»»•««
In the dim moonlight, Ella saw the determination on Slugger’s face. She felt her skirt being raised and with one last attempt, twisted her head quickly and clamped her teeth hard onto the fleshy hand. Momentarily Slugger lost concentration and Ella yelled desperately for Lucas. Still pinned beneath him on the sofa, her legs kicking uselessly against the bulk of his thick body on top of her, she tried to beat at his head, her muffled shrieks useless beneath the hand which had clamped back over her mouth.
“I’ll show you, you little wildcat,” Slugger hissed. “You’re messin’ with the wrong one ’ere.”
Suddenly, over the pounding in her ears and to her undying relief, Ella heard the sound of footsteps thudding on the wooden hallway floor and Slugger raised his head, a startled look on his face.
“What the…?”
He didn’t have a chance to say anything else. Lucas thundered in, took hold of a handful of his hair and pulled him off Ella, and she scrambled shakily to her feet, pulling her skirt down. The bodice of her dress had been ripped in the struggle and she held it against her, unable to stop trembling.
It appeared to her the man had the strength of six! He turned on Lucas and Jonnie, fists up at the ready.
“Come on!” He danced like a fairground boxer Ella had seen many years ago in Hampshire. “I’ll take the pair o’ yer on wi’ no trouble and enjoy doin’ it!” He swung a fist out at Lucas, but Lucas dodged, punching him hard in the stomach. With a loud grunt and a look of surprise on his face, Slugger dropped to his knees and fell forward. Immediately, Jonnie jumped on his back. Sitting astride him he untied his belt and roughly pulled Slugger’s arms behind his back, where he bound them tightly together.
Ella, still trembling, leaned against the wall.
Lucas took her gently in his arms. “Ella! Are you all right? Did he hurt you?” He held her shaking body gently.
Ella could feel his heart pounding erratically. She managed a smile. “No, I’m not hurt, maybe a little bruised that’s all. Nothing happened, but thank goodness you came, Lucas. I couldn’t have held out much longer. He was too heavy, my strength was fading fast!”
“Darling, Ella,” Lucas whispered close to her ear. “No one will ever hurt or frighten you ever again while I’m around.”
There was a sudden cacophony of noise, horses neighing and men shouting. Slugger had started cursing and feet clattered into the house. Momentarily Ella felt slightly disorientated.
What had he said? She put a hand to her head.
Lucas lit the lamp and she shrank against the wall as four policemen tumbled into her parlor, led by a clearly very contrite Chief Constable.
He glanced at the scene and took off his hat. “Oh, my goodness! My humble apologies, Mrs. Bickerstaff, Mr. Helm,” he said breathlessly. “This is dreadful indeed.”
“Aw, shut up, man,” Slugger bellowed.
“Men,” the constable ordered. “Remove this vile creature from the premises at once. Take him and lock him up well.”
They all watched as Slugger, cursing and struggling, was hauled to his feet and dragged out by the four officers.
“How did you know he was here?” Lucas asked.
“The despicable individual tried to make overtures to a young woman in town, Mary, who works at the Railway. She alerted Kenneth immediately, and he, along with another couple of strong men threw him out on his ear, but not before Kenneth heard him brag about, ‘sweeter pickings out of town.’ I’m sorry, Mrs. Bickerstaff to speak in front of you in this manner, but luckily Kenneth had the wherewithal to call at the gaol and repeat this to me. I remembered what you’d said about the man watching you bathe, which is why we’re here now. Again, my sincerest apologies, to you for not believing what you told me at the time, and Mr. Helm, I very much regret, sir, arresting you on such insubstantial evidence.”
Lucas put his arm around Ella’s shoulder. “On behalf of Mrs. Bickerstaff, I’ll take the liberty of saying we accept your apologies Constable. Now, if you don’t mind, Mrs. Bickerstaff has been put through a dreadful ordeal…”
“Of course, of course. We shall leave you with the knowledge that the man will not be troubling either of you again. Goodnight to you all.”
The door closed behind him, followed shortly by the noise of the carriage as it drove away.
“Phew,” Jonnie said. “That was a close call. Thank goodness you’re all right, Ella.”
