Timeless Passion: 10 Historical Romances To Savor (267 page)

“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 Mrs. 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 table.

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.

Lady Percy gestured for Electra’s attention and asked her how she was taking to a life of farming. Lady Percy had just given her the perfect opportunity to mention William’s proposal.

She raised her voice ever so slightly to ensure her response reached the governor’s ears. “There is so much to learn and I’m reading all I can about merino sheep. But the subject most interesting is my husband’s proposal to the governor to produce quality wine and develop an export market.”

William spluttered and spilt his drink onto his sleeve.

“Eh? What’s that ye say?” asked the governor. “What proposal is this, Radcliffe? Sounds like a verra fine idea. Where the devil is it then, man? I’ve no’ seen such as yet.”

“I’m sure Lieutenant Cameron is looking to it sir,” said William.

The governor looked across the room and beckoned to Henry Cameron. “What do ye ken of Radcliffe’s wine proposal, lieutenant?”

Henry Cameron’s face clouded in anger. “Hollywell and I were looking it over first, sir, before passing it on to you.”

“Weel I’ll see it on ma desk first thing Monday mornin’ then, aye?”

William’s eyes riveted on Electra’s in accusation but she smiled innocently and turned back to Captain Hawley. She would not be intimidated by men such as Henry Cameron, with his petty games. And what sort of wife would she be not to support her husband’s endeavours? Hopefully, William would understand.

After the first two courses, it was suggested diners might wish to move around and take their dessert at different tables. Electra, Captain Hawley, and William did not move. Three or four others left the governor’s table and the vacant seats were immediately filled. One seat was claimed by Anne Litchfield, the wife of Colonel Litchfield, an officer in the corps. Her daughter, Wilhelmina, a thin, mousy girl with a bland face and personality to match, accompanied her. Electra started as a high-pitched voice expressed surprise at Captain Hawley’s presence.

“Why Captain Hawley, I didn’t see you there, how nice you could join us tonight,” twittered Anne Litchfield. “My daughter, Wilhelmina, so enjoys your company.” She poked her spinster daughter, who squeaked in assent. Mrs. Litchfield gestured to a chair beside her daughter. “Come, come captain. Sit here with us. You deserve company befitting your station.”

There was a chilling silence and both the captain and William began to speak at once. Captain Hawley held his hand up, halting William’s words.

“You are right, Madam; I
am
associating outside of my station.”

Electra looked at the captain in disbelief. Had he really just said that? Aloud? She glanced at William and stilled; his face was a mask of rage. He snatched his napkin off his lap and threw it onto the table. But the captain continued undaunted.