Fortune's Son

by Jennifer Scoullar

  ‘Perhaps, but I fear only as a cherished friend. I want a willing wife, madam, not an affectionate sister.’

  ‘That will come, dear Edward, that will come. I beg your patience. The wedding must happen without delay, for her pregnancy will soon be obvious to all. Come to Binburra this afternoon, alone. We’ll talk more and you may see Belle.’

  A stunned Edward took her hand as she rose from the garden seat.

  ‘One more thing,’ said Elizabeth. ‘Do you intend to give Luke up to your father?’

  ‘Madam, you forget. Luke saved my life. My father can be a cold, even cruel, man. If what you say is true – that he committed a contemptible crime against an innocent girl – then Luke was within his rights to defend her. He didn’t deserve to rot in prison for it. The Abbotts apparently have much to atone for, and I’ll begin by guarding Luke’s secret. But understand this: I’ll not forgive him for defiling your daughter.’

  Thank the Lord for this fine young man. Elizabeth embraced him, and they made their way back up to the house.

  ‘Did you two work out something for Isabelle?’ asked Jane.

  ‘Yes,’ they sang in unison.

  Elizabeth excused herself, calling for the carriage.

  ‘I hoped you might stay for tea?’ said Jane.

  Elizabeth refused the invitation. Time to go home and tackle Belle.

  ‘But I love Luke. Papa must bring him home at once.’

  Elizabeth girded her loins for the fight. ‘The decision’s been made. You’ll marry Edward.’

  ‘I won’t.’

  ‘If you don’t, I’ll hand Luke over to Henry Abbott.’

  There it was. Belle, with her next argument primed and ready to go, lapsed into astonished silence.

  ‘You wouldn’t.’

  ‘Oh, I most certainly would.’ Elizabeth’s voice was low. ‘I’d cheerfully sacrifice my own life for your sake. What makes you think I wouldn’t sacrifice Luke’s?’

  ‘Then you’re a monster!’ Belle flung herself facedown on the bed.

  Elizabeth sat down beside her daughter, quietly stroking her back as loud sobs racked the girl’s body. ‘Not a monster, my love,’ she whispered, her own heart sliced in two. ‘Only a mother.’

  Barking dogs announced the arrival of a visitor. Elizabeth went downstairs to find Edward at the door. Millie was also downstairs, polishing the front hall furniture, as she’d been asked.

  ‘Welcome, Edward.’ Elizabeth spoke more loudly than usual, so that the housemaid might overhear. ‘Belle is still feeling poorly, and looking forward to your visit.’

  Millie hurried off, no doubt keen to share this juicy piece of gossip with the other servants.

  Elizabeth hesitated as they passed the double oak doors to the library. Daniel was in there, cataloguing specimens, sublimely unaware of the drama going on right under his nose. She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment and moved on, wishing she could share this burden with her husband, certain that she could not.

  Edward stood at the bedroom door, shocked to see Belle looking so thin and defeated, her face puffy from crying. She appeared entirely forlorn.

  ‘Will you leave us please, Mrs Campbell?’

  Elizabeth closed the door behind her.

  Edward went to Belle. She remained silent, but did not take her gaze from him. Her full breasts spilled over her bodice.

  ‘You must marry me.’ Edward sat down and put his arm around her slim shoulders. She didn’t pull away. Her vulnerability and silent acquiescence excited him. He drew her in for a kiss. Although she didn’t respond, neither did she resist. With difficulty he pulled himself away.

  ‘You know about Luke?’ asked Belle.

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘And you would accept me, knowing I carry another man’s child?’

  ‘My darling, darling Belle. I would accept you if you were to live your entire life an invalid, or if you were to spend your next ten years in prison, or if you should turn mad and live in a belfry, or if you were to grow so enormously fat you couldn’t even fit through the door, or if you should become a nun.’

  Belle’s small smile gave him hope. He knelt on the floor at her feet. ‘Isabelle. If you consent to be my wife I swear I won’t hold you to your vows. Once the child is born, you’ll be free to go if you wish. But, at the very least, for the sake of this baby and your family, let the child be born in wedlock.’

  ‘Do you believe Mama when she says she’ll tell your father about Luke?’

  ‘Don’t test her, if you care for him. She’ll do it, of that I’ve no doubt. She thinks she protects you.’

