“Do you have family here?”
The joy she felt ebbed away, replaced by the sting of sadness. “My parents are deceased and my siblings are in Ireland yet. It’s just me.”
Collin was the only one whose judgment she worried about. On his own, no telling what kind of trouble the boy would find. He’d argued with her about living with their aunt and uncle, even for Donovan’s sake. She prayed he wouldn’t break the law and suffer transportation.
Charity placed her hand on Bridgit’s. “No wonder you’ve taken to Olivia and Jonah. How difficult to be alone. A ready-made family. It’s perfect.”
The other woman’s enthusiasm made Bridgit smile. “It appears that way, doesn’t it?”
“The way he looks at you, it won’t be long before he adds to the family. My one wish is that Hugh and I had conceived. His loss would hurt less if I had some piece of him besides memory. Some day I might find love again. I almost envy you for what you’ve got.”
Said by a woman who commanded the attention of men.
“Oh, not that I want Jonah particularly,” she confessed. “Just a measure of the love passing between you.”
Love. A word they hadn’t exchanged. She glanced away from Charity and met Jonah’s eyes. His expression softened when he saw her looking. Love? His sister had given her life for it. He cared for her, thought she was beautiful, but never mentioned that emotion. This was a quickly contrived marriage to keep the rumors from reaching a peak.
“You ladies look lonely. I can’t believe neither of you are partnered.” Phil swooped between them, clutching his hat. He grinned at Bridgit. “Except I suppose you are partnered now. Congratulations, miss.”
“Thank you, Phil.”
“May I speak to you for a moment? About the bet we made?” Mischief sparkled in his eyes.
“I suppose.” She’d won. If he wanted to talk about the goat, she didn’t know why it couldn’t be discussed in front of Charity, who grew up on a sheep station.
They moved away, and Bridgit was stopped several times by well-wishers, but at last ended up alone.
“What about the bet?” she asked.
He turned serious. “I lost, fair and square. Coalface was magnificent, as you knew he’d be. I’ll settle up. I wondered if I could get a favor though.”
“Anything,” she offered.
“It seems Mrs. Burbank has taken a shine to you.” He rolled the sides of his hat up tight, avoiding her eyes.
“I suppose.” She wondered why the conversation turned to Charity when she’d stood mere inches away.
“I made the bet because I’d hoped Coalface would lose. That Jonah might see us kiss and come to his senses.”
“Phillip Banner!” she gasped. “What a rotten trick.”
“It wasn’t. He’s been preoccupied with you since he got back. Any fool can see you’re better suited to this life than working at the Factory. Or under some cruel bastard’s eyes. I thought if he saw us kiss, he might figure it out. He’s realized what he has without my help. Our Jonah, he’s a smart one.” He smiled. “As I never stood a chance gaining your interest, I wondered if you might see fit to help me gain someone else’s.”
“Mrs. Burbank?” she guessed.
His Adam’s apple bobbed. “Aye. I know her da’s got money flowin’ out his...you know, but I might stand half a chance with her, don’t you think?”
Wearing a white linen shirt and dark breeches, hair slicked back with water and clean-shaven, Phil looked presentable. Not like Jonah, whose dark looks dominated her vision, but certainly a handsome man worth taking a second look at.
“Of course. Instead of drawing me away, you might have started chatting with her. Or asked her to dance.”
“I’m too clumsy,” he muttered, staring at his hat.
Bridgit hadn’t witnessed the uncertain side of him before. “Phillip, you can’t win her heart if you don’t put forth some effort. She mentioned she wants to marry again. If you don’t take this opportunity, you might lose it. Go on now. Ask her to dance.”
“Perhaps we could make some small talk. You could help,” he suggested.
“You almost risked Jonah’s wrath to kiss me, but you won’t talk to her? I’m insulted and I think she would be too, if she knew.”
“I’ll talk to her. Maybe give her a twirl around the floor. I thought you’d be some help,” he grumbled, but the twinkle returned.
“Good. Go on then. Remember to be a gentleman.” She patted his shoulder.
