“I had never in all my life felt so elated. Peter cared for me! It was a miracle I longed to celebrate… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“Hello, Mary.' It was like hearing a note of divine calm after a dissonant passage of music. My confusion died away.” — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“Blessed with the love of a good man, I felt equal to anything - even the prospect of living out my days… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“I knew it was Peter playing. I fancied he was trying to tell me something - an absurd idea, but it persisted… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“I found I could listen without envy to Letty's singing, and afterwards when the applause came, I did not mind that Mrs… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“Ah yes.' Peter's tone was scornful. 'And they must always be paid before the poor tradesmen's bills, mustn't they?' 'They must indeed.… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“This made my father laugh. 'Mary made a cake, did she? Well, well. Better that than she should make a cake for… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“But look behind you, Mary.' She nodded towards the dais. 'One of the musicians seems to be trying to attract your attention.'… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“I did not have an opportunity to speak privately with Peter until just as he was leaving, when he handed me one… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“After a moment, he added more seriously: 'I don't get as angry as m'father used to about things. Or maybe I', just… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“At that moment a solitary violin struck up. But the music was not dance music; it was more like a song -… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“In suiting the action to the words, however, I perceived that the stars were all wrong. That was my undoing. I had… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“I lost the letter in rather embarrassing circumstances. We were to dine at Parramatta Government House that same evening, and Peter had… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“Peter was now standing very close - as if he wanted to comfort me - as if he knew how hurt I… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“I had not the least idea of a gamekeeper's occupation being so dangerous - there had never been such a person employed… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“Before I could reply, he had picked me up, literally swept me off my feet, and kissed me. And afterwards, when I… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“Peter.' It was the first time I had used his name. 'You heard me sing tonight, did you not?' 'Yes, love.' The… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“I saw that he was looking anxious. 'I thought you weren't coming.' As he spoke, he grasped my hand. And if the… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“Shortly after you left the room, Bushell came over and spoke to your father. I was not near enough to hear what… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