  ‘Oh Edward, I can’t expect you to do this for me. My father will put a stop to it.’ Belle fled to the door, colliding with her mother as she flung it open.

  Edward watched them a moment, so very alike and both so very beautiful.

  ‘I’m telling Papa.’

  ‘Very well,’ said Elizabeth. ‘I wonder what his opinion will be when he discovers Luke has played him so false? You may risk more with him than with me.’

  Belle pushed past and ran down the hall. Edward sought to follow, but Elizabeth laid a steadying hand on his arm. ‘I’ll get her. Wait here.’

  Blood thundered in his ears. Belle loved Luke. She carried Luke’s child. A marriage would be madness. Yet, against all common sense, Edward’s universe had narrowed to a single, pinpoint of light – a burning desire to make Belle his wife. He would die if she rejected him.

  A few minutes later Belle burst back into the room. Edward fought against taking her in his arms. ‘Did you talk to your father?’

  She shook her head, the picture of misery. ‘I could tell Papa almost anything – but not this.’

  Elizabeth came in and the argument resumed. ‘Why can’t I marry Luke, Mama?’

  ‘You would be a pariah, darling.’

  Edward stayed out of the way, as the war of words exploded around him. Belle raged and pleaded, but she had no foil to counter her mother’s determined parries. In the end, Elizabeth wore her down.

  Belle briefly buried her head in her hands. ‘Fine,’ she said. ‘I’ll marry Edward, since you give me no choice.’

  Not exactly the response he’d been hoping for, but his heart sang just the same.

  Elizabeth sagged with relief, clasping a hand to her cream silk blouse. ‘Can I trust your word, Belle?’

  ‘Unfortunately you can. As I must trust yours.’

  ‘Good. We’ll announce the engagement tomorrow.’

  Edward loudly cleared his throat. The women looked startled, as if they’d forgotten he was there. ‘Excuse me, Mrs Campbell, but shouldn’t I speak to your husband? Ask for his daughter’s hand?’

  ‘No,’ said Elizabeth quickly. ‘I’ll talk to Belle’s father. But, Edward, you must tell your own parents tonight, and inform them of the need for haste . . . you understand?’

  Edward nodded. What a scandal it would be . . . and with a stunner like Belle. His father was bound to be impressed. Knocking up girls was a subject of pride and amusement at Henry’s Hobart club. Edward had heard him say ‘the boy doesn’t have it in him’ more than once, when asked with a sly dig to the ribs about his son’s conquests. Edward couldn’t help looking forward to tonight’s little talk with his mother and father.

  Belle sat sullenly in the corner. ‘Go away, Mama. Leave me alone.’

  But Elizabeth wasn’t finished. ‘Listen, both of you. Your engagement party will coincide with Belle’s seventeenth birthday, three weeks from today. It’s short notice, but if I know your mother, Edward, she’ll insist on hosting the event at Canterbury Downs. Be prepared for an extravaganza, with important guests invited from Hobart and elsewhere. You’re their only son, Edward, and heir to a fortune. You two will need to play the part of young lovers to quite a crowd, even if you don’t feel it.’

  ‘You can count on me,’ said Edward.

  Elizabeth turned to her daughter. ‘And you, Belle? What will you do?’

  ‘I’ll tell your wicked li
e, but not for you, Mama. For Luke.’

  ‘A lie, my darling, can sometimes be your very best friend.’

  ‘Mama?’ Belle suddenly sounded uncertain, like a little girl. Elizabeth’s expression softened. ‘Don’t tell Papa about the baby, not yet.’

  ‘Of course not.’ She urged Belle to her feet. ‘Now you must take Edward to the front door, preferably for the whole house to see. First wash your face and put on a little powder. Your eyes are red.’

  Belle did as her mother asked. Edward escorted her downstairs, and spotted Millie spying from the upstairs landing. At the door Edward pulled Belle to him. ‘Is this convincing enough, do you think?’ He kissed Belle on the lips. A loud gasp sounded from the stairs.

  Belle managed a smile. ‘You’ve certainly given Millie something to talk about.’

  ‘That’s the idea.’

  ‘Thank you, Eddie, for playing this ridiculous charade. I’ll think of some way out, I promise, but until then we must humour Mama. You’re so good at this, I almost believe it myself. That you’re in love with me, I mean.’