He straightened his spine. “I can be a gentleman. Mrs. Andrus, the former, insisted the jackaroos have basic manners. You didn’t catch me eatin’ dinner with my fingers. G’night, Bridgit.”
She tried to be discreet as she watched him speak to Charity. The woman didn’t seem opposed to his company. They stood close together as they talked. For all the notice they gave anyone else, they might’ve been alone.
A start, she thought. And a good one. Soon things would wind down. After the day’s excitement, she was ready to lay against the length of the man she’d promised to marry. No more worrying about Martha or Millicent attempting to turn him against her. Jonah didn’t even seem bothered about losing his long-time cook. The position could be filled with minimal fuss.
Another dance ended and he shook off his partner, searching for her. Her heart galloped when their eyes met.
Through the misfortune of her incarceration, she’d been given something special. Did Jonah know the gift he’d given her? A home and family, a certain life instead of one full of doubt and worry. It was worth more than all the jewels and silk he could buy.
20
Bridgit slept dangerously late, although she’d planned to help with the farewell breakfast. By the time she dressed and went downstairs, the lawn was full of gigs, buggies and horses waiting to take people home.
Jonah should’ve roused her, but plenty of chores still waited; she hadn’t missed out on all the work. Like him, she was ready for things to go back to normal. The Paynes agreed to stay on a day or two longer, and she welcomed the company of her good friend.
The house was strangely quiet as she descended the stairs and made for the kitchen. No one attended the dishes piled near the washbasin. The stove still held a great deal of warmth as someone had tended it recently. A bushel of tomatoes sat on the floor, for washing and canning. There was a muffled thump from the direction of the study.
“I won’t have it.” George Taggart’s voice rang through the house.
Careful not to disturb the conversation, she slipped down the hall and stood outside the door. It was cracked and inside she saw Bess, Jonah, Mrs. Burbank and Taggart.
“They’d best be found at once,” Taggart blustered. “If someone took them, I demand punishment.” His big fist pounded against the opposite palm.
Took what?
“You don’t believe they were stolen,” Bess said.
“Of course I don’t believe it. It’s utter nonsense. Misplaced is all.” Jonah sounded irritated.
“Are you accusing my daughter of lying?”
“Father,” Charity protested.
A quick slash of his hand through the air quieted her.
Bridgit knocked on the door and pushed it open. “Is there a problem?”
Jonah shot a look at Bess then back to her. “I’m afraid there is. Mrs. Burbank has misplaced a pair of earrings.”
“Rubies. I wore them the day we arrived. Did you see them?” Charity asked, eyes hopeful.
Bridgit remembered the glittering jewelry hanging off Mrs. Burbank’s lobes. She nodded. “Did you wear them last night?”
“No. I took them off the first night and laid them on the vanity. I wore diamonds last night.” Charity’s voice caught. “The rubies were a gift from my Hugh.”
All eyes were on Bridgit and she knew what they were thinking. A sick feeling churned her stomach. She’d be sent to Van Diemen’s Land. They’d shear her hair and put her to work in the coal mines. Memories of the dark, dank hold aboa
rd the Margaret rushed through her mind. Death and disease spread easily on a ship. If they forced her to work underground, she’d die.
Better to let Langnecker use his knife on her than die like an animal in a hole.
“No one is accusing you,” Bess assured her. She sounded very far away.
She raised her eyes to Jonah’s and saw his concern. He wasn’t angry; she was convinced. He’d never be able to hide it.
If the earrings weren’t found, would Jonah believe she was guilty? Would he change his mind about everything? A single earring might be considered an accident. A pair, stolen property.
I’ll find them. They must be somewhere.
The trouble lay in that Laurie Lark was a very big somewhere.
Taggart looked ready to flay someone.
Charity dabbed her eyes with a hankie. “I searched the bed and around the room, but they’re not there.”
“Is anything else missing?” Bridgit asked, trying to keep her voice level.
“I don’t think so.”
“Let’s have a look upstairs. Perhaps they fell behind something when you took them off.” She clung to the slim hope.
