“But why should you presume I am unwell?” Another awkward pause followed. “Oh, I suppose my father spoke to you. He wrote me that I should seek you out—foolish man, that he should confide inyou. Does the whole of Sydney now know of my supposed condition?”
Insolent chit! As if I would betray such a confidence, said Elizabeth to herself. But she had too much respect for Darcy’s position as judge-advocate to respond in any way other than to demonstrate her good breeding. When she observed Mrs. O’Connell, it was abundantly clear the woman was not pregnant. That she might have miscarried was possible, but her manner was all against it. Though there was much to apprehend, Elizabeth didn’t have enough interest to discover it.
“Commodore Bligh spoke to me, indeed,” she replied, “butonly concerning generalities. He was uneasy leaving you without his guidance but was comforted that, should the occasion arise, you might be able to seek my assistance as a woman of similar rank rather than elsewhere.”
Governor Bligh had spoken of his daughter’s imminent condition. That she had misled him was certain. But it did not signify; Bligh was gone out of the colony, the lady was now under the colonel’s protection. That she was at Parramatta was not Elizabeth’s concern.
“We’ve a letter of introduction to Monsieur Larra but had not thought to take him up on the offer to accommodate us. I believe we should do so.” Elizabeth looked towards Darcy, who immediately understood her intent.
“Governor Macquarie said this house is in very poor condition and only one sleeping chamber was safe, and that he would not remain more than two or three days together. Perhaps you occupy the only sound room.”
“We’ve not found it so terrible,” said the colonel, “but it’s in a lamentable shape.” Turning to Mrs. O’Connell, “Perhaps, my dear, we should remove to the Barracks—I’m concerned that Macquarie may have the right of it, that the house may be in danger of falling.”
Tea was brought in, but of such indifferent quality that both Darcy and Elizabeth were grateful when they could make their departure. As they exited the house, Sgt. Monogan came up with the cart; and, on being informed of their new destination, turned the horses and descended the hill to the town.
Monsieur Larra was a French Jew, recommended to them by Andrew Thompson, who respected him very much. They found his house greatly to their liking, the interior commodious and of superior furnishings to even those of Government House in Sydney.
Later that evening, after an excellent dinner served with thebest Bordeaux wine, Darcy and Elizabeth retired to their chamber. Theirs was the better bargain: they rested in some luxury, whereas the O’Connells slept in the decaying Government House, or spartan accommodations at the Barracks.
“Lizzie, I didn’t catch the meaning of your conversation with Mrs. O’Connell.”
“My apologies, William, I hadn’t meant to keep from you Commodore Bligh’s words to me on the day of the O’Connells’ wedding. At the time, he spoke in confidence, but now we’re married, I meant to tell you.”
“You needn’t speak of it.”
“Oh no, there’s little to tell. You couldn’t know that the Commodore determined to refuse the colonel’s request to marry his daughter. On being told she was with child he consented, much against his will. Then he requested I take care of her during the pregnancy—even sayingherlife was inmyhands. His conversation was most extraordinary. He also wrote to her, telling of his request to me. That I would betray such a confidence! The woman attributes to others her own tendency towards malicious gossip!”
“Mrs. O’Connell is known for such. But as you say, a most extraordinary circumstance. If she were with child, then she would certainly be showing.”
“Yes, she’s no longer enceinte, if she ever were.”
“Perhaps Bligh would’ve refused his permission—he’s a controlling man and would be loath to leave his daughter under another’s protection.”
“He said as much to me,” said Elizabeth. “I believe Mrs. O’Connell and the colonel deceived him to obtain his agreeing to their marriage. But she, some seven and twenty years old, and a widow—what right did he have to refuse?”
“It’s of no concern to us, my Lizzie. Let us retire—the bed in this room appears very comfortable, and I’m eager to try it.”
Elizabeth was discomposed by the conversation with the O’Connells, for she couldn’t understand their behaviour. Such deceit, but both were adults and could have followed their own wishes without recourse to such a scheme.
Perhaps they had hidden away, she decided, believing all of Sydney thought Mrs. O’Connell was with child. Then, after some months had passed, they would return to Sydney claiming a miscarriage. But being discovered was not part of their plan. Oh, how very unwelcome her appearance at Parramatta must have been. The lady was antagonistic before—now, Elizabeth feared, dislike would turn to enmity.
Once under the covers, she was still restless and lay thinking about the exchange but was unable to resolve her dissonance. William’s attentions soon restored her composure, and, finding the mattress exceedingly soft, they sought pleasure in each other’s embrace and then slept soundly, Lizzie wrapped safely in William’s arms.
Chapter 22
Cowpastures, October 4, 1810
It rained a good deal over the next two days, and Elizabeth found she needed to be content staying indoors rather than discovering the town as she had intended, while Darcy attended a session of the local court, sitting as judge-advocate. It was still raining the morning of their departure, and they were delayed setting out until mid-morning. Monsieur Larra, who had enjoyed their company—particularly being able to converse in his native French—suggested they wait until the next day. But with no guarantee that the rain would not resume, she was eager to continue their journey.
They headed towards the Nepean River, which, while taking them out of the direct route to St. Andrews, would afford them good views of the country. Accompanying them was John Garby, a former convict whom Darcy engaged as a guide. Mr. Garby was also Superintendent of the wild cattle at large in the Cowpastures.
They arrived at the government hut, which marked the northern boundary of the Cowpastures, close to the east bank of the Nepean River—a distance of six and twenty miles in three hours and a half. The country through which they passed between Parramatta and the Nepean was generally open forest with good soils, and the road, though only a farm track, was easily navigated. There being little water in the river, they crossed at the ford near the hut with great ease and safety.
They ate a light nuncheon, setting out immediately afterwards to locate the place Mr. Garby suggested they make camp for the night, six miles south-west from the ford. Elizabeth and Darcy rode through a fine, rich country andopen forest. The cart followed, and immediately upon its arrival Mr. Garby and Sgt. Monogan pitched the tents, their camp situated on a charming eminence near a lagoon of fine, fresh water.
“Oh, William,” exclaimed Elizabeth, “we are to sleep under canvas. I’ve never done so before—this is so exciting!” She spun around, taking in the view from all directions. “’Tis so picturesque, almost like an English park, save that the trees are eucalyptus and not oaks or elms. The grass appears manicured, and the trees spread so stately apart. Look! There are ducks and black swans on the lagoon.” She softly sang:
Witte zwanen, zwarte zwanen
