Kindle Edition
Download from Smashwords (eBook)
Amazon
Kate Loveday
Category:
Historical Fiction
Publisher: Scribes Ink Publishing
ISBN-10: B009AM5FKE
Type: Fiction
Pages: 308
Copyright: January 8 2014
Price: $3.99 (eBook)
The second book in the
redwoods Trilogy
his historical romance is a far-reaching mix of societies and countries. It tells the story of women, young and old, coming to grips with the evolution of a new social order forming at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Love, seduction, violence, and greed all play a part in this tale. Part romantic story, part family saga, it sweeps from the village of Bulahdelah in New South Wales to pre-federation Sydney, and to the pomp and ceremony of Queen Victoria’s court and a London Season.
Kitty Barron is shocked to find her teenage daughter Joy, and Rufe Cavanagh’s daughter Lily, are school friends. When their daughters bring these one-time lovers together sixteen years later, Kitty and Rufe wonder if they could find happiness the second time around. While Joy embraces the idea of uniting their families, Lily burns with jealousy at the thought of sharing her father’s affection, and schemes to keep them apart.
When the girls go to London for a Season, the heady and exciting world of Society is a mixture of adventures and heartache for both Joy and Lily. They find that beneath the gaiety and excitement not everything or everybody is as it seems. The girls’ romances bring problems that have far-reaching effects for Kitty and Rufe, and turn their world and everyone around them into chaos.
Intrigue and mischief surround the family, and when Craddock, Kitty’s old adversary, re-appears to cause havoc, Redwoods itself is endangered. Will life will ever be the same for any of them?
Excerpt
Chapter Eighteen
Lily was not pleased when she learnt that her father and stepmother were coming. After all, one of the reasons she had wanted to come to England had been to get away from her. But she was looking forward to going to London.
It was all right for Joy to be here – she had the excitement of her presentation to look forward to, and that had been enough to keep her interested in the lessons and other preparations, but all Lily had to be interested in was the arrival of her new clothes, and even that had not been much fun when the only places to wear them had been on visits to Lady Barron’s tedious friends.
Lily pulled viciously at a knot in the thread as she sat sewing, and swore to herself as she pricked her finger with the needle. How she hated needlework. And how she hated sitting here with Joy and Margaret under the old dragon’s watchful eyes. She felt she would die of boredom.
Suddenly there was a flurry of excitement as a carriage pulled up before the house. Lady Barron put down her work and looked expectantly at the door, which was flung open a moment later as a stranger entered. Ruddy-complexioned, with dark hair and a commanding presence, he looked to be in his mid thirties, and was dressed in a resplendent scarlet tunic, the uniform of an army officer. Behind him followed two younger men, similarly attired.
‘Mama, here we are.’ He crossed the room in two strides.
Lady Barron stood and held out her hands, a rare smile illuminating her face. ‘Hector, how pleased I am to see you. I wasn’t expecting you until next week.’
‘I know. Our ship arrived a week early and we came straight here.’ Taking her hands in his, he kissed her on both cheeks. Then he dropped her hands and turned.
‘Allow me to present my t fellow officers, Captain Thomas Hastings and Captain James Pierce.’
Captain Hastings, a lanky, red haired man in his thirties, with a face splotched with freckles, stepped forward and bowed over Lady Barron’s hand. ‘I’m honoured to meet you, Lady Barron.’
Captain Pierce, a confident looking young man with a tanned face and a thin black moustache, followed suit. ‘How kind of you to invite us into your home, Lady Barron.’
‘I’m pleased to welcome you, gentlemen. Allow me to introduce my daughter-in-law, Mrs. Barron,’ she nodded at Margaret, ‘my grand-daughter, Miss Barron, and her friend, Miss Cavanagh.’
Lily caught her breath as her gaze flicked over the officers. How handsome Captain Pierce was.
Captain Barron addressed his brother’s wife. ‘Margaret, how nice to see you. I trust you’re well?’
‘Quite well, thank you, Hector.’
He moved along to stand in front of Joy. ‘So you’re William’s daughter. How very nice to meet you at last.’
‘It’s my pleasure to be here and to meet you all, Captain Barron.’
‘No, no, not so formal. It’s nice to have another niece, so you must call me Uncle Hector, dear girl.’
Joy smiled at him. ‘I never had any uncles before.’
‘Then we must make up for lost time, eh?’ He turned toward Lily. ‘And Miss Cavanagh. I take it you’re from Australia also?’ he asked, taking her hand and bowing.
‘Yes. I came over with Joy.’
‘Splendid. We’ll all have a jolly time over Christmas, I’m sure.’