Ella nodded, holding the ripped bodice of her dress close to her.
“It’s okay now, Jonnie,” Lucas said. “I’ll look after Ella.”
“Sure.” Jonnie righted the fallen chairs. “‘Night.”
Lucas closed the door. His shirt had worked free from his trousers in the tussle and he tucked it back in. Ella looked away. Her pulse rate, still not calm from the assault, raced as she saw the look in his eyes. He crossed the room and pulled her into his arms, and Ella could barely believe the tenderness with which he held her. He was trembling.
“Ella,” he whispered huskily into her neck. “That scared me witless!”
Ella shuddered. “I…I dread to think what would have happened…”
“Shush.” He placed a finger across her lips. “Don’t think about it. You’re safe now.”
“Dinner’s ruined, I fear.”
“I’m not hungry, at least not for food.” Lucas’ eyes sparkled. “I only want you. I love you, Ella.”
“You love me?” Ella breathed.
“Yes. Always. And only ever you.” His arms encircled her waist and Ella fell against him. Her arms went up around his neck, one hand holding his head closer. Their kiss was long and passionate, intensifying as their tongues searched, their bodies straining to be closer. Lucas raised his head, kissed slowly down her throat, and licked softly where the pulse beat so rapidly. He pushed the ripped dress aside to kiss along her collar bone and shoulder, and Ella gasped softly.
“You are so beautiful,” Lucas said hoarsely. In the dim light from the single lantern his eyes glittered with desire. “I love you so much.”
Ella groaned softly. “And I love you too, Lucas Helm. I adore you. I’ve waited and waited for this, and I want…no, I can’t say it. I thought I could, but my courage has deserted me.”
Lucas laughed, lifted her, and swung her around. “Your courage will never desert you, my gorgeous Ella. You are a very brave young woman. Now.” He placed her gently back on the floor. “Tell me. There can be no secrets between us ever again.” He took one of her hands and kissed the palm. “Come, say it.”
Ella gazed with unconcealed adoration into his eyes and began to smile. “I want to be your mistress.” She saw his eyes widen. “I do. I don’t care a jot what anyone thinks or says about that. It’s what I want.”
“Ah.” Lucas laughed. “All these years and I’ve not known what it was I truly desired until I met you. Now, it’s my turn to say something.”
“Say it! Anything.”
Lucas sat on the sofa and pulled her onto his lap. “I spoke with Dorothy the other day, and she said something which made me think.” He looked deep into her eyes. “I suppose I’ve been gripped by the idea of owning Woomba for so long, I couldn’t see past that. Then you came along.”
She kissed his nose. “And?”
“I will be honest with you. At the beginning I thought I’d simply woo and win you and get what I wanted. Please don’t look like that, Ella. I swear I couldn’t give a tinker’s toss now about Woomba.”
“I’m not angry, Lucas, just so very relieved you have been honest with me. It did concern me but not any longer.” She kissed him lingeringly, her arms tight around his neck. He caressed her with such tenderness, Ella’s heart felt it might burst.
He drew back to look at her. “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I thought that the first day I saw you and will think it to my dying day.”
Ella ran a finger playfully over his lips. He caught it gently between his teeth.
“Well,” she
said, “although I’m very flattered by such words you still haven’t responded to my statement.”
Lucas grinned, pulled a thick tress of her hair, and wound it around his fingers. “I’m sorry but that’s because I don’t want you for my mistress.”
Ella almost fell off his knee with shock. “What? Oh, Lucas…”
He laughed. “No, it’s true I don’t. I do though want you to marry me. Very much. You bewitch me, I’m besotted by you. Will you be my wife, darling Ella and we’ll make lovely children?”
“You’re wicked! Giving me a fright like that.” Ella laughingly put her face very close to his and whispered against his mouth, “I will marry you, Lucas, because I adore you. You make me weak-kneed, and when we are wed, I intend showing you just how much I love you and I’ll give you a brood of children.”
»»•««
The following morning, Coralee was waiting on the porch.
“Oh, Ella!” She flung her arms around her. “Thank goodness, you’re all right. That vile man!” She stepped back. “You’re smiling,” she said accusingly. “You look like the cat with a bowl of cream!”