Charity sniffled and nodded. “I searched everywhere. I don’t see how it’s possible.”
They climbed the stairs, leaving the irritated Taggart with Jonah and Bess. The bedroom, filled with bright sunlight muted by the ivory curtains, looked innocent enough. Bridgit raised the edge of the quilt covering the bed and looked underneath. Her search came up empty. Fear nipped the edge of reason.
Charity touched the vanity. “I took them off and placed them right here.”
“Tell me again what they looked like,” Bridgit asked.
“Two square rubies with two tear drop shapes attached. Hugh was so proud when he presented them. He wasn’t wealthy and my father hated him for it. I told him I didn’t need jewels, but you know how men are when their pride is at stake.” Charity peered beneath the vanity.
“Some women need the comfort of wealth to feel secure,” Bridgit murmured. She reached beneath the armoire with caution, though vermin were the least of her concern. Bits of dust coated her fingers.
“I’d have followed him to the ends of the Earth, if he’d asked me. Jewels and parties meant nothing when he held me.” Charity sniffled.
Her eyes filled with tears and Bridgit almost stopped hunting to give the other woman a hug. But her reputation and life were at stake.
Nearly out of ideas, she kicked the rug back on itself. Nothing. She stripped the quilt off the bed. Charity perched on the vanity seat, her shoulders slumped. The soft cotton sheet gave up no secrets. The shams relinquished the down-stuffed pillows, but no precious stones.
“The way Jonah looks at you, it reminds me of Hugh. The two of you are well matched.”
Poetry and romance were not at the top of Bridgit’s interests. “You’ve checked your satchel and handbag?”
“Twice for each. It’s no good. I remember taking them off. At least I think I do. They aren’t here and I don’t believe they were stolen. It’s my own fault they’re gone.” Charity stood, shoulders slumped and left the room.
Short of tearing open the pillows and mattress, Bridgit didn’t know what else to search. No one would’ve taken the time to hide two small objects so thoroughly. It was quieter and much quicker to slip them into a pocket.
Martha. Her hands curled. While Bridgit worked at serving breakfast beside Bess and Farjana, Martha had the opportunity to slip upstairs and take anything. Bereft of hope, she left the room. Jonah stood beside the front door with Taggart and Charity. She hesitated in the hall, watching the conversation through the gap in the door.
“You’ll send them if you find them, won’t you?” Charity asked.
“Of course. I’ll make it a priority. Everyone here will keep an eye out,” Jonah promised.
“This is nonsense. Someone’s taken them and when I find out who, there won’t be an inch of skin left on the thief’s body that isn’t covered with welts,” Taggart declared. “The integrity of your staff is in question, Mr. Andrus.”
“Are you suggesting people I trust are responsible for this?” Jonah’s voice was a low growl.
“Father, no,” Charity protested.
“I am suggesting that very thing. This country is filled with self-serving thieves and murderers. It’s impossible to believe your staff doesn’t contain one or more miscreants.”
“I assure you the staff is not a bloodthirsty lot of ruffians.” Stone wasn’t as hard as Jonah’s words.
Taggart turned to Charity. “I’ve warned you to keep a better eye on your things. You’ve seen the last of Hugh’s rubies. And fortunately, the last of this station. Ping is preparing the buggy now. We’ll wait outside.” Taggart fumbled for his tobacco pouch. “Bloody country doesn’t need any more convicts. It needs decent folk to settle it. Churches and schools and legitimate businesses. That’s the whole problem here. I’ve half a mind to return to England.”
Jonah looked as if he’d help Taggart pack without complaint.
The door opened and closed as he went out. It was only a matter of time before Jonah asked if Bridgit was certain she didn’t know where the jewels were. From there, everything would go downhill. Australia and Laurie Lark were her second chance to prove her value in society. A third chance would not be granted.
Charity left with more grace than her father. She issued apologies and quiet good-byes. Except for the loss of the earrings, Bridgit was sorry to see her go.