His two fellow officers followed behind him, bowing briefly over each outstretched hand. When Captain Pierce reached Lily, he held her hand just a fraction longer than necessary as he bowed.
She dropped her eyes. How fortunate she’d worn one of her new gowns today. When she raised her gaze she saw he was still regarding her, and when his eyes caught hers, she saw an interested gleam in them.
When Joy woke three days before Christmas and looked out of the window she saw a mantle of dazzling white covering everything within sight. It had snowed during the night. Excitedly she hurried into Lily’s room. ‘Lily, wake up, wake up. Take a look outside.’
Lily turned sleepily in her bed. ‘Mm, what’s happening?’
‘Snow. It snowed last night. Come and take a look.’
Wide awake now, Lily jumped from her bed and threw back the curtains. ‘Oh, just look at that. It’s like the postcards of Christmas.’
‘We were hoping for a white Christmas, and now we’re going to have one. Hurry up and dress, the day’s too good to waste.’
They went down to breakfast together, and found the three officers had already finished their meal and were about to leave the dining room.
Hector turned to Joy. ‘We’re going for a walk to look for a suitable Christmas tree. Felicity is coming with us, and we hope you young ladies will join us as well.’
‘I’d love to come,’ Joy replied, ‘I can’t wait to go out in the snow. How about you, Lily? Do you feel like a walk?’
While they had been talking, Captain Pierce was standing a little behind the other two men watching Lily, and now he raised his eyebrows and gave an almost imperceptible nod as he caught her eye.
‘Yes, I do,’ Lily replied.
‘Good, good,’ Hector rubbed his hands together. ‘Then you ladies must have your breakfast first. Rug up well, and we’ll all meet in the hall in half an hour.’
After breakfast Joy and Lily gathered their coats, hats, gloves and scarves. With Mrs. Frobisher and Felicity they met the men in the Hall.
They all trooped outside in high spirits, to find a silent, white world. The day was crisp and cold, with wintry sunshine filtering through the trees.
Felicity laughed as she came out into the cold air and her breath turned to white vapour. She formed her lips into a circle and forced the air out in little puffs.
‘Look, I’m smoking,’ she called out, and they all laughed at her.
The snow crunched beneath their boots, and Joy looked back to see their footprints in the fresh snow. She gazed in wonder to see how the snowfall transformed everyday objects into things of beauty, whilst the bare branches of the trees formed white lacy patterns against the blue sky.
As they walked along the snow covered path toward the forest there wasn’t room for them to all walk abreast, so Joy and Felicity fell into step alongside Hector, and Lily and Mrs. Frobisher followed with Captain Pierce and Captain Hastings.
Lily was pleased when Captain Pierce positioned himself alongside her, and fell back a little so Captain Hastings and Mrs. Frobisher were in front of them.
Lily bent and scooped up a handful of snow from the ground in her gloved hand, and formed it into a ball. ‘A snowball,’ she said, as she showed it to her companion. ‘It’s the first one I’ve ever seen.’
‘Really? Don’t you see snow in winter where you live?’
‘We don’t have snow in Australia. Or at any rate, not in Sydney, although it does snow sometimes high in the mountains. Bt I’ve never seen it.’
Captain Pierce looked down at her, and Lily felt her heart flutter as she gazed into his dark eyes with their attention focused intently on her. ‘I know practically nothing about Australia, I’m afraid, but I would like to learn about it. Perhaps you could give me some lessons while we’re here.’
Lily knew he was flirting with her, and that she shouldn’t encourage him. But she didn’t care. She could hear Mrs. Frobisher talking to Captain Hastings, and Felicity was chattering away to Joy and her uncle. No one was taking any interest in them, and it was exciting to have such a handsome man paying attention to her. She smiled up at him. ‘It would be a pleasure.’
He looked at her with knowing eyes as he gave her a slow, warm smile. He moved closer to her, so that his arm was brushing against hers, and his gloved fingers sought hers. He gave them a brief squeeze. ‘I’ll look forward to it with the greatest pleasure.’
Lily’s heart leapt, but she dropped her eyes demurely. ‘I hope you won’t be disappointed,’ she told him softly.
They reached the forest, and as they entered they were joined by one of the gardeners carrying an axe. He positioned himself behind them, at the rear of the group, and Captain Pierce put more distance between them. Lily fumed. Why did the wretched man have to come along and spoil things just as they were getting on so nicely? They walked on in silence, but Lily was acutely aware of the man at her side.
When Hector found a tree that satisfied him he called to the gardener. ‘Here we are, Barnes, this one will do nicely.’
The man swung his axe and began chopping..
‘Stand back,’ Hector called after a few minutes, ‘it’s ready to fall.’