Ella laughed. “That’s because I’m so very happy, Coralee. Lucas was there to save me last night, all those silly spats and fallouts are behind us now. We shall,” she added shyly, “be getting married as soon as possible.”
“Ooh, Ella!” Coralee hugged her. “I am so delighted to hear it. Oh, how wonderful. I can’t believe it!”
Ella worked on through the morning in a state of bliss. Lucas loved her! They were to be married, and Ella’s mind was no longer on yields or bottling. All she could think about was the feel of him as he’d held and soothed her. He was strong, gentle, and she knew he would be the most wonderful lover any woman could hope for. She loved him desperately.
Dorothy’s hasty, noisy arrival quickly brought her back to reality.
“Ella!” Dorothy’s eyes glittered with anger as she dismounted. “You are becoming famous. Assaulted by that wicked man.” She stood close and scrutinized Ella’s face. “You look none the worse for it though.”
Coralee giggled behind her hand.
A smile hovered around Dorothy’s mouth. “What?”
“Come, sit for five minutes.” Ella led the way to the veranda, sinking gratefully into a chair. Pushing her hair back from her face, she smiled. “Lucas and I…”
“I knew it. Lovers! I told you he’s besotted.”
“Oh, Dorothy you do make me smile. The truth is we’re not lovers, though we have become very close.” Color rushed to her face. “Can you believe this, Dorothy, I’m to marry him?”
Dorothy’s mouth dropped open. “Heaven’s above I didn’t expect that! Lucas? Marriage?”
“I know. Isn’t it wonderful?” Ella clasped her hands. “We love each other dearly. I can’t wait to be his wife.”
“Well, I’m reeling. I can imagine how a stunned mullet must feel now. Goodness me, what a surprise. I am so very happy for you, Ella. Oh, to see you happy, hopefully with children will bring such joy to my heart. And where will you live? When will the wedding day be?”
“We’ve discussed it briefly. The plan is for me to move into Glen Ayre and rent my house to Coralee. The lease on her cottage in town ends sometime soon, so I think she will take it. Then we shall dismantle the fencing between the two properties. Nothing shall ever come between us again, Dorothy. As for the date, we hope it to be Saturday the tenth. Oh, no!” Her hand flew to her mouth.
“What? For heaven’s sake what?”
“I need to cancel an engagement at the hotel. Will your machine carry both of us?”
»»•««
They sped down the rutted track with Dorothy cleverly missing the worst of the holes, Ella clinging onto her, laughing with delight. Dorothy revved the engine as they flew out onto the main road into town.
Outside the Railway Hotel, Ella jumped off the bike and ran inside.
“Heaven help us!” Kenneth exclaimed. “Mrs. Kettler again on that machine. She’s causing havoc with the horses.”
“Yes, yes, but she knows how to handle it. Now, Kenneth some time ago I left a letter for Captain Moreland. Could you destroy it please?”
Kenneth looked at her, shrugged, and went to the pigeon holes. “Sure.” He ripped it and threw it in the basket.
Ella asked for pen and paper. In the short letter to Robert, she apologized for the cancellation adding…I will be marrying on the tenth and would like to invite you to celebrate with us.
Outside Dorothy was surrounded by a small group of inquisitive children. Ella clambered on the saddle.
“Home Dorothy,” she said, “and don’t spare the horses.”
“Stand back, children,” Dorothy ordered, and the machine roared into life, accompanied by cheering and clapping.
Chapter Eighteen
The morning of Ella’s wedding, dawn broke on another perfect South Australian day. Clear pale blue skies promised the heat she had now become used to and loved. Molly Rusting arrived first with her gown, a dress of the most exquisite, fine cream silk.
“It’s so beautiful, Molly. Thank you.”
“Not at all. And this is my little gift to you.” She smiled, pleased.
Ella opened the tiny parcel and gasped, blushed. “Oh, heavens!”
Inside was the smallest, sheerest set of chemise and cami-knickers Ella had ever seen.
“Not made with modesty in mind, were they?” Molly said with a laugh. “They’ll look gorgeous on you. Now, where’s Coralee. This is her dress.”
