I complain to? We have no family. All we could do is leave, and I think he would set the law to look for me. Could we find somewhere he wouldn’t find us? I don’t know…” She shook her head.

They sat silent for some time, and then Kitty turned to her mother, anxious to ease her anxiety. “Forget that for now.” She smiled. “I have a question for you. I couldn’t help noticing that there seems to be some feeling between you and Jack Morgan. Am I right?”

A faint pink flush colored Bella’s cheeks. “I sometimes come across the men cutting timber when I’m out walking, and he’s always very polite and friendly. He always explains to me what they’re doing. That’s how I first came to know him, and now he often comes to help me in the garden.”

“I have sometimes noticed you both together working in the garden, and occasionally sitting under the quince tree talking.”

“Well, the least I can do after he’s helped me is to offer him a drink to quench his thirst.”

“Of course.” Kitty’s eyes twinkled. “Do you like him?”

Bella went even pinker. “We have become friends.”

Kitty smiled at her mother’s confusion. How wonderful if she could find new happiness here. “It looked as if you’re very good friends indeed, from the looks on your faces.”

“Oh, Kitty, he’s a fine man, and we’ve found we have a great deal in common. Is it so wrong of me to take pleasure in his company? Do you mind?”

Kitty moved quickly to her mother and put her arms around her. “I think it’s just wonderful.” Returning to her own chair she posed a question. “Do you think it might develop into more than just friendship?”

“You wouldn’t mind?” Bella’s voice was a mixture of surprise and hope.

“Of course not. Why would I mind?”

“Well, your father…” Her voice trailed away. “It’s not that I’ve forgotten him, but—”

“Mother, Father has been dead for over five years now, and he’d want you to find someone else if it could bring you happiness. He wouldn’t want you to be alone for the rest of your life.”

Bella’s eyes lit up. “Do you really think so?”

“I’m sure. Now, tell me a bit about Jack.”

“He’s a widower. His wife died six years ago. They lived in Sydney, and he had his own business as a timber merchant. When she died, he decided to leave Sydney. He sold up everything and wandered around for a while, then he heard the previous owner here needed a manager, and decided to take the position.”

“Does he have any children?”

“No. His wife was sick for a long time, with consumption, and they never had children.”

“How sad for him.”

“It is indeed. He would have liked children of his own.”

“So, he knows all about timber from having his own business,” Kitty mused. “But doesn’t he miss Sydney?”

“No, he loves the quiet life here away from the bustle of the big city.”

“I see. And how about you? Do you enjoy this life we lead now, away from everything we’re used to?”

“Oh yes. After what we’ve been through since your father died, I’m content to live quietly. I enjoy the peace and the beautiful countryside here. I’m happy to have a home to run again and I enjoy walking in the bush and working in the garden. I’m quite content.”

“Who knows,” Kitty said, “maybe you’ll have a home of your own to run and a man of your own to look after again someday soon.”

Bella blushed. “We certainly haven’t discussed such a thing.”

Kitty laughed. “Well, from the way I saw you looking at each other today, it wouldn’t surprise me.”

“Enough of such imaginings,” Bella said firmly. “We’re just friends at the moment.”

“We’ll see what develops. Time will tell.”

****

That night at dinner William made no reference to what happened in his study, but he was in a sullen mood. The atmosphere felt strained. Kitty made no attempt to converse with him. He consumed several glasses of wine with his meal and left the table immediately after the meal was over, returning to his study.

As Kitty watched him leave without even excusing himself, she wondered about his changeable behavior of late. “I’ve never really thought about the amount of brandy and wine William drinks, but I wonder if that can be what makes him so bad tempered at times. I must take more notice.”

Bella nodded. “It can affect some men most unpleasantly, seeming to bring out the worst in their character.”

“He’s been very moody and irritable lately. I’ve noticed that some days he comes in bright and cheerful, and other days he’s in a really bad temper when he returns home.”

“I’ve certainly noticed that myself, but, after all, he wouldn’t be drinking when he’s going around the estate or supervising the timber cutting, would he?”

“No, I suppose not.” Kitty pursed her lips; tapped her chin in thought. “But he has spoken of having business meetings with some of the local landowners. I wonder how often these meetings take place.”