Stepping back to a safe distance, they watched as the tree toppled to the ground amidst shouts of approval.
‘Jolly good show, Barron,’ Captain Hastings called.
He stepped forward to help Hector and the gardener to drag it back along the path. When they reached the edge of the trees he left Hector and the gardener to drag the heavy tree across to the house. It scraped through the snow, leaving a deep gash behind that showed the ground beneath.
‘Oh look,’ cried Felicity, ‘it’s spoilt the snow. We’ll have to put it all back.’
As the two men and the tree disappeared inside the house she bent over and started trying to scrape the snow back over the black earth. The snow mixed with the earth to form mud, and Felicity looked as if she was about to cry.
‘It was so pretty and now it’s all spoilt,’ she wailed.
‘Never mind,’ Joy consoled her. ‘When it snows again it’ll be all covered up again. And you want to have a Christmas tree in the house, don’t you?’
‘Yes, but...’
‘Why don’t we build a snowman? Would you like that?’
Felicity’s face lit up. ‘Oh yes.’
‘Then let’s find a good spot for it.’
They walked a short distance away from the others before Felicity stopped beside a sun dial, crusted now with snow.
‘This is a good spot. Let’s build him here.’
‘Yes, this is an excellent spot.’
Joy started scooping up the snow, and Felicity followed her example, chattering excitedly.
Captain Pierce watched them from where he stood with the others on the path. ‘Well now, that’s going to keep them occupied for quite some time. What shall we do now? I must say that I’d welcome continuing our walk. I don’t feel like going inside yet.’
‘Nor do I,’ Captain Hastings agreed. ‘Barron was telling me there’s a summerhouse nearby. Perhaps we could walk as far as that.’
Lily clapped her hands. ‘Yes, let’s.’
Mrs. Frobisher looked uncertain. ‘Well, I’m not sure that we should...’
Lily cut in. ‘It’s quite all right, there are four of us, and we’ll stay all together. I do want to see the summerhouse. I’m sure it will look pretty with snow on it.’
‘Come on, Mrs. Frobisher,’ Captain Hastings urged. ‘It’s such a super morning for a walk. We become so tired of the heat in India, you know. It’s a real treat to breathe this cold, fresh air.’
‘Yes, I used to dream about our English winters,’ added Captain Pierce. ‘You don’t know how wonderful snow is, until you have to put up with the broiling sun day after day.’
Lily frowned. ‘Oh, do come along. We’re wasting a beautiful morning.’
Mrs. Frobisher pursed her lips. ‘Well – I suppose it’s all right, as long as we don’t go too far from the house.’
‘We won’t,’ Lily assured her.
‘Just where is the summerhouse?’ Mrs. Frobisher asked.
‘Barron said it’s down this way.’ Captain Hastings gestured toward the trees at the edge of the garden. ‘Close to the lake, he told me. We’ll lead the way.’
He and Captain Pierce moved off across the open snow that covered the grassed area, and the two women followed. As soon as Joy and Felicity could see them no longer and they were out of sight of the house the two men stopped, and waited until Lily and Mrs. Frobisher drew level with them.
‘It could be a bit slippery underfoot from here on,’ Captain Hastings said. ‘If you would permit me to escort you, Mrs. Frobisher, I’ll make certain you don’t fall.’ He moved alongside her and took her hand, tucking it inside the crook of his arm. He smiled down at her. ‘There, now I can look after you.’
Mrs. Frobisher bit her lip as she looked up at him.
‘You mustn’t worry,’ he told her. ‘You’re quite safe with me.’
‘But – what if Lady Barron should find out...’
‘I doubt she will be out walking today. Just relax and enjoy yourself.’
Mrs. Frobisher smiled up at him. ‘You’re probably right.’
Captain Hastings put his hand over hers. ‘You know, you look very pretty when you smile. You should do it more often.’
Blushing, she made no reply, but she continued to smile.
Captain Pierce took hold of Lily’s hand. ‘Hold tight to me, I don’t want you to slip.’ He pulled her close to his side, and his arm circled her waist.
Lily’s heart beat fast as they walked close together. It was many minutes before the summerhouse came into view. A hexagonal shaped structure with a shingled roof powdered in snow, it was a set a short distance from a lake, and was surrounded by trees.
The door was shut but Captain Hastings, releasing Mrs. Frobisher’s arm, pulled a key from his pocket, unlocked the door, and went inside.
‘I say, this is quite cosy. Come and have a look.’
Captain Pierce took his arm from around Lily’s waist, and the three of them followed him in. They were in a good sized room with timber walls and ceiling, furnished with a table against one wall, an upright dresser, and a large chintz covered sofa against the opposite wall. Several chairs were arranged around the room, and a potbellied stove, cold now, stood in a corner. A window, with its curtains drawn, obviously looked out on to the lake.