  Edward longed to admit his true feelings, to confess he’d always loved her. ‘I’m glad,’ he said simply. ‘Now get some rest. You’re sleeping for two.’ He placed his hand on Belle’s midriff.

  Her lips trembled. ‘It’s a miracle, isn’t it?’

  ‘It certainly is.’

  ‘You’re the first person to say a kind word about this baby. Mama and the doctor only frown and whisper like it’s an awful, shameful thing.’

  He kissed her again, this time chastely on the cheek. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow.’

  Elizabeth watched from the top of the stairs until she was sure Edward had left, then hurried to the library.

  Daniel looked up from his reference book. ‘You’ll never believe it, Lizzie. Two species of Eucryphia have been identified along the western coast of Chile. The other four occur along the east coast of Australia and, as you know, two are found right here in Tasmania. Do you see, Lizzie? This is further evidence the continents were once joined.’

  ‘Eucryphia?’ asked Elizabeth, at a loss.

  ‘You know, Lizzie. Eucryphia Lucida? The leatherwood tree?’

  ‘Oh, the leatherwood, how interesting . . . Daniel, I’ve some important news. If you could please tear yourself away from your books.’

  Elizabeth took a moment to prepare herself. ‘This has come as something of a shock to me, as it will to you, Daniel. I suppose there’s nothing for it, but to say it. Belle and Edward are in love and wish to marry.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘I know you dislike the Abbotts . . .’

  ‘That’s an understatement.’

  ‘Let me finish. This is not about you, Daniel. It’s about Belle. You’ve said yourself you can think of nothing objectionable about the boy besides his father.’

  ‘Isn’t that enough?’

  Elizabeth turned the full force of her fear for Belle on her unsuspecting husband.

  ‘No it’s not. I swear, Daniel, I’ll never forgive you if you spoil this for her. Edward wanted to do the right thing, wanted to ask for Belle’s hand. I wouldn’t allow it, knowing your hatred for Henry. For God’s sake, Daniel. The boy is not his father!’

  Elizabeth stood before him, hands on hips, chest heaving. Daniel had never seen his wife so outraged. A humiliating realisation hit him. Of late, he’d been so consumed with his work that he’d neglected his family. Although he knew of Belle and Edward’s friendship since childhood, he’d never sensed any romantic attachment between the pair. But then what did he know? Nothing apparently. Lizzie must have been wrong about Belle’s feelings for Luke. That was a good thing, he supposed. Of course, it was.

  ‘Very well. I shall talk to Belle and be guided by her wishes.’

  Daniel approached his daughter’s room with some trepidation. Matters of the heart weren’t his strong suit. He knocked softly and opened the door. Belle was lying on the bed. As he went in, she looked up and began to cry.

  ‘My poor darling,’ said Daniel. ‘Whatever’s the matter?’ She hugged her pillow, turning her face to the wall. ‘Your mother told me you wish to marry Edward. Is this truly what you want? To marry this boy?’

  She turned to face him, and whispered, ‘Yes, Papa.’

  ‘And all these tears . . . are they because you fear I’ll deny the match?’ He paused. ‘Well, from your silence, I must assume it is so. If it’s this boy you want, Belle, then it’s this boy you shall have. Don’t expect me to make amends with his father, though. That’s beyond me.’

  Belle wiped her eyes. ‘Of course not, Papa.’

  ‘Then I’ll not oppose the engagement.’ Daniel kissed her and left the room, almost bumping into Elizabeth, who’d been listening at the door.

  ‘Not to worry, Lizzie,’ he said. ‘Belle and I had a good talk. Let me know if I can help sort anything else out.’ And with that he returned to the library.

  CHAPTER 30

  Next morning, Daniel set off for Tiger Pass. Weeks had passed since he’d left Luke and the cubs in the hidden valley.

  ‘Belle’s engagement party is soon,’ Elizabeth said. ‘What will happen if you’re delayed?’

  ‘That’s exactly why I’m going now, Lizzie. Three days to get there, a couple of days to gauge how the tigers are getting on, and another three days back. I’ll be home in plenty of time.’

  She took hold of his hands. ‘I don’t want you going by yourself.’

  ‘Lizzie, I must. The way to the pass is a secret known only to me, and now to Luke.’