“I hear her now,” Ella said.
With Coralee’s arrival, Molly left and the two young women dressed, giggling happily.
When they were finally ready, Coralee carefully placed a twisted wire of pale pink hibiscus flower into Ella’s black curls. She stepped back and stared at her. “Oh, my word. Wait ’til Lucas sees you!”
Ella peered into the mirror. For you, Lucas, she thought. Only for you.
The sound of horses’ hooves drew them to the window. The Railway Hotel trap, dressed with satin bows and flowers, rolled through Woomba’s gate. Ella clapped her hands with delight.
“Robert has done that,” she said. “What a dear he is. It must have caused him a lot of trouble organizing the finery at such short notice. Last night he very kindly offered to give me away. Such a nice man. I hope he finds happiness too one day.”
Coralee turned to her, wide-eyed. “He is most handsome, Ella.”
“Yes, he is. Honest too.”
“How so?”
“He said he had at one time harbored hopes for a relationship between us, but they scattered to dust the moment he saw me with Lucas, he could see how truly in love we were.”
“Mm.” Coralee pondered, her face the same color as her pink satin dress. “And so, you think he is over you?”
“Absolutely. Robert is not a man to waste time worrying about things he cannot have. Why, Coralee, you are blushing!”
“If you say so, Ella.” She grinned. “Married?”
“No…., but um, the husband at the mines?”
“Pfft! Too many years ago. I can’t even remember his face.”
Ella laughed and walked outside as the carriage rolled to a halt.
“Good morning, Robert,” she called. “Come inside. Oh, what a treat!” she said of the decorated carriage.
Robert jumped down and removed his hat. “We have Mrs. Rusting to thank. She found all sorts of silks and ribbons. We had a high time decorating it.”
“Everyone has been so kind, especially you.”
“Not at all. My, my, but you look wonderful, Ella. You will do Lucas proud.” He turned, his gaze settling on Coralee.
Ella smiled, sensing the first spark of attraction flutter between them. “This is my close friend and work mate, Coralee.”
“Delighted,” Robert murmured. “Two beautiful ladies! In England they say beautiful women are like carriages.”
Coralee giggled. “Oh?”
> “Yes. You don’t see one for such a long time then two come along together.”
Coralee’s flush deepened. Ella laughed.
Robert bowed. “Well, are we ready, ladies?”
Ella wanted to shout that she couldn’t wait, but instead inclined her head.
“Ready, Robert.”
»»•««
Outside the church a small crowd of well-wishers had gathered on the pathway, many of whom Ella recognized from her business around town. Martin from the teashop, the man who’d made the press, the livery man, the bottle representative, and many more. Ella smiled, delighted and touched.
Walking down the aisle on Robert’s arm, expectant faces turned to watch. Molly Rusting and her husband David, William and Grace Birk, Phillip, young Jack and his parents, Jonnie, looking very pleased with himself, Ella noted, Mary Wells, smiling next to him. And of course, Dorothy. Without whom, Ella thought, none of this would have happened. Dorothy dabbed at her eyes as Ella neared. They exchanged smiles which said more than words ever could.
But all Ella’s thoughts were now focused on the man waiting for her. He’d turned to watch her approach and her heart lurched. How she loved him. They were good together, and deep inside, she felt their passion for each other could only grow richer. She looked forward to the years ahead spent by his side in whatever they chose to do.
“When she said, “I do,” and Lucas squeezed her hand, she felt a prickle of joyful tears. He leaned down to gently kiss her beneath each eye and then her mouth.
With the service finished they walked from the church to be showered with confetti.
“Happy, darling?” Lucas whispered.
Ella’s eyes shone. “Very.”
The reception, held at Glen Ayre, was a splendid success. Between them, Molly and Dorothy had arranged a buffet lunch with hams, seafood, and a variety of salads and fresh bread. Lucas had asked Dorothy if she could possibly spare some of her splendid rhubarb wine, as it held fond memories for Ella and himself.
He poured her a glass. “I think we can safely say,” Lucas murmured close to her ear, “that this potent mix was a start for us!”
Australian Odyssey Page 16