‘Top-hole,’ said Captain Pierce, looking around appreciatively.
‘It is a lovely little place,’ exclaimed Mrs. Frobisher. ‘I’m glad we’ve seen, it but I think we should be getting back.’
Lily was walking around the room looking at everything. Suddenly she put her hand up to her chest. Removing her gloves and tossing them on the table she felt around some more.
‘Oh, my locket,’ she cried. ‘I’ve lost my locket. I must find it, it’s gold and it’s very special. It belonged to my mother. It must have fallen off while we were on our way here.’
‘Oh dear. Are you sure you put it on this morning? I don’t remember seeing it.’ Mrs. Frobisher looked worried.
‘Yes, yes, I did. We’ll have to look for it. I can’t bear to lose it. Could you go back and see if it’s lying in the snow? Please! I’ll look around here.’
‘Yes, come on, I’ll come with you,’ Captain Hastings said. He took Mrs. Frobisher’s arm and led her out.
Captain Pierce raised an eyebrow as he looked at Lily. ‘So you’ve lost your locket? You must be very upset.’
‘I am.’
‘Then perhaps I should try and console you, I hate to see you upset. Come and sit over here.’ Taking her hand he led her across to the sofa.
Dropping to the seat she looked up at him. He was smiling down at her, crinkling his eyes at the corners. Her heart began to pump with excitement, but she kept her face calm.
He sat beside her and removed her hat gently, and suddenly she was in his arms. His lips were on hers, and she opened her lips just enough to put out the tip of her tongue so she could taste him. She heard his sharp intake of breath, and then he was crushing her to him, kissing her. She loved it, loved the throbbing of her pulses that it caused.
‘Lily, Lily. You’re so beautiful. I’ve wanted to do this since the first time I saw you. It’s been driving me mad. Put your arms around me, Lily. Kiss me properly.’
She wound her arms around his neck and kissed him, parting her lips, and his tongue touched hers. It sent little quivers down her spine, but when his hand slid down to caress her breast, she pushed it away. ‘No,’ she murmured. He took his hand away.
His kisses grew more ardent, and Lily loved the warm feeling inside her as she responded. After several minutes he pushed her away from him.
‘This is driving me mad,’ he panted. He stood up and pulled her up with him, holding her tightly against him. ‘Do you know what you do to me, Lily? Or are you too young to know.’
As he pressed his body to hers she felt him hard against her. It caused a wave of heat to start deep inside and rise through her like a tide. She clung to him, her breathing fast.
‘This is not the time,’ he told her, pushing her away. ‘The others will be back soon. I need to cool down. We must go outside.’ He put up his hand to tuck a strand of her hair back that had come awry, and then he picked up her hat and placed it on her head carefully, moving it around until it sat just right. He picked up her gloves. ‘Come with me.’
In the cold air Lily felt her breathing return to normal. She bent down and ran her hands across the snow, then put them to her cheeks to cool them.
‘Good girl.’ He handed her the gloves.
‘Thank you, Captain Pierce,’ she said demurely.
He smiled at her. ‘When we’re alone you must call me James.’
‘James Pierce. It’s a nice name.’
‘It’s actually James Benjamin Pierce. A few of my close friends call me Benjy. You can call me that, if you like.’
‘Benjy.’ She savoured the name. ‘I like that. It’s what I’ll call you. That means I’m a close friend then, doesn’t it?’
‘A very close friend, my sweet one. Now then, let’s go and find the others.’
They met them coming back toward them moments later.
‘Did you find your locket?’ Captain Hastings called out as they approached.
‘No, I’m afraid it’s gone for good.’
Lily thought Mrs. Frobisher looked flustered, and her face was flushed. It amused her to think that maybe they had been kissing too, hiding in the bushes. It couldn’t have been anything like what had happened between her and Benjy. Nothing could be.
When she lay in her bed that night Lily relived the experience. She knew she had stirred Benjy’s passions. She had been around horses long enough to know what his hard body pressed against her meant and it gave her a sense of power to think she could do that to a man. It thrilled her.
She remembered how her pulses raced when they kissed, and the feelings that had started inside her when his hand touched her breast. But she had been right to stop him then. It wouldn’t do to let him take liberties with her. Not yet. Maybe later. She hugged the thought to her, and wondered what it would be like to be loved properly. For the first time in her life she could imagine that it would be wonderful, and she tried to imagine just how it would be with Benjy.
As she drifted off to sleep she had one thought in her mind. She must never let him know she had not been wearing a locket today.
|