  ‘You’re getting too old for traipsing around the wilderness alone. What if you have an accident on the way? I couldn’t bear it. Take Davey along, otherwise I shall be sick with worry the whole time you’re away.’

  ‘Very well, if it eases your mind. With a bit of luck we’ll bring Luke back with us.’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Why ever not? If the cubs are hunting independently and seem settled . . .’

  ‘You know of Luke’s infatuation with Belle. It might be hard for him to return on the very eve of her engagement to Edward.’

  ‘I had a word with the boy, Lizzie. He agreed to forget about all that nonsense.’

  ‘Maybe so,’ said Elizabeth. ‘But could you please keep him away for Belle’s birthday weekend, just in case? I do so want it all to go well.’

  ‘All right then, mother hen.’ He kissed her on top of her head. ‘Luke can remain at the pass a little longer.’

  At mid-morning, Daniel and Davey started up the hill behind the house. Elizabeth waved them goodbye, but Belle was nowhere in sight. She’d begged her father to let her come.

  ‘With your engagement so close? Your mother would never allow it.’

  ‘Absolutely not,’ said Elizabeth.

  ‘Then bring Luke back for me. I want him here for my birthday. I must have him here.’ She seemed close to tears.

  ‘And have him abandon the cubs? No, Luke will be home soon enough. Now run along and let me finish packing.’

  Daniel shot his wife a worried look. ‘Perhaps you’re right after all, Lizzie, to keep those two apart a while longer.’

  After Daniel left, Elizabeth called for the buggy and Harrison drove her to the miners’ school to brief her assistant teachers. They’d need to manage by themselves for a while. Right now Belle required her undivided attention.

  Elizabeth’s business there lasted until the end of the school day. As she stood on the rickety verandah with the teacher, seeing off the children, a scruffy little dog ran up to her. It looked familiar. Of course, Angus’s dog. Molly, his common-law widow, earned a few shillings babysitting children while their mothers worked as servants in wealthier homes. Here she came now, trudging down the hill after the little dog. Apart from sending a hamper of goods to tide Molly over after the funeral, Elizabeth hadn’t spared her a thought since. The poor woman’s hollow eyes caused Elizabeth some guilt.

  ‘How are you, Molly?’

  ‘Well e
nough, thank you, ma’am.’

  A little boy ran up to her and she absent-mindedly tousled his hair. A teacher led two grubby little girls over and Molly took their hands.

  ‘I hear you’ve found yourself a new job, Molly,’ said the teacher.

  ‘That’s right.’ The children wriggled free from Molly’s grasp and ran off. ‘I start next week.’

  Harrison drew the buggy to a halt outside the schoolhouse and Elizabeth stepped inside. ‘Thank you, Harrison. Canterbury Downs.’

  Molly watched the sleek buggy drive away. That’s how Adam was living now, high on the hog. Yet she couldn’t even afford a pittance of rent. Left Angus to die, he did, like a rat in a trap, then ingratiated himself with every bigwig in town. How she despised him. She couldn’t wait to get away from this town. Perhaps at Canterbury Downs she might earn enough money for a move to Hobart. Her dream of being a shopkeeper was still very much alive. So preoccupied was she with her thoughts that one of her small charges wandered off and was almost skittled by the wheel of a heavy cart.

  ‘Keep your brats off the road!’ The driver brandished a whip at the fallen child. ‘Did you hear me, whore?’

  Another woman rushed over to pluck the wailing child from the dust as the cart thundered on. Molly looked on without interest. She started to climb the hill with Scruffy and the children in tow. Tonight she’d start packing up the cottage. There was nothing left for her there.

  When Elizabeth arrived at Canterbury Downs, Jane Abbott welcomed her with a warm embrace. ‘Thank God you’ve come, Elizabeth. We’ve so little time and so much to do. Ada’s here to help plan guest accommodation. She’s kindly arranged for Isabelle and Grace to make a brief trip to Hobart for the fitting of their gowns. If that suits you, of course, dear Elizabeth.’

  ‘That’s perfect.’ The further away Belle was from home the better. It might give her daughter a little perspective on things.

  The women spent the day organising guest lists and menus. They decided the party should be in the style of a ball: a lavish dinner, followed by dancing. The important visitors would stay at the Abbott home, with any overflow divided between Binburra and the neighbouring Mitchell estate.