“Shortly after you left the room, Bushell came over and spoke to your father. I was not near enough to hear what he said, but Maria Lucas told me afterwards that he had been -' (she smiled) 'amazingly impertinent.' 'Peter… — 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 - 'I may not be able to spell, but just you listen to this.” — 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 come in… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“I felt my mouth go dry, my throat constrict. What possible interpretation could Peter place on those words, other than that they were about… — 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 herself, I… — 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.' It was… — 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
“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. They are… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“Foolish tongues will always wag, ma’am, but people of goodwill ignore them.” — 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 - a solemn,… — 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 felt that… — 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 on the… — 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 Knowles was… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
“I had never in all my life felt so elated. Peter cared for me! It was a miracle I longed to celebrate - to… — 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 sight of… — 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 better at… — 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 in the… — Jennifer Paynter Copy Share Image