Jonah pushed his hand through his hair. “This is ridiculous. No one here stole from her. I’m supposed to ask everyone to turn out their pockets? The party was a bad idea this year. I should have canceled it.”
“There’s no sense fretting. It isn’t going to change a thing. High and mighty Taggart didn’t want his daughter here in the first place. It was obvious from the moment they arrived. He probably crept upstairs and grabbed her earrings himself.” Bess folded her arms over her chest.
“Where’s Bridgit?”
“Still upstairs, I suppose. We’d best start washing those dishes.”
“I’m going to say farewell to the Servers and a few others.”
Bridgit approached, her footsteps drawing their attention.
Bess smiled, but it was sympathetic. “There you are. Have you turned the room upside down?”
“All but,” Bridgit said glumly.
“I’m afraid I have more bad news,” Bess said.
“Bess.” Jonah groaned. “I should think you’d be glad for any help you can get.”
Bridgit’s stomach sank. What else?
“Martha’s returned. Niles took Millicent to Sydney. She’ll cause no more trouble here.” The look on Jonah’s face said it was his final word. There wouldn’t be any arguing that he shouldn’t let Martha stay.
The world seemed to drop out from beneath her feet. “Did you tell her our plans? That you announced our intentions at dinner? I shouldn’t have to tolerate rudeness from her.”
Jonah looked regretful. “I haven’t yet. This business with the missing earrings and Taggart prowling around like an angry lion, there wasn’t time. I’ll tell her later. Right now I have some other things to take care of.”
He opened the door and slammed it behind him. The accusations weighed on him, no doubt, but he didn’t seem to understand what it meant for her.
Bess clucked her tongue. “Come on. We’ll face Martha together.”
* * * *
Don’t even think it.
Doubt hovered at the front of Jonah’s mind, embedding itself like a brand. The rubies were somewhere and the last place they’d been seen was in Bridgit’s room. She’d slept with him, but she’d dressed there last evening. Yesterday afternoon she’d disappeared after the race started. And was found alone behind the barn looking frightened.
He swirled a tumbler of scotch, watching the amber liquid and crystal catch the light. Why would she steal after he’d promised her the wealth of Laurie L
ark? What would she gain by taking Charity’s jewelry when he’d offered her Charlotte’s and could buy her any piece she wanted?
She’d probably been in and out of the house more than anyone. But had she been alone long enough to take the rubies? She knew the risks of breaking the law a second time. People pushed the limits every day. Deep down, did he really believe she wouldn’t?
Pushing his hair back, he went through the list of possible suspects.
Bess would never do such a thing. She worked hard for everything she had. Farjana had more or less been brought up right alongside him and Charlotte. Her loyalty was unquestionable. The same for Martha. It simply wasn’t possible to think she’d stolen. Not after the service she’d shown his family throughout the years.
He didn’t believe Charity had made the story up. Her sorrow over the loss was too real. She was disappointed when he turned her away, but she was earnest and likable. Too sweet to make unfounded accusations. It left Bridgit. A woman already tried and sentenced for theft.
Every item in the house was subject to her scrutiny. He’d found her examining the contents of Charlotte’s jewelry box. She was clever and aware of the value of certain objects. A woman with an uncertain destiny like hers might take advantage of her employer’s wealth to line her own pockets.
But, he reminded himself, she’d refused the pearls when he offered. She fought him over wearing Charlotte’s clothes, and hours ago she’d accepted his ring. It didn’t fit any better than assuming one of the other women committed the crime.
Angry at himself for considering anything but her innocence, Jonah set the tumbler down and gazed out the window. He trusted her and he could well imagine the look on her face if she knew what he was thinking.
Betrayal and hurt. He couldn’t let her know. The Bridgit he knew intimately, who loved his niece, would never take a pair of earrings for her own gain.
What about the gain of her family? Wicked as a serpent, the thought slipped into his mind, wrapping coils of doubt around him like a python squeezing its prey. They had nothing, those two boys and a girl he imagined looked like her older sister.
The Convict and the Cattleman Page 16